There's a delightfully clear message in Drive It Day – classic cars should be used and enjoyed. In this way, the organiser of Drive It Day, the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, hopes that the strength of the old-car movement in Britain will be clear for all to see.
In this age of increasingly homogenous car designs, the public always seems to get a thrill from seeing any old car being put through its paces. Perhaps the best example is the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which attracts millions of spectators.
Related ArticlesBut how do you define a classic or historic car? We would probably all agree that the term encompasses interesting and historically important cars, but should that include the Austin Allegro?
According to the DVLA, a historic car is one made before January 1, 1973, and therefore exempt from road tax. The Fédération Internationale des Vehicules Anciens (FIVA) has raised its definition of a historic car to one made more than 30 years ago. The Motor Sports Association's annual MSA Classic car run has a more inclusive interpretation, with a rolling 20-year-old rule that permits interesting cars from the Eighties to take part in the event.
It is in the latter spirit of keeping old cars alive that we appreciate an Aston Martin from the Sixties, an Alfa Romeo from the start of the Seventies and an Audi from the Eighties.
It's not just cars, either. So dust off your old car, motorcycle, bus, truck – even fire engine – and drive it.
DRIVE IT DAY EVENTS UP AND DOWN THE COUNTRY
Mid Wales Classic Vehicle Club. Back Lane car park, Newton. Family day and six-mile run on special route.
Borders Vintage Automobile Club, meeting at Galashiels. Members driving variety of classic vehicles, from 10.30am.
Cambridge-Oxford Owners Club. Run from Scotch Corner Hotel, junction of A1 and A66, 10.30am.
British Owners Club, Essex, at White Hart Inn, Margaretting Tye. Mostly motorcycles on show but all historic vehicles welcome.
Sunderland and District Classic Vehicle Society, 85-mile run from Herrington Country Park, 10.30am.
Lancashire Automobile Club (1902). Run through Ribble Valley, from Mitton Hall, near Whalley, from 9am.
Vauxhall Heritage Centre, family fun day at Park Street, Luton, from 10.30am.
Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, London and Middlesex Region. Display of cars at RAF Museum, Hendon (entry free).
Highland Classic Motor Club, procession through town from Stadium Road, Inverness, meeting 10.30am.
Alfa Romeo Owners Club, Cotswold Section. Forest of Dean drive, meeting at Gupshill Manor pub, near Tewkesbury, 10.30am.
*For full details of events including exact times and contact details, visit www.fbhvc.co.uk
WHERE TO HIRE A CLASSIC CAR
Cornwall Classic Car Hire. 0845 4581108/www.cornwallclassiccarhire.co.uk
Classic Motoring, Cotswolds. 01452 864050/www.classicmotoring.co.uk
Great Escape, Cotswolds. 01527 893733/www.greatescapecars.co.uk
Caledonian Classic Car Hire, Clackmannanshire. 01259 742476/www.caledonianclassics.co.uk
Bespokes, London, Hertfordshire, Cheshire. 020 7833 8000/www.bespokes.co.uk
Classic-Touring, Tunbridge Wells. 01892 891166/www.classic-touring.co.uk
The Grand Touring Club Classic Car Hire, Suffolk. 01449 775270/www.grandtouringclub.co.uk
Vintage Classics, Wiltshire. 01225 703377/www.vintage-classics.co.uk
Lakes and Dales Classic Car Hire. Cumbria, Yorkshire, Lake District. 01768 879091/www.lakesanddales.co.uk
Self Drive Classics, Midlands. 01889 504040/www.selfdriveclassics.co.uk
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