It’s Drive-It Day: Celebrate with Six of Britain’s Most Iconic Cars

For those unfamiliar with Drive-It Day, the event is an annual celebration of Britain’s illustrious motoring heritage, and commemorates the start of the Royal Automobile Club’s Thousand Mile Trial, which took place in 1900. At the turn of the 20th century most Brits had never seen a motorcar, let alone driven one, and the RAC’s 1000 Mile Trial was a way to showcase the potential of the motoring industry in towns and cities across the country.

Over a century later, and the importance of this demonstration trial cannot be underestimated. The event helped to forge Britain’s love affair with the car, and so it seems only right that the event is celebrated in the 21st century. Taking place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, Drive-It Day gives motoring enthusiasts the opportunity to get up close to some of the classic cars that featured in the RAC’s original 1000 Mile Trial. If you’re interested in attending the event, further information can be found here.

 

For those unable to attend Drive-It Day 2016, we’re celebrating Britain’s motoring heritage right here on the Simoniz blog by looking at six of the nation’s best-loved classic cars.

 

1. Austin Seven

 Austin Seven Iconic Car

If any car were to be credited with bringing motoring to the masses, it’d be the Austin Seven. Simple, reliable and, importantly, affordable, the Austin Seven was massively popular during the 20s and 30s, with more than 300,000 models built and sold. It may not have been the most stylish car of the time, but it was cheap to buy and completely dependable, making motoring a practical and sensible proposition for Britain’s middle classes.

 

2. Rolls Royce Silver Ghost

 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, A British Legendary Car

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost was arguably the finest and most luxurious car of its generation, representing the pinnacle in modern engineering when it was first built in 1906. The car is still held as the greatest of its kind in terms of refinement and build quality, and was constructed so well that it’s said to be impossible to wear out, meaning many can still be found on the roads to this day.

 

3. Mini Cooper S

 Mini Cooper S, Iconic British Car

The Mini Cooper S may be a surprise addition to this shortlist, but there’s no denying it’s one of Britain’s most iconic classic cars. Originally the brainchild of Sir Alec Issigonia, the Mini Cooper S was not only a dream to drive, it brought a range of new technical innovations to the motoring industry — including the transverse engine. The success of the Mini heralded a shift in the British motoring industry, and questioned the theory that bigger means better.

4. Jaguar E-Type

Jaguar E-Type, A British Icon 

Another 60s icon; the Jaguar E-Type is to many the most beautiful of Britain’s small two-door sports cars. First built in 1961, the E-Type combined elegance and beauty with incredible performance, making it the pin-up car for a generation of young drivers. The car had a top speed of 150mph and could spring to 60mph in under 7 seconds, which was unheard of for road-going cars at the time.

 

5. Bentley Speed Six

Bentley Speed Six, A British legendary car 

While most Bentley Speed Six models were confined to the racetrack (where they earned Bentley more wins than any other car), some made their way on to Britain’s roads — providing maximum fun for those wealthy enough to afford one. The Speed Six was introduced in 1928, and featured a 6.5 litre engine, making it one of the fastest and most powerful cars of its time.

 

6. Morgan Plus 8

Morgan Plus 8, A British classic 

One car you’re almost certain to see at every classic car event is the Morgan Plus 8. Considered one of the best-selling and most popular British sports cars of all time, the Morgan 8 is a classic car fan’s dream — combining great looks and performance with a reasonably low price tag. Today, hundreds of the Morgan Plus 8 still exist, and are a regular fixture on Britain’s B roads on a sunny summer’s day.

 

Whether you own an old or new car, you can take care of its appearance with Simoniz. Our easy to use car maintenance products are developed to work on a range of surface materials, so you can keep your car looking as good as new, no matter how old it may be.

 To find out more, visit the Simoniz website.

Image credits: Geoff, Hugh Llewelyn, Thomas, Roderick Eime, Thomas Pieper, Craig Howell