Actress Sophia Myles has been reunited with her iconic pink Rolls-Royce from the 2004 film ‘Thunderbirds’ during an emotional visit to the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire.
Myles, who played aristocratic secret agent Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward in the live-action adaptation of the classic puppet series, came face-to-face with the futuristic six-wheeled ‘FAB 1’ limousine for the first time since the film’s release nearly two decades ago.
During her visit on 10 March, the actress signed the vehicle’s dashboard, adding a personal touch to the popular exhibit that has been on display at the museum since 2005.
“I never thought I could get emotional about a car, but seeing it again after over 20 years made me well up,” Myles said. “The entire visit was a joy from start to finish.”
The actress also took time during her museum tour to video call Ron Cook, who played Lady Penelope’s chauffeur and butler Parker in the film, allowing him to virtually join the reunion.
A Futuristic Classic
The FAB 1 vehicle holds a central place in Thunderbirds lore as Lady Penelope’s primary mode of transportation. For the 2004 film, Ford of Europe’s design team reimagined the iconic car for the 21st century, creating a sleeker, lower version while maintaining its distinctive pink colour and six-wheel configuration.
In the film’s universe, the multi-terrain vehicle could travel on land, sea and air under the skilled control of Parker. The interior featured throne-like seating surrounded by luxury materials including wood, leather, sheepskin and chrome – fitting for the aristocratic spy character.
Museum curator Stephen Miller told our reporter: “The FAB 1 has always been one of our most popular exhibits, particularly with families. Having Sophia’s signature on the dashboard adds another layer of authenticity and connection to the film that our visitors will appreciate.”
Preserving British Motoring Heritage
The British Motor Museum houses over 400 vehicles spanning the classic, vintage and veteran eras, along with an extensive archive of automotive history. As the home of the collections of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust, the museum received designated status from Arts Council England in 2014, recognizing its collections as being of national significance.
“What many visitors don’t realize is that alongside famous vehicles like FAB 1, we have one of the most important collections of historically significant British cars anywhere in the world,” explained Miller. “Each vehicle helps tell the story of Britain’s automotive industry and its global influence.”
Following her tour of the museum’s extensive collections, Myles enthusiastically endorsed the attraction: “There are so many amazing vehicles to see. I cannot recommend a visit to the British Motor Museum highly enough. I will be returning for sure.”
Visitors hoping to see the newly autographed FAB 1 can find the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with tickets available on their website.
For fans of ‘Thunderbirds’ and British motoring heritage alike, the pink six-wheeler represents a unique intersection of automotive design and popular culture – now with an added personal connection to Lady Penelope herself.
