BRITISH at its Best is the first all British exhibition at the Audrain Automobile Museum, highlighting over 100 years of vehicles from the Audrain Collections along with four loans from local collectors and Museum members to round out an exceptional selection.

The history of British automobiles is a story truly worth telling. It is a story of ambition, craftsmanship, engineering, and a unique blend of tradition and innovation. From the interwar years, when hand-built luxury defined national pride, through the refined grand tourers of the 1960s, Britain carved out a distinct identity around the world. Rather than mass production alone, British manufacturers emphasized elegance, mechanical sophistication (or British “personality”), and vehicles that reflected both social status and the sporting spirit.

After World War II, Britain’s automotive industry faced economic hardship but responded with creativity and technical daring. Export markets became vital, and manufacturers increasingly emphasized sports cars that combined performance with everyday usability. This period marked a shift from purely aristocratic luxury toward accessible performance and international competition.