Just in time: brilliant car events you can still attend in 2024

Where: British Motor Museum Gaydon, Warwickshire

When: Saturday 28 to Monday 30 December

Website: britishmotormuseum.co.uk 

Lakeland Motor Museum

Now a regular fixture on the Christmas calendar, this museum’s Classic Drive & Ride day usually attracts well over 100 vehicles, their owners all competing for the coveted Chairman’s Trophy.

If the cold is too much, pop into the museum, which is packed with exhibits, including a room dedicated to the racing careers and speed records of Sir Malcolm Campbell and Donald Campbell.

Where: Lakeland Motor Museum Ulverston, Cumbria

When: Thursday 26 December, 10.00am-4.00pm

Website: lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk

Jim Clark Trust

Enjoy the Jim Clark Museum’s specially devised road trip along routes the Formula 1 great loved and where he honed his world-beating talent.

Starting at the museum at Duns, head west via Chirnside, where Clark is buried, to Berwick-upon-Tweed, where his motorsport career began. From there, head east to Winfield air field, host of Scot land’s first-ever motor race, then on to Charterhall airfield, where Clark won his first race in Scotland.

Where: Jim Clark Trust Duns, Berwickshire

Website: jimclarktrust.com

County Classics Museum

Opened this year, County Classics is home to one man’s amazing collection of more than 100 cars spanning the 1960s to 1980s. “I’m obsessed,” says Pat Hawkins, the museum’s founder.

The local businessman has ploughed millions of pounds into it. Displays include fast Fords, British family motors, race cars and military vehicles.

Where: County Classics Museum Taunton, Somerset

When: Friday 27 to Saturday 28 and Tuesday 31 December, 9.00am-4.30pm

Website: countyclassicsmotormuseum.co.uk

Brooklands Museum

Launched this year, the museum’s occasional Quiet Hours events are for neurodivergent visitors to enjoy the museum free of the usual hustle and bustle.

They last just one hour before the doors open to everyone but are the perfect way to give someone the peace and quiet they need to soak up Brooklands’ astonishing exhibits and displays.

Where: Brooklands Museum, Weybridge, Surrey

When: Saturday 28 December, 9.00am -10.00am

Website: brooklandsmuseum.com

Mercedes-Benz World

Even if you’ve already been to Mercedes’ Brooklands showroom, there’s always the latest models to gawp at, plus a chance to catch the 130 years of Mercedes motorsport exhibition before it closes in February.

Then, if your stomach will stand it, book a drive in a Mercedes-AMG C63 or E63 with an experienced driver by your side.

Where: Mercedes-Benz World Weybridge, Surrey

When: Friday 27 to Tuesday 31 December, 10.00am-5.00 pm

Website: mercedes-benzworld.co.uk

Great British Car Journey

As of 2024, this venue dedicated to British cars of yesteryear now includes Toyotas in recognition of the fact that, over the past 30 years, five million have rolled off the firm’s production lines in Burnaston, Derbyshire (their engines are made in North Wales).

The new display includes the first Toyota produced by the UK factory (a Carina E), a Corolla and a BTCC race-winning Avensis.