This Sunday, the spirit of motoring history returns to the open road as hundreds of century-old automobiles embark on the world-famous London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. The annual event, organised by the Royal Automobile Club, celebrates the dawn of the motor age — when vehicles were still a mechanical curiosity and adventure was measured in miles, not speed.
The Run traces its roots back to November 1896, when a group of early motorists celebrated the passing of the Locomotives on Highways Act, which finally allowed cars to travel without a man walking ahead waving a red flag. That first “Emancipation Run” symbolised freedom for motorists and the beginning of Britain’s love affair with the automobile.
Revived in 1927, the Run has taken place almost every year since, making it the world’s longest-running motoring event. Only vehicles built before 1905 are eligible to take part, and the journey — around 60 miles from Hyde Park in London to Madeira Drive on Brighton seafront — is a true test of endurance rather than speed. The oldest cars rely on primitive engines, hand-cranked starters and wooden wheels, yet they continue to conquer the route with grace and grit.
The 2025 event begins at dawn in Hyde Park, with participants setting off in waves as London slowly wakes up. The route follows the traditional path through south London, passing through Croydon, Crawley and down to Brighton. Spectators line the streets at key points — especially in Tooting, Crawley and along the A23 — to witness the convoy of brass-radiator beauties as they chug and hiss their way southward.
Breakdowns, of course, are part of the charm. Crews often stop to make roadside adjustments, refuel from cans or simply rest their engines. Each machine has its own story — some are family heirlooms, others painstaking restorations or club projects brought back to life by enthusiasts who value authenticity over polish.
For many, the Run is not about competition but celebration. It is a living museum on wheels, offering a rare glimpse into an age when every journey was an adventure and every driver a pioneer. The rhythmic puff of an engine, the smell of oil and the sight of steam rising into the autumn air remind onlookers just how far motoring has come — and how much of its original magic endures.
The finish line awaits at Brighton’s Madeira Drive, where cheering crowds welcome the weary but proud drivers who complete the journey by late afternoon. Each finisher receives a commemorative medal, a small token for conquering one of the most historic routes in motoring.
In an era of electric cars and automation, the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run remains a charming reminder of where it all began — when machines were simple, journeys uncertain, and the open road was a true adventure.
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