The purpose-built centre boasts a large display of Jaguars, Daimlers, Lanchesters and Swallows which date back to 1897.

The museum, based at Jaguar’s Brown’s Lane site in Coventry, also includes an art gallery with works relating to Jaguar’s illustrious history.

An archive collection, featuring photographs, billed records and other historical artefacts will be added in the next few weeks.

Jaguar Chairman and Chief Executive Nick Shaylor performed the opening ceremony this morning. Guests at the launch include motor racing legend Stirling Moss and Lord Montagu of Beaulieu.

The centre will open to the public in November. Individuals and groups wishing to visit must make an appointment with the reception at the Jaguar site. Admission will be free.

Jaguar Corporate Affairs Manager Colin Cook said:

"We don’t see ourselves as being in competition with the Museum of British Road Transport in Coventry. We will complement each other.

"Coventry has a great history of car manufacturing of which the city can be proud. We will continue to work very closely with the Motor Museum to celebrate this."