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Ideas / Album / Veteran Car Run
London-Brighton Veteran Car Run

The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run takes place each year on the first Sunday of November.
In 2011 the date is Sunday 6 November.

The first car run from London to Brighton took place on November 14 1896.
It was organised to celebrate the passing of laws that allowed motor cars to drive on English roads, although the speed limit was set at only 12 miles per hour.
In 1927 there was a re-enactment of the run, and it has been repeated each year since then (except during World War Two).
Spectators can enjoy watching the cars pass at any point along the route.

Achilles statue, Hyde Park Corner
From London's Hyde Park ...

... along the roads ...
Royal Pavilion, Brighton
... to the sea front at Brighton

REGENT STREET

Some of the veteran cars are displayed on London's Regent Street on the day before the car run (Saturday)

THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY (100 years ago ...)

You may notice a few differences between the veteran cars and the modern day versions ...!

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Tyres
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Brakes

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Horn
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Starter
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Headlights

LONDON: Lining up in Hyde Park

Crowds gather for the start at Hyde Park (in central London). The cars line up and last-minute preparations are made.

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Graham Robson & Malcolm Jeal introduce
the cars from the commentary box
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Entry 102: Panhard et Levassor, 1901, 8 HP, entrant: John Hickman
... such as this 1901 Panhard et Levassor:
8 horse-power

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Entry 084: De Dion Bouton, 1901, 4.5 HP, entrant: Stanley Cohen OBE
Hold on to your seat
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Put on your goggles
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Drink some oil?

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Entry 112: Delaugere et Clayette, 1902, 2.75 HP, entrant: Peter Matchan
Wet weather protection (but this year it's dry)
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This car needs a helping hand to the starting line
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Entry 067: Haynes-Apperson, 1900, 7 or 8 HP, entrant: Irene Ball
Are you sitting comfortably?

[10] Entry 102: Panhard et Levassor, 1901, 8 HP, entrant: John Hickman
[11] Entry 084: De Dion Bouton, 1901, 4.5 HP, entrant: Stanley Cohen OBE
[14] Entry 112: Delaugere et Clayette, 1902, 2.75 HP, entrant: Peter Matchan
[16] Entry 067: Haynes-Apperson, 1900, 7 or 8 HP, entrant: Irene Ball

LONDON: And they're off!

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Actor Sir John Mills waves the flag ...
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... and they're off!
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Past Big Ben ...

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... and into London's suburbs
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Entry 008: Salveson (steam), 1896, 10 HP, entrant: John Brydon
Steaming along at 10 horse-power ...
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Entry 086: De Dion Bouton, 1901, 4.5 HP, entrant: Werner Brungs
... or running uphill at 2 man-power!

[21] Entry 008: Salveson (steam), 1896, 10 HP, entrant: John Brydon
[22] Entry 086: De Dion Bouton, 1901, 4.5 HP, entrant: Werner Brungs

CRAWLEY: Official Coffee Stop

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Entry 446: Aster, 1904, 16/20 HP, entrant: The Ward Collection
There is a half-way stop in Crawley
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Time for a quick cup of coffee ...
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... or a bit of driving practice!

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Let's have a check under the bonnet
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Have we got any spare parts?

[23] Entry 446: Aster, 1904, 16/20 HP, entrant: The Ward Collection

BACK ON THE ROAD

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Off to the sea, on the A23
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Entry 175: Panhard et Levassor, 1902, 20 HP, entrant: William Ainscough
Racing along the home straight

[29] Entry 175: Panhard et Levassor, 1902, 20 HP, entrant: William Ainscough

BRIGHTON: Finishing Line

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A warm welcome awaits in Brighton ...
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... including some traditional jazz music

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We made it!
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Brighton pier: fun for all the family

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Entry 148: Renault, 1902, 8 HP, entrant: John Kemsley
Off to the beach on a Renault ...
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Entry 244: De Dion Bouton, 1903, 8 HP, entrant: Stewart Collins
... but watch out for the crowds

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Entry 023: De Dion-Engined Combination, 1899, 2.25 HP, entrant: Derek Harper
On the last leg (on Madeira Drive) ...
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... and over the finishing line!

[34] Entry 148: Renault, 1902, 8 HP, entrant: John Kemsley
[35] Entry 244: De Dion Bouton, 1903, 8 HP, entrant: Stewart Collins
[36] Entry 023: De Dion-Engined Combination, 1899, 2.25 HP, entrant: Derek Harper

BRIGHTON: Interviews

Some of the successful teams are interviewed.
What about the unsuccessful ones? Don't worry - they'll be back next year for another run ...

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FURTHER INFORMATION

For practical details about attending this year's event, see: Ideas/Events/November.

The official website for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run: http://www.lbvcr.com.
Veteran Car Club of Great Britain: http://www.vccofgb.co.uk
Photos from the Veteran Car Run in 2004-2007 can be bought from: http://www.ukpix.com

Regent Street: http://www.regentstreetonline.com

 Genevieve

DVD special edition
DVD
Video

Date film originally released: 1953

Story outline:
A comedy about two obsessive enthusiasts on the annual London to Brighton classic car rally

Starring:
Kenneth More, Dinah Sheridan, Kay Kendall, John Gregson

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LINKS

Events in the UK in November: Ideas/Events/November
Visitors' guide to Brighton: Travel/Tours/England/Brighton
Visitors' guide to London: Travel/Tours/London
Motor sports: Life/Sport/Motor
Photos from other annual events: Ideas/Album

Home page: Home

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