Britain's Best Drives2009

[introduction to each episode]

[black-and-white 1950s footage of cars driving through the country, with soothing music in the background]

Richard Wilson:
For many, the 1950s were the golden age of British motoring. Back then, life was leisurely, liberating and fun.

[modern traffic:
Richard screeches to a halt in a traffic jam, with someone blowing their horn]

Richard Wilson:
Yes, things have changed a bit since then.

[modern footage of Richard driving an old Bentley, with soothing music]

Richard Wilson:
But perhaps it's still possible to recapture some of that old magic. I'm setting off on six of the best drives from the 1950s, as recommended by the guide-books of the era. And I'll be driving some of the decade's most iconic vehicles. I want to find out if these routes still thrill and inspire, and how in fifty years Britain itself has changed.