The annual London to Brighton Veteran Run has its own historical significance but most of all it is a sign of respect for those grandfathers of motorcars that pioneered the way for modern motoring.
The event commemorates the Emancipation Run of 14 November 1896, which celebrated the Locomotives on the Highway Act.
The Act raised the speed limit for ‘light locomotives’ from 4 to 14mph, 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, with the exception of 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.
Some of the cars taking part this year were built in 1901. Although they are capable of moderate speeds up to 20 miles per hour, they lack most of the modern equipment drivers take for granted these days.
A Rolls Royce dating back to 1900 has no rear-view mirrors, front-window wipers or side windows.
To start the car, the driver has to pull a couple of levers for mixing fuel and press a switch at the same time.
The ride is surprisingly smooth if a bit noisy and rather slow.
The owner would not add any modern equipment to the car in order not to spoil ifs original features. Using satellite navigation is also out of the question.
Owners of these veteran cars show extraordinary love and respect for their cars.
Families sometimes keep these cars for several generations and treat them as treasures.
Incredibly, at least two of the veterans embarking on this year’s extraordinary 60-mile spectacle to Brighton were among the first participants partaking in the inaugural revival which took place back in 1927.
One of the veteran cars taking part in this year’s Run — a1901 Panhard et Levassor has completed no less than 57 of the 59 events it participated in. These rare cars form the heritage of the industry and are cherished by owners and spectators alike.
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* Adel Murad is a senior motoring and business journalist, based in London.
Email: [email protected]
