On Sunday 1 November the 557 pre 1905 veteran cars entered for the 113th anniversary London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (LBVCR) will follow much of the original route taken by the pioneering motorists on the 1896 Emancipation Run, an event which marked the passing into law of the 1896 Light Locomotives Act and paved the way for the modern motor car here in the UK. 

Starting at Sunrise (06:54am) in Hyde Park, London, the oldest cars in the event will begin their 60 mile journey, with the last cars leaving around 08:15.  The 557 participants and their passengers will take in some of the most famous sights in the Capital as they head down Constitution Hill to pass in front of Buckingham Palace.  Travelling along Birdcage Walk the veteran cars pass through Parliament Square and cross Westminster Bridge, with the Houses of Parliament providing a dramatic backdrop.  After crossing the Thames, the cars head down Lambeth Palace Road before joining the A23 on Kennington Road to head out of central London.

The route follows the A23 to just before Croydon when the cars turn onto the A235 to drive through the centre of Croydon, with the Town Mayor greeting the participants before they head out to rejoin the A23. 

The participants travel through Redhill, Horley and around Gatwick airport before stopping at the official coffee stop outside the George Hotel in Crawley's old town centre were they will be welcomed by Crawley's Mayor.  As the cars arrive they line up to allow the drivers and passengers the opportunity to refuel themselves and their cars. Then they can make any running repairs or adjustments before leaving to tackle the second part of the event.

After Crawley the participants turn off the A23 onto the B2114 at Pease Pottage and head out into some of the most scenic countryside England has to offer.  Many national and local car clubs congregate at various public houses along this part of the route to cheer the participants on as they socialise over the traditional English Sunday roast dinner and pint of beer.

After Cuckfield the participants head down the B2036 through Burgess Hill before joining the A273.   The last leg of the journey takes in Clayton Hill and then rejoins the A23 as the participants head for the finish line at Preston Park.  The finishers then head down into Brighton to Madeira Drive to cross the ceremonial finish line on Brighton seafront in front of the gathered crowds.  The first car will be greeted on Brighton's seafront at around 10:15 by the Mayor.  The final car will cross the line around 16:30.

The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is not a race, but a celebration of early motoring, and all participants must average 20mph along the 60-mile route.  There are no winners or losers with every participant completing the Run receiving a commemorative finisher's medal.

“The route follows as close to the original roads as possible used by the participants in the 1896 Run,” said Event Director Roger Etcell.  “However things have changed in the past 113 years, we have to make allowances for modern road conditions and we have made the route as enjoyable as possible for everyone taking part, both participants and spectators alike.  There are plenty of opportunities for people to come along and watch these cars and the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is free to all spectators all along the route, so we'd encourage everyone who has an interest in historic motoring, or just interested in seeing these magnificent vehicles, to come along on the 1st November.”

A copy of the route that the 2009 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run will follow, and other useful event information, is available to download HERE