It is the time of year to remind you of Drive It Day on 23 April. For many classic enthusiasts, our event marks the start of the new season but it has far more significance.
It commemorates the One Thousand Mile Trial, which was organised by The Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland in 1900 to prove the viability of the motor car. There were 83 entries, of which 65 vehicles started and 35 completed the journey to Edinburgh and back to London. Both manufacturers and private individuals took part, including the Hon CS Rolls and the Hon J Scott Montagu, MP. An album showing pictures of this event was acquired by The National Motor Museum Trust and is well worth viewing.
So, what opportunities does DID 2017 offer? The simple answer is, whether you participate as a group of club members or on your own, this is your chance to get out on to our roads and celebrate our passion. The FBHVC will have a major presence at Bicester Heritage for its Sunday Scramble (plus there’s Hagerty’s well- established tulip run to the same venue) and at Brooklands Museum. Our webmaster, Tim Jarrett, will be at a new Silverstone event: the VSCC’s Formula Vintage fixture is intended to introduce historic racing to a wider audience. Still not sure where to go? Just search for Drive It Day 2017 on the net (or in C&SC’s diaries) and you will find lots of meetings!
