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Ahead of Derbyshire’s newest visitor attraction officially opening next month, Great British Car Journey will be taking part in the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs National Drive It Day on Sunday 25 April.

Great British Car Journey is welcoming people to stop in at the site, based at the former Wire Works factory in Ambergate (DE56 2HE), where refreshments and toilet facilities will be available.

Created by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) in 2005, National Drive It Day is the occasion when historic vehicle enthusiasts and the public at large have the opportunity to celebrate the One Thousand Mile Trial organised in 1900 to prove the viability of the new invention, the motor vehicle.

It’s also a chance to raise awareness and support amongst the public for the historic vehicle movement and keeping transport heritage on UK roads.

Opening its doors on Saturday 22 May, Great British Car Journey will boast more than 150 British designed and manufactured classic and historic vehicles from the 1930s – 1990s. Visitors to the indoor attraction will be taken on an interactive journey through the golden years of British car design and manufacturing using a unique audio-visual device.

The final touches are now being put to the four-acre site ahead of opening to the general public. Entry costs just £15 per adult and advance tickets can now be purchased at www.greatbritishcarjourney.com

Richard Usher, owner of Great British Car Journey, explained why the attraction is getting involved this year, saying: “This is a fabulous annual event which I have long supported. Although the attraction isn’t yet open, we have great outdoor space that we are able to use to welcome historic vehicle enthusiasts to the site. Not only will it be a great event ahead of us opening but we are also helping to raise money for a very worthwhile charity.”

This year, FBHVC has teamed up with the NSPCC’s Childline® to raise money as an integrated part of Drive it Day in order to use the movement to contribute to a section of society that has needed huge help and support during the pandemic – vulnerable children. 

Great British Car Journey will also be making a donation to NSPCC based on the number of visitors to the site on the day.

Sir Peter Wanless, Chief Executive of the NSPCC said “We are delighted with the support of classic and historic vehicle enthusiasts in contributing to the work of Childline® in our first year of partnership.  This support is especially important at the moment, Childline® is a crucial service on which young people can rely – day or night – whatever problems or dangers they are facing.”

David Whale, Chairman of the FBHVC said, “National Drive it Day has its place as a symbolic season opener, a chance to get historic vehicles of all shapes, sizes and types out in use, seen by the public and enjoyed by their custodians. It’s a statement of national importance because, not only does it ensure that our transport heritage continues as a moving, working, living experience, but also raises awareness of the size, importance and contribution that the historic vehicle movement makes to the world.”