Museum of Science and Industry

From the horse-drawn carriage to the motor car, Manchester vehicle makers catered for the luxury and economy ends of the markets. Despite the coming of the railway to Manchester in 1830, the horse remained part of the transport system for the next 100 years.

Small-scale bicycle manufacture began in Manchester in the second half of the nineteenth century. This continues today, but most bicycles used here now are made elsewhere. In 1903 the DOT (Devoid of Trouble) company was founded to build road and competition motorbikes. DOT became well-known for manufacturing trials bikes and scramblers.

Rolls-Royce was founded in Manchester in 1904 when Charles Rolls agreed to sell cars designed and made by Henry Royce. Ford set up Europe's first moving production line in Trafford Park, Manchester, in the summer of 1914. Between 1912 and 1923 the Ford Model T was Britain's best-selling car. The need to expand caused both Rolls-Royce and Ford to leave Manchester.