Drive It Day is on Sunday - get out there in your classic

| 19 Apr 2013

Drive It Day, the UK's annual celebration of classic cars, is on Sunday (21 April).

The concept is easy: if you have a road-legal and running classic car make sure you use it on Sunday to raise the profile of the hobby and help demonstrate not only that there are hundreds of thousands of classic cars in the UK, but that they are usable... and that they are used.

Masterminded by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, the event is always run on the nearest Sunday to 23 April, to commemorate the start of the 1000-mile trial in 1900.

It doesn't matter if you take part in a tour, travel to a planned gathering or just make sure your usual Sunday activities involve the use of a classic car, the important thing is the show of strength across the length and breadth of the country. And for everyone, especially non-owners, to enjoy the sight and sound of so many historic vehicles.

Since the event started seven years ago, hundreds of organised meetings have sprung up. A quick internet search is guaranteed to turn up something near you (or far away if you prefer!), but one of the biggest events will be at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, which is offering cut-price admission for people arriving in a classic car.

Another great destination is the Bristol Classic Car Show at the Royal Bath and West Showground, but enthusiasts are warned that the Vauxhall Heritage Centre, which traditionally throws open its doors on Drive It Day, will not be doing so this year.

The company said: "While Vauxhall Motors fully supports Drive It Day, it will not be opening the Heritage Centre this Sunday."

Insurance company Hagerty annually runs a popular tour and show, this year starting at Towcester Racecourse and ending at Silverstone after a 70-mile drive.

If you are keen to take part, but need some help getting your car up and running for an event after a winter lay-off, there are some useful tips here.

So, make sure you use your classic car on Sunday and make sure you send us your stories and pictures afterwards (to james.elliott@haymarket.com) so we can tell the full story of Drive It Day 2013.