THE BONHAMS LONDON TO BRIGHTON VETERAN CAR RUN, SUPPORTED BY HISCOX

The Bonhams Veteran Car Runcar run is staged specifically as a non-profit making veneration.

With its unique atmosphere and camaraderie, the Bonhams Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox travelling from London to Brighton commemorates the Emancipation Run of 14th November 1896, which celebrated the Locomotives on the Highway Act. The Act raised the speed limit for ‘light locomotives’ from 4 to 14 mph and abolished the need for these vehicles to be preceded by a man on foot waving a red flag.

The Emancipation Run was first commemorated in 1897 with a re-enactment following the same route in 1927 and has taken place every November since, apart from the war years and 1947 when petrol was rationed. The Royal Automobile Club has managed the Run with the support of the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain since 1930. 

For the first time in its long 122-year history, the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox will adopt two routes out of the capital city. The well driven journey from Hyde Park to the Sussex coast has been subject to various minor changes since the posse of early automotive pioneers celebrated the passing into law of the Locomotive on the Highway Act.

Having departed from Hyde Park at sunrise and travelled through the Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner, then down Constitution Hill, past Buckingham Palace, along The Mall and to Parliament Square, the Run will split into two. 

Half of the spectacular veteran car field will follow the familiar path taken in recent years up to 2016. With last year’s detour to avoid major roadworks in Brixton no longer required, that will take the first group of intrepid crews past Big Ben over Westminster Bridge and then onto Streatham and Thornton Heath. Meanwhile the other half will head past the Westminster Abbey crossing the Thames via Lambeth Bridge and then taking a parallel journey through Vauxhall, Tooting and Mitcham meeting up with the ‘traditional’ route close to Croydon. 

From there to the coast the now wedded full field will pass through Purley, Coulsdon and Hooley on its merry way to Redhill and a well-earned mid-way halt at the Honda Gatwick dealership in Crawley where cars can be fettled and motorists refreshed. Thereafter comes the drive through Crawley High Street marking the start of the Regularity Time Trial and over the picturesque South Downs before the final descent into Brighton. 

Entrants and spectators wanting to take advantage of the revised routes can find out more information on the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox official website: www.veterancarrun.com. The former have until Friday 25 May to take advantage of the Early Bird registration offer. Adding to the build-up, renowned auctioneer Bonhams hosts a special Veteran Car Run sale on the preceding Friday afternoon.

For more information visit: www.veterancarrun.com