Road trip: Best of Britain in a British Roadster

MGLive09_022sA few years ago I was able to purchase a small British sportscar, of a type that I had always really liked. An 8-year old MGF convertible in British Racing Green, with a beige leather interior. Two seats, central engine, rear wheel drive (meaning I couldn’t safely drive it in winter). When owning a British car there is only one country in the world where you truly experience the classic English sportscar feeling: England! As a member of the Dutch MG club I had the opportunity to join British MG events, the most famous of which is organized every year at Silverstone, the home of British motor racing! In 2007 and 2009 I attended this MGLive event, making it into a very cool road trip from home to Silverstone and back! The best of Britain in a British roadster!

Getting off the Dunkerque to Dover ferry. Top off under the (rare?) English summer sun!

Getting off the Dunkerque to Dover ferry. Top off under the (rare?) English summer sun!

On the way to Oxford and Silverstone we drive right through the heart of London, passing many major sights. Mind the congestion charge on weekdays!

On the way to Oxford and Silverstone we drive right through the heart of London, passing many major sights. Mind the congestion charge on weekdays!

Driving along the Thames towards Westminster.

Driving along the Thames towards Westminster.

Quick picture taken while waiting for a traffic light, from the driver's seat!

Quick picture taken while waiting for a traffic light, from the driver’s seat!

Just outside of London we check if the Queen is home. Windsor Castle. Not sure if you can still drive all the way up to the main gate like this nowadays.

Just outside of London we check if the Queen is home. Windsor Castle. Not sure if you can still drive all the way up to the main gate like this nowadays. I think those pedestrians wonder the same…

Just outside of Oxford we meet other MG owners for a special drive to Silverstone. Before departure we attach a special rally shield to the front of our car. Just like a real rally!

Just outside of Oxford we meet other MG owners for a special drive to Silverstone. Before departure we attach a special rally shield to the front of our car. Just like a real rally!

The MG Club route from Oxford to Silverstone took us along several more beautiful English heritage sites.

The MG Club route from Oxford to Silverstone took us along several more beautiful English heritage sites.

Accomodation at Silverstone is simple. But at easy walking distance of the grandstands and racing circuit this is the best option for these types of events!

Accomodation at Silverstone is simple. But at easy walking distance of the grandstands and racing circuit this is the best option for these types of events!

It is awesome to see so many proud MG owners together at a single event!

It is awesome to see so many proud MG owners together at a single event!

The spare parts market at the event has anything for your MG, and cheap too!

The spare parts market at the event has anything for your MG, and cheap too!

In 2008 MG built a last series of the MGTF, the LE500, for Limited Edition of 500 cars built. There have long been rumors that MG will continue to build these cars in China, but so far (in 2015) none have gotten off the production line.

In 2008 MG built a last series of the MGTF, the LE500, for Limited Edition of 500 cars built. There have long been rumors that MG will continue to build these cars in China, but so far (in 2015) none have gotten off the production line.

The highlight of the event is driving a few laps on the famous Silverstone Racing Circuit. No speed limit! (But many very careful classic car owners and no overtaking...)

The highlight of the event is driving a few laps on the famous Silverstone Racing Circuit. No speed limit! (But many very careful classic car owners and no overtaking…)

On the way back home we drive by picturesque Stratford-upon-Avon, famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This is your picture postcard stereotypical English country town. Very touristy...

On the way back home we drive by picturesque Stratford-upon-Avon, famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This is your picture postcard stereotypical English country town. Very touristy…

The countryside in this part of England is really beautiful and you won't find many tourists outside the main towns. This is the bridge over the river Avon in central Stratford.

The countryside in this part of England is really beautiful and you won’t find many tourists outside the main towns. This is the bridge over the river Avon in central Stratford.

And just you know: This is the birthplace of Shakespeare, now a visitor centre and museum.

And just you know: This is the birthplace of Shakespeare, now a visitor centre and museum.

Before getting back on the ferry in Dover we visit the famous white cliffs. If you follow the signs to Dover Castle and continue for a bit you will end at a parking right above the busy Eastern Docks, where most ferries to France depart. The cliff walk is spectacular, and so is the view onto the bustling port below.

Before getting back on the ferry in Dover we visit the famous white cliffs. If you follow the signs to Dover Castle and continue for a bit you will end at a parking right above the busy Eastern Docks, where most ferries to France depart. The cliff walk is spectacular, and so is the view onto the bustling port below.

One thought on “Road trip: Best of Britain in a British Roadster

  1. […] How better to experience Britain then driving a symbol of British engineering in the most classic English countryside? Despite their quality reputation (I live too close to Germany) I have always loved classic British cars. For a couple of years I owned a small MGF roadster, perfect for driving on small hedge-lined hilly roads. What better destination for this car then the heart of British motor racing in Silverstone? The annual MG Live event is a must-attend event for every MG owner, with beautiful road trip sights along the way. Here is the full report. […]

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