The island’s transport museum will step up a gear when it reopens in its new location in Dockyard.

The Bermuda Transport Museum — formerly the Vintage Transportation Museum based in the Bermudiana Arcade, Hamilton — will open its doors next weekend.

Vintage vehicle collector Paul Martins opened the museum in the Chicane Building at Dockyard with business partner Luciano Alcardi.

The museum will feature more than 50 vintage motorcycles, cars, boats and historic carriages, as well as a wing sail from Oracle Team USA’s America’s Cup team spread across 6,500 square feet.

Mr Martins said: “This is a fabulous space and we’re really excited to show off the first of our collections.”

The owner of Martins Precision Automotive in Pembroke added: “Many of these bikes, in particular, bring back vivid memories for a lot of Bermudians.

“Among the older ones, who doesn’t remember their first Mobylette or Zundapp?

“And the youngsters will get a thrill from seeing all the old seat-of-the-pants bikes we have on show.”

The museum will be open on Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is $5.

More exhibits and displays will be installed over the next few months, but Mr Martins decided to open the building early to allow the public to see what is already on site, as well get an idea as to what is to come.

The museum will open with reduced ticket prices on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays over the winter. Future plans include a mechanics workshop where visitors can watch vehicle restoration in action, “live” displays, a children’s section and a raised entertainment area.

Mr Martins said: “The museum is still being developed but we thought the public would like an early look at what we already have.

“We’re hoping to make it a very busy hub in the future, with engines running and live displays and all sorts of events.”

Joanna Cranfield, business development manager at Dockyard operators Wedco, said: “After the Chicane building was refurbished, we wanted a use that was in keeping with its historic nature, but which would add another quality attraction to the Royal Naval Dockyard.

“We approached Paul to see if he would be interested in taking on the building to showcase his stunning collection of bikes and cars and we are delighted it has all come together.

“We think this is an excellent addition and hope our visitors will be as happy with it as we are.”

More information on Facebook at Bermuda Transport Museum, instagram at @transportbda and Twitter at @transportbda.