500 Vehicles Expected to participate this November in the World's Longest Running Motoring Event

On the 14th November 1896 33 vehicles travelled from London to Brighton for the Emancipation Run to celebrate the passing into law of the Locomotives on the Highway Act, which raised the speed limit for `light locomotives' from 4 mph to 14 mph and abolished the requirement for these vehicles to be preceded by a man on foot carrying a red flag.  On 5th November 2006 an expected maximum entry of 500 pre 1905 veteran cars will gather in Hyde Park London to travel the 60-miles to Brighton to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the 1896 Emancipation Run.

The 2006 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (LBVCR) will be a three day event and features a number of activities culminating with the Run on Sunday 5th November when the first car leaves Hyde Park at sunrise (7:07am).

Entries come from all over the world and the 2006 event is expected to see over 100 international entries, from as far away as China, Australia, USA, South Africa and Argentina, for the first time since the centenary Run in 1996.  Featuring over 130 different makes the 500 vehicles represent the era of the dawn of motoring and they come in all shapes and sizes.  The entry not only includes petrol driven vehicles but also steam and electric propulsion with steering by either tiller or the traditional wheel. 

�2006 is a special year for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and this year we are expecting to see the largest entry since 1996 to mark the 110th anniversary of the 1896 Emancipation Run,� said George Kennedy of The Royal Automobile Club and Chairman of the LBVCR Steering Group. �The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is an important part of British history, creating a nostalgic atmosphere of a bygone age of motoring, but it is also an important annual social event that draws in people from all walks of life.� 

�This year is going to be a fantastic one for everyone involved and we want to encourage members of the public to come along to see these magnificent machines close up and be part of the celebrations.  You can even book a ticket to travel on one of the special buses and follow the route from London down to Brighton,� Mr. Kennedy continued.  �The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run really gives you a sense of what it was like to travel by motor car at the beginning of the age of motoring.�  

The 2006 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run has once again received the support from some of the biggest names from the world of publishing, motoring, fine art and travel.  The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is proud to continue its association with title sponsors Tindle Newspapers and the Daily Mail, and associate sponsors Bonhams, Renault, Kuoni Travel, Regent Street Association, Autocar Magazine, Classic & Sports Car Magazine, RAC and TMS Limited. The LBVCR also welcomes Hagerty International as a new event partner from 2006.

Members of the public can spectate free of charge at the Regent Street International Concours on Saturday 4th November and on the 60-mile route of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on Sunday 5th November.  For more details on any of the events listed, including a map of the route and timings, visit the official London to Brighton Veteran Car Run website at www.lbvcr.com or contact the event organisers, Motion Works UK Limited, who organise and promote the annual LBVCR on behalf of the Royal Automobile Club.

List of functions over the 3-day event

Friday 3rd November. 

The LBVCR Auction presented by Bonhams Auction House, 101 New Bond Street.  The auction, first held in 2004, features veteran cars and related automobilia, adds a further dimension to the event and will be held in the afternoon.  Viewings take place on Thursday afternoon and the morning of the auction. 

In the evening Bonhams will host the LBVCR International Participants Welcome Reception, for the overseas participants of the 110th anniversary event.

Saturday 4th November. 

LBVCR International Concours in Regent Street.
A new addition in recent years, the 2005 event was extremely well received and enjoyed by all concerned at the exciting new venue of Regent Street.  100 cars will be selected to take part in the International Concours, with short demonstrations and passenger rides around Berkeley Square for invited guests.  The 100 cars on display will compete for six trophies, including a special award that is voted for by the attending public on the day.  The LBVCR International Concours takes place in Regent Street from 11am to 3pm.

LBVCR Traditional Cocktail Party
The traditional pre run cocktail party sponsored by Hagerty is held at The Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall for the participants of the 2006 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

Sunday 5th November

2006 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
The first of the 500 expected entries will leave Hyde Park in London at sunrise (7:07am) and proceed along the 60-mile route and across the traditional finish line at Madeira Drive on Brighton seafront.

LBVCR Open and Closed Top Bus Tours
Experience the excitement of the occasion and follow the route of the Veteran Cars.  The first bus leaves Hyde Park at 07:30 and includes a refreshment stop at Crawley and special access passes to the paddocks in Hyde Park, Crawley and Madeira Drive.  The cost is £40.00 per person and includes the return trip to London.

ENDS