During 1997, when Road & Track Magazine published Mr. Peter Egan's wake-up call in the May issue of their highly regarded automotive magazine, British Car Week began its first annual tradition of promoting classic British cars during the last week of May. This celebrated week has been chosen as a commemorative "awareness week" as a reminder of pleasurable British car transportation of the past. Current owners of these interesting, exciting, and sometimes quirkey machines, have proudly kept them maintained to be driven reliably anywhere. Some owners drive them to work, others for pleasure, and some partake on long journeys that result in an exciting seat-of-your-pants experience that results in life-long, cherrished memories. But these cars are becoming more scarce, and as a result they will eventually become long forgotten by the average person if not promoted outside of their relatively small circle of enthusiasts in some way.

This special week is a calling for all British car owners to get their machines out of the garage and onto the roads and byways throughout their little corner of the world, and give these timely classics of the past the exposure they deserve. While not only heightening the awareness of these somewhat forgotten vehicles of the past, they will help assure their preservation for many years to come for future enthusiasts to cherrish.

During the late 1940's these cars became a popular means of "fun" transportation in the United States of America after catching the eye's and hearts of American servicemen who spent time in Europe during the war. As a result, they became a very common sight to see driving on North American roads during the late 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, and beginning to dwindle during the early 80's. Any person who was aware of their surroundings during those years has some kind of special memory of these cars. Whether it was a family member, neighbor, or someone who lived down the street, those memories bring a pleasant smile to the face of anyone reminiscing about these unforgettable, charming pieces of British history.

The years have passed, and now we're living in the 21st Century. Today a lot of these cars are very well maintained by second and third generation owners who are enjoying them very much the same way their original owners did. The new owners realize how this antiquated machinery is becoming older and more scarce, and realize how important it is to keep those Lucas lights burning brightly! They know how important it is to continue supporting the clubs, parts suppliers, mechanics, book and magazine publishers, and all of the other businesses that support this very fulfilling hobby.

This annual week is as close as we'll ever come to recreating those wonderful motoring days of the past. It is our way of reminding the world these cars are still performing their job very well, and in many cases better than ever. Who knows.....maybe, just maybe, you and your favorite British car may spark the interest of some little neighborhood kid who just may decide to get involved with the British car or motorcycle hobby, and in turn help us continue the fine tradition of British motoring for years to come.

So grab your goggles and driving gloves, and top off your dashpots! It's time to have some fun!!