CLASSIC car fanatics rushed to a museum to gaze at collections of vintage models and reminisced about the motoring industry.

Enthusiasts from car clubs across the country gathered at the Oxford Bus and Morris Motor Museum for the annual Drive-It Day.

Masses of vehicles stole the spotlight as they were paraded to reams of spectators at the Long Hanborough museum to celebrate British motoring heritage on Sunday.

Museum volunteer Chris Butterfield said the national celebration was important to highlight the changes within the motoring industry over the past decades.

The 74-year-old added: "It's a day where people who have got classic vehicles that they maintain as a hobby or interest take it out for a drive.

"There were all sorts of remarkable vehicles. I think the day is probably a way of enhancing people's interest because to many of the general public, a car is a car.

"But then when you see some of these classic cars, the appearance is unlike anything that you have seen."

Drive-It Day marks the Royal Automobile Club Thousand Mile Trial, held on the April 23, 1900, which saw cars zoom from London to Scotland before returning to the capital.

Plans to host the classic car festivities at its usual base at Oxford's Mini Plant were scrapped after organisers realised the event clashed with industrial action taking place at the site.

But families from across the county were not put off, pouring into the Main Road museum from 10.30am until 4.30pm, when Minis, Montegos, Princesses, Rovers and Maestros took centre stage.

Mr Butterfield, who has been volunteering at the museum since 1999, revealed he spared a little time to admire the array of classic cars being flaunted at the free event, including some which boasted a single centred fog lamp and a gear stick where indicators are now found.

He added: "These changes in vehicle design can be seen on those old vehicles, and having them out, show people how the car that we drive today has evolved.

"The nice part was giving pleasure to the people who wanted to get their cars out and the visitors who wanted to see them. I think that's why people do volunteer in an organisation like this."

Merrymakers also had the chance to jump on board an 1950s bus, taking a vintage journey back in time while at the museum.