London to Brighton

London is England's capital city and home to some of the most recognizable landmarks and buildings in the world. Brighton is one of the largest UK cities to be found by the sea. The A23 road forms the main route between these two settlements and it is extremely popular for races and rallies.

In 1930 the first 'London to Brighton Veteran Car Run' was held. Any car built before 1904 was eligible for entry into the event which has grown to become one of the most popular vintage car rallies in the United Kingdom with over four hundred vehicles taking part annually. The event is loved by all ages and, at times, it is highly amusing.

In 2007 the event (now for cars built before 1905) was held over three days (2/3/4 November) as the cars are not only slower than modern vehicles they are often full of passengers who enjoy this, ever so friendly, motoring event. The first day started with an auction which saw a Talbot Type CT2K sell for £155,000 (just over $300,000). In all there were over two hundred automobilia lots and and incredible ten veteran cars up for grabs to the highest bidder.

The actual 'race' started on the Saturday when 479 veteran cars set off from London's Hyde Park, with the first car to set off being the eldest (an 1895 Peugeot). Just prior to the run about one hundred and forty of the veteran vehicles took part in the LBVCR International Concours which was held at Regent Street. It was an absolutely amazing sight to be seen, for around four hours I was able to get up close and personal with some of the most amazing veteran cars I have ever seen.

The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run attracts an incredible amount of international interest and, while many internationals were primarily interested in the vintage car auction, there were many vehicles from around the world taking part in the main event. A 1902 Westfield won a trophy for being the best American entry and a 1896 Salveson Steam Open Cart won a trophy, for the 2nd year running, for being the 'People's Choice.

As would be expected many of these old cars failed to start, of the 541 entries 531 were accepted and only 479 started. Incredibly a total of 431 veteran car completed the London to Brighton run and only 48 were forced to retire. Maybe the dry sunny weather had helped ensure the completion but it is clear to me that each and every car which took part was lovingly cared for. I wish I was so lucky as to own such a lovely vehicle as those I saw drive past one after the other, unfortunately they are far outside the range of my budget and I can ill afford the time required to ensure their smooth running.

If you are a veteran car lover and you are planning a vacation in England next year you may want to time it so that you can attend this free to watch veteran car run. Booking a hotel in London should be easy enough but you might find it a little more difficult finding suitable accommodation in Brighton so late in the season (for a seaside town). You will be able to find out details of next years run by visiting the official website of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run at www.lbvcr.com.

Phil Hamilton writes extensively for travel and accommodation sites about the U. K. (United Kingdom) where he has lived for the past 35 years. Although Phil spends most of his time staying in England hotels he also travels extensively in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.