The Veteran Car Run is celebrated annually on the first Sunday in November. This year, the Veteran Car Run will take place on 4th November, 2012 from London to Brighton and anyone is free to watch.
The Veteran Car Run will begin at Apsley Gate, Hyde Park Corner between 7 am and 8.30 am. The Run will be expected to finish between 10.05 am and 16.30 pm at Madeira Drive, Brighton. Included will be an annual dinner to celebrate the event; however, this is not free for all; tickets are required for this.
Prior to the big send off on the 4th there will be an auction event for vintage cars on November 2nd between 13.00 pm to 16.00 pm at New Bond Street, London. The oldest vintage for sale will be the 1903, two seater Vauxhall with a 5bhp which is estimated to sell at approximately £80,000.
Additionally, on November 3rd, between 10.30 am to 16.00 pm there will be a Motor Show on Regent Street, London. Pre-purchased tickets will be required for lunches, dinners and cocktails.
Participating in the Veteran Car Run
If you want to participate, you have to be the owner of a four-wheeled car, tri-car or motor tricycles that have been manufactured before 31st December, 1904. Partakers of the Veteran Car Run need to hold a driving license that has been issued by The Veteran Car Club, Veteran Car Services alternatively you need to hold a Veteran Passport.
The Veteran Car Run Event
The Veteran Car Run began in 1896, and has become the biggest and longest running event globally. Today, many celebrities take part in this commemoration, for example: Royalty, famous actors and musicians such as Sir Sterling Moss and Nick Mason from Pink Floyd.
It is anticipated that around five hundred vintage cars will be driving from London to Brighton, which is approximately 90 kms. The majority of persons who participate in the Veteran Car Run usually finish the event. The whole experience is about enjoying the relaxing drive in vintage cars, not about how fast the vintage cars can drive or who finishes first.
The cars usually have to be 80 years old or more, but occasionally, there will be modern cars in the event, but they have to adhere to the events rules. Most cars have engines, but some of the cars may have pedals.
It is a spectacular event and anyone participating or spectating should wrap up warm as it is expected to be a cold day.
Directions to get the Veteran Car Run in London
If you plan to drive to Hyde Park, the nearest car park is on Park Lane. The Hilton owns this car park, contact them to check for prices and availability. If you are planning on spectating there are bus stops all along Park Lane and the nearest tube stations are Marble Arch via Central Line and Hyde Park Corner via the Piccadilly Line.
Directions for the Veteran Car Run to get to Brighton
If you're tempted to travel to Brighton and watch the cars arrive, the trains run from London Victoria via the South Central. Express trains will take approximately 49 minutes and standard trains can take up to 1 ½ hours to get to Brighton. There are various other train services from the Thameslink in Hertfordshire, and other Central Lines that also connect to get to Brighton.
The National Express Bus leaves Victoria Coach Station for Brighton regularly throughout the day. Additionally, if you're up for driving, then head for the M25/M23. Motorists driving from the west country or from the east can drive to the A27. Nearer to Brighton, the A259 will take all motorists via the Brighton seafront to the Veteran Car Run finishing line.
For more information on terms and conditions, eligibility and any updates, visit the Veteran Car Run website
here.
