The month of August is always an important one for the Southern Group of Motoring Writers social calendar, as it’s when the group’s annual Heritage Day is held.
This event is one of the most popular on the SGMW’s calendar, and is an opportunity for members to show off their classic cars and catch up with PR friends. It also gives members the chance to review an array of new and classic models on the brilliant surrounding roads of the South Downs.
Southern Group Happenings: June 2024
In previous years, the Heritage Day has always had a very strong attendance, with 23 members making the journey down south last year. This year, the Heritage Day will be held on 14th August at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu in Hampshire, a brilliant venue that will give members the chance to visit the museum after the test drives have finished.
SGMW 2024 Heritage Day: car list for the day
The car line-up is as varied as ever for 2024. A total of nine manufacturers have confirmed their support so far, with over twenty cars being made available to drive on the day, including a mix of classic cars, new EVs, and even rugged off-roaders.
The list of confirmed brands and cars is as follows:
Volvo P1800, 262C, 850 T-5R and XC90 V8
BYD Dolphin, Atto 3 and Seal
Mazda MX-5 Heritage and MX-30 R-EV Edition R
Ineos Grenadier petrol and diesel
Toyota Prius Gen1 and Corolla Excel 1.8 Hybrid
Isuzu D-Max
Abarth 500e
Lexus LBX
Fiat 600 Mild Hybrid and 600e
Kia Stinger GT-S, Picanto Strike (Mk1), Picanto GT-Line
Genesis Models TBA
On the day, several long-running traditional activities (for the last two years at least) will be held throughout the day. Firstly, members and PRs can compete in the Heritage Day quiz, which consists of a number of automotive-themed questions, possibly mixed with a dash of popular culture. Last year, the SGMW’s very own international correspondent, Phil Huff, took the glory by taking 1st place with a score of 9 out of 10.
The day also has two awards for the best cars of the day: the best manufacturer car and the best member car. In 2023, the charming but terrifying 1965 Ford Transit Custom took the best manufacturer award, while in the member category, Stu Bird’s Volkswagen T2 Westfalia Camper and its multitude of stickers and accessories took the best member car award. An award that Stu also won in 2022 for his quirky SEAT Terra van.
Can Stu make it three best member awards in a row? Rumour has it that he’s been preparing something special for this year, so check back here later this month to find out the results.
Read about the SGMW’s 2023 Heritage Day here.
