126 International Participants Entered for Capacity 2008 LBVCR

International entries for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (LBVCR) have once again exceeded the organiser's expectations. 126 vehicles from overseas, an increase of 20 on 2007, have been received for the 2008 event which will take place on Sunday 2 November.  In total 550 pre 1905 vehicles have been accepted for the 2008 LBVCR, up from 531 last year, reaching the capacity entry level with, unfortunately, nearly 50 further entries not making the start.

International entries come from all over the world, including 21 from the North America, 1 from South Africa, 3 from China, 2 from Central and South America, 6 from Australia and 93 from Europe, including 24 from France, the country of period manufacturer that is being celebrated at this year's event.

“The entries we have received from overseas have exceeded our original estimates and we are extremely pleased to announce that once again the international have increased by nearly 20% on last year and over a fifth of the 550 vehicle entry will be from outside the UK,” said Roger Etcell, LBVCR Event Director.  “We are pleased to see so many entries from France this year to help us celebrate their country as a period manufacturing nation.  In total this year there are 273 French manufactured vehicles participating in this year's Run, representing 49 percent of all the entries we have accepted.

“The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run has grown year on year since Motion Works took over the organisation of the event on behalf of The Royal Automobile Club in 2004,” Mr Etcell continued, “and this year will see the largest entry since the Centenary Run held in 1996.  A staggering 140 late 19th and early 20th century manufacturers are represented, with many unique vehicles participating for the first time on the LBVCR this November.”

For the coming years a motoring manufacturing nation of the period will be celebrated with the event themed around that particular country. In 2007 the United States of America was the celebrated country, 2008 it is France, followed by Germany in 2009.  Thirty nine different makes of French veteran cars, including Renault, Peugeot, Mors, Panhard et Levassor and Darracq, are due to take part in this year's LBVCR, travelling along the FREE to view 60-mile route between London and Brighton. 

The Run takes place on Sunday 2 November and is preceded by a period related auction at Bonhams London New Bond Street Salerooms on Friday 31 October and the LBVCR International Concours in London's Regent Street on Saturday 1 November. Comprehensive details can be found at www.LBVCR.com