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There was a surprise buried in this year’s Budget statement when Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, let it be known he was reintroducing the rolling exemption for classics from paying for a tax disc. From now on, classics will become exempt when they turn 40 years old, which will hopefully help to save more 1970s cars such as the Dolomites and TR7 coupés. Last year we were told explicitly that the rolling exemption would not be reintroduced, so what brought about the change of heart? Well, you can read all about it in this issue’s news pages, but studies led by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs into the importance of the classic car movement to the UK economy were cited as a major factor influencing the government. It never ceases to amaze me how much unpaid volunteers can achieve, whether in the running of a club or an umbrella organisation such as the FBHVC. Most of us have ample opportunity to express out appreciation of the work put in by our own club officials, but thanking the FBHVC can be more difficult. However, there is one way that it can be done – be sure to get out in your classic on the FBHVC’s Drive It Day on Sunday 27 April. It doesn’t matter if you join an organised run or go solo, every classic on the road will play its part in reaffirming the joy of classic ownership and showing the vibrancy of the movement. See you then! Simon Goldsworthy, Editor