Millbrook takes its name from the nearby village where, in the early 19th century, a flourishing community of Mills nestled around a picturesque brook. In the mid 1960s, the British arm of GM Vauxhall and Bedford decided build a new proving ground near to the then-new and almost deserted M1 motorway, close to their Luton factories. The site was selected for being both flat and hilly, replicating many of the most successful features of GMs American Proving Ground at Milford, Michigan and benefited from GMs accumulated wisdom of more than 50 years of proving ground operation.
Construction work began in April 1968, and the proving ground was used throughout the 70s by GM, testing their main stream models like the Viva, as well as Bedford trucks, buses and military vehicles. In 1988 a new company, Millbrook Proving Ground Ltd, was formed to trade independently as a wholly owned subsidiary of Group Lotus (then part of GM). In 1993 Millbrook was separated from Group Lotus by transferring its shares to GM Holdings UK Ltd.
Millbrook now has a world-wide client base and continues to develop business guided by the vision: "To be the centre of excellence in transportation test, development and promotional services at the hub of a world-renowned automotive technology park."
For a detailed view of all the test tracks at Millbrook, CLICK HERE for their brochure (opens PDF).
Time Zone : (GMT) Western Europe Time, London, Lisbon, Casablanca
Major Events : Private Testing
Lap Record : TBA
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Millbrook celebrates 40 years of innovation Posted on: 31/03/2010
On 31st March 2010, Millbrook celebrated 40 years of being at the forefront of automotive and transport development in the UK. Since opening its doors in 1970, the facility has built a world-leading reputation for the testing of every type of land vehicle.
To mark the iconic venue’s anniversary, Paul Clark, MP for Gillingham and Rainh... Read More >>
Save money on fuel with Millbrooks Eco Driving Course Posted on: 17/09/2009
Millbrook and key automotive & governement figures prove fuel savings are achievable
World-leading transport test and development facility, Millbrook, has hosted an Eco-Driving day with a difference – putting key government and automotive figures to the test in a team competition around Millbrook’s test tracks to see what it takes t... Read More >>
By Car Directions to Millbrook Proving Ground can be found by clicking here.
Directions to Wethersfield can be found by clicking here.
By Train The nearest railway station is Flitwick Station, (Steppingly Road, Flitwick, Bedford, MK45 1AJ). This is serviced by the Thameslink Line.
The Proving Ground is just a 5 minute car journey away.
A1 Station Taxis operate from Flitwick Station. Tel : 01525 757575.
By Air There are two designated helicopter landing sites at Millbrook. Details and coordinates can be found by clicking here.
The nearest commercial airport is London-Luton Airport, a 25 minute car journey away: www.london-luton.co.uk
The nearest private airfield is Cranfield Airport, a 10 minute car ride away - www.cranfieldairport.com
