April 17th - Drive It Day

[MelR2Mk1]

Drive It Day is the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Club’s annual classic car day. It is always held on the nearest Sunday to 23 April. This date was chosen in 2005 to commemorate the 64 cars that set off from London on 23 April 1900 on the first day of the Thousand Mile Trial – an incredible undertaking and one which we believe deserves an annual celebration. This year the 23rd is Easter Sunday, so it's been brought forward one week.

As in previous years, specialist motor insurers Hagerty are inviting classic car owners to join them on a scenic tour on Sunday 17th April – the UK’s annual Drive It Day.

The 2011 Hagerty Drive It Day route, which starts from Silverstone Racing Club, takes in four counties and visits the Prodrive Heritage Centre at Banbury. The Prodrive Heritage Centre contains cars covering the company’s 25 year history, including rally cars of its founder David Richards. Amongst the collection are Subarus that Colin McRae and Richard Burns drove to victory in world rallying. Showing the diversity of the company’s history, are the BAR Formula 1 car that Jenson Button drove, a 1986 MG Metro 6R4 Group B rally car and recent Aston Martin Le Mans cars.

The seventy-mile country tour passes some stunning scenery and historic sites including Banbury Cross, Broughton Castle, Canons Ashby, Cropredy and Farnborough Hall, with the final destination being Stowe Landscape gardens and school, one of Europe's finest architectural gems.

Entry to the tour is free, but Hagerty are aiming to raise funds in support of the Horton Hospital and the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Club charities. Cars produced before 1 January 1991 may be entered, subject to available space. Places on the tour are limited to 120 cars, full entry details can be found at http://www.hagertyinsurance.co.uk/Ha...e/Drive-It-Day or by calling the office on 0844 824 1130.

[MelR2Mk1]

Just completed my application. If anyone else signs up and wants to go 'en masse' get in touch and we can arrange to meet at the circuit.

Mel

[old petrolhead]

I spoke to Mike Savory & he & I will be coming along.

[MelR2Mk1]

Happy Drive It Day folks! Now, get out there and DRIVE IT!

[MelR2Mk1]

FanTASTIC day, definitely recommend it for next year! Read the report in the next mag!

[old petrolhead]

Mike Savory & I went in Mike’s 1a . Great day out we must get more folk along next time. It was very interesting to see all the GT`s, Honda F1 & a splendid display of Rally cars Several Astons etc. Thanks to Mel for her time & trouble arranging it we all had an excellent day out.

[MelR2Mk1]

Have just received the following from one of the Hagerty staff, who must have blagged my details off the organising lady! Lovely to be singled out for some praise amongst some stunning cars!

"Hi Mel

It was fantastic to see two early MR2`s in such good condition. And it’s nice to know the rust and boy racers haven’t got to all of them. As 80`s cars are my era it was a welcome sight to see people enjoying them and keeping them on the road.

Once again thank you for your attendance and we look forward to seeing you and your cars in the future.

Kind Regards

Ian Arthur"

[MelR2Mk1]

Show off shot at the end of the day!