Veteran Car Run 2012
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For thousands of motoring aficionados the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is one of the highlights of the year. The route from Hyde Park Corner to Madeira Drive is thronged by many clubs, associations, individuals and families who turn out to celebrate this hardy perennial treat.
In 1896 the first run from the Metropole Hotel in London to the Metropole Hotel in Brighton was a celebration of new-found freedom for motorists, granted by the 'Locomotives on the Highway Act', which raised the speed limit of automobiles to 14mph and abolished the requirement for these vehicles to be preceded by a man on foot carrying a flag of warning.
In 1927 the Emancipation Run was re-enacted under the auspices of the popular publication, the Daily Sketch, and from 1930 organisation passed to the Royal Automobile Club. The entry list has grown from the original 33 cars to more than 500 – all of which must have been registered prior to January 11905. Many celebrities and members of the royal family have enjoyed taking part in the event – including Her Majesty The Queen in 1971 – and this year is no exception.
The first car in the Veteran Car Run leaves Hyde Park on Sunday morning at sunrise (07:02am) and the 550 drivers taking part will attempt to cross the finish-line in Madeira Drive, Brighton before 4.30pm. As one of the largest free events in the country it will be supported by tens of thousands of spectators along the entire length of the route.
For further information on either participating or spectating, visit www.lbvcr.com.