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Side elevation of a large vintage car in dark green with a black leather convertible roof, chromed lamps and spoked wheels. Side elevation of a large vintage car in dark green with a black leather convertible roof, chromed lamps and spoked wheels.

© Ian M Spooner

© Ian M Spooner

Sheffield Simplex Cars

Continuing Display

Kelham Island Museum

Arguably the most famous car ever made in the city, the Sheffield Simplex was hailed by The Times in 1913 as the ‘highest point to which motor design has yet attained’. Today, only three examples remain – you can see two of them at the museum.

 

The car was the idea of Earl Fitzwilliam, who thought Sheffield could produce the finest car in the world. You’ll see an early Simplex from 1910 alongside a 1920 prototype in the Upper Transport Gallery.

Free Entry | Please Donate £5

Opening Times

Tue-Sat 10am-4pm | Sun 11am-4pm

Closed Mondays including Bank Holidays

See the River Don Engine in steam at 12pm and 2pm, Thursday – Sunday (see below for any exceptions)

Christmas Opening Hours

Tue 23 Dec 10am–4pm

Wed 24 Dec 10am–2pm

Christmas closure: Wed 24 Dec from 2pm – Mon 5 Jan

Reopens: Tue 6 Jan 2026

Kelham Island Museum

Alma Street

Sheffield

S3 8RY

Side elevation of a large vintage car in dark green with a black leather convertible roof, chromed lamps and spoked wheels.

1920 Simplex

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An adult and a child smiling at each other and holding hands in front of museum displays

  

 

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Step back in time at Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet

Explore the industry that shaped Sheffield and immerse yourself in life at home and at work at this rural scythe and steelworks,  just a 10 minute walk from Millhouses Park. 

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