Key Highlights
- Hundreds of Victorian-era vehicles are participating in the annual London-Brighton run.
- The event commemorates the 1000-mile Trial of 1900 and marks a significant moment in British motoring history.
- Vehicles will travel through Surrey, passing through several towns before arriving in Brighton for the evening.
- Participants must possess mechanical knowledge due to the vintage nature of their vehicles.
The Time-Traveling Vehicles of the London-Brighton Run
Hundreds of Victorian-era cars and motorbikes are set to trundle through Surrey this morning, marking a significant event in British motoring history. Organized by RM Sotheby’s, the iconic annual journey from London to Brighton is known for its vintage vehicles dating back before 1900.
The London-Brighton run commemorates the 1000-mile Trial of 1900, a pivotal event that introduced Britain’s first cars to the wider public. This year, the journey will follow a route from Hyde Park in central London through Surrey and into Sussex before arriving in Brighton by evening.
A Heritage-Laden Route
The route starts early with a ceremonial tearing of the red flag at Hyde Park at 6:45 am. The vehicles will then proceed through various locations including Constitution Hill, The Mall, Whitehall, Westminster Bridge, and Lambeth Palace before reaching Clapham Common by 7:20 am.
From there, participants will make their way to Mitcham (7:35 am), Coulsdon High Street (7:40 am), Merstham in Surrey (7:55 am), Redhill (8:10 am), and eventually the West Sussex towns of The Boulevard in Crawley (8:25 am), Handcross High Street (8:30 am), Staplefield village, and Cuckfield High Street by 8:50 am. By evening, participants will have arrived in Brighton.
Technical Challenges and Mechanical Skills
According to Jeremy Vaughan, the Head of Motoring at the Royal Automobile Club, this event is far from a simple drive. “You can’t just fire it up in the morning and go down to the shops,” he explained. The cars require significant mechanical knowledge due to their vintage nature.
Participants must mix fuel, check oil levels, and often manually start engines before making adjustments. Vaughan stated that breakdowns are part of the fun: “It’s a big day out and you can’t help breaking down with these things – because they will break down. That’s really all the fun of it.” He added, “It’s British, it’s bonkers.”
Historical Significance and Enduring Appeal
The London-Brighton run is recognized as the longest-running event of its kind in the world. It serves not only as a celebration of motoring heritage but also as an educational experience for participants who must navigate through various challenges unique to vintage vehicles.
For those interested, the event can be followed live on Greatest Hits Radio via DAB, smart speakers, and online platforms. The annual journey remains a testament to Britain’s rich motoring history and continues to attract enthusiasts every year.
