Key Highlights
- The 2019 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run takes place on Sunday, November 3rd.
- Over 400 pre-1905 vehicles will participate in this year’s event.
- Duncan Wiltshire from the Royal Automobile Club highlights the event as a British tradition celebrating motorized transport.
- The event commemorates the Emancipation Run of 1896 and the Locomotives on the Highway Act.
Vintage Vehicles Rev Up for Annual London to Brighton Run
The annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, a beloved tradition dating back to its inception in 1896, is set to draw hundreds of vintage vehicles this weekend. This year, the event on Sunday, November 3rd, promises to be particularly special with an impressive lineup of pre-1905 cars.
The veteran car run, organized by RM Sotheby’s and sponsored by SUSTAIN biofuel, is a fitting tribute to Britain’s motoring history. With over 400 ‘horseless carriages’ lining up for the journey, the event showcases not only historical significance but also a celebration of sustainable transportation.
A Century-Long Tradition
Duncan Wiltshire, chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, emphasized the importance of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. “The magical RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is a truly great British tradition,” he stated. “Now in its 129th year, it is an extraordinary showcase celebrating the introduction of motorized transport and the pleasures and freedoms this pioneering technology brought.”
Historical Significance
This year’s event commemorates the Emancipation Run of 1896, a significant milestone in British motoring history. The run celebrated the Locomotives on the Highway Act, which raised speed limits for ‘light locomotives’ and abolished the need for these vehicles to be preceded by a man with a red flag. This legislation marked an important step towards the acceptance of motorized transport on public roads.
Wiltshire added that this year’s run would also honor the 125th anniversary of the 1000 Mile Trial of 1900, another pivotal moment in early motoring history. “We must pay tribute to the British Motor Museum not only for curating the original Wolseley from that event but also for its enthusiastic support this year,” he said.
Global Participation
The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is a testament to the global appeal of vintage motoring. This year, the event features entries from overseas participants traveling from as far as Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, and the United States. The oldest vehicle in this year’s lineup, a single-cylinder Benz built in 1894 by Hermann Layher, will be among those lining up at Hyde Park.
Many of the veteran cars run on ‘green’ sustainable biofuels, reflecting a growing commitment to environmental responsibility within the motoring community. The Royal Automobile Club’s four entries are powered by SUSTAIN’s drop-in biofuel, further emphasizing this commitment.
Participant Enthusiasm
The success of the event is attributed primarily to the incredible enthusiasm of its participants and partners. “It is only through their dedication that we can continue to celebrate this unique occasion,” Wiltshire stated. “Creating an extraordinary experience for everyone involved is our top priority.”
Entrants will gather before sunrise in Hyde Park, where they will participate in the “symbolic” tearing of the red flag and the traditional dawn start from South Carriage Drive.
The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run remains a significant event in the calendar of motor enthusiasts, preserving the rich history of British motoring while promoting sustainable practices. As it continues its 129-year journey, the event stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of vintage vehicles and the evolving nature of transportation.
