“Auto Express broke the mould in 1988 and still leads the way today”

How things have changed in the last 35 years. Back in 1988, I was just out of school and working for Eagle Star Insurance in London, dreaming about doing what I’m so lucky to be able to do today.

Every Wednesday on my way home from work, I’d head to WH Smith at Cannon Street Station looking for my weekly car fix. Then one day, a bright, fresh newcomer turned up – Auto Express was born. I remember it well and loved it from day one.

Over the past three and a half decades, the car world has changed immeasurably. Our brilliant cover stars on this week's special issue shows how far the cars themselves have come, while in that time car companies have been and gone. One brand that features on the cover, MG, is a fine example: it’s gone, come back, gone and come back again. Now it’s in rude health.

When we launched, the MG badge adorned Metros, Maestros and Montegos. Now, with MG under Chinese ownership, the company is about to launch the stunning Cyberster – and we’ve been on the road in it.

One person who was there at the start and is with us now is Mike Rutherford, while another almost ever-present is the real hero of Auto Express, our picture editor Dawn Grant. Without Dawn’s organisation, cajoling, support, knowledge and sheer brilliance, this magazine wouldn’t have survived 35 years. Thanks, Dawn.

Of course, there have been plenty of other incredible staff and contributors over that time – all legends in their own ways – plus the awesome team we have today. I’d like to pay tribute to and thank every one of them.

Most important to what we do is you. Whether you’ve been subscribing for 35 years, buy the magazine regularly or are visiting our website for the first time, thank you. It’s you, your love of cars and the passion and expertise you share that makes our anniversary so special. Here’s to the next 35 years.