The following piece was written by Ian.

The Veteran Car Run (LBVCR) was first set up as a celebration of the Emancipation Run of November 1896, which abolished the requirement for someone to walk ahead of a motorcar and raised the speed limit to 12 mph. This was later further increased to 20 mph. The run was resurrected in 1927, with eligibility limited to cars built before 1904. These rules allowed me to participate in his 1904 De Dion Bouton, the youngest car allowed to take part, which must start at the back of the lineup.

Our journey began at 8am on a fine Sunday in November. Accompanying me were a friend and two of my wife’s granddaughters, who were squeezed into the back seat. The cars assembled along the Serpentine in Hyde Park, departing in groups, with the first cars leaving at 7am.

The route took us through Victoria Arch, down Constitution Hill, and along The Mall to cross Westminster Bridge. This was undoubtedly the highlight of the drive. However, it was followed by a less enjoyable stretch through South London, where traffic was heavy, and other drivers seemed oblivious to the vicissitudes of piloting a veteran car. Happily, the De Dion behaved impeccably, starting when needed and running without incident.

Eventually we left the suburbs and the drive improved significantly. We encountered a series of challenging hills, all of which the De Dion managed to conquer, albeit at little more than a walking pace. Going on the run for the first time is always a pleasant surprise as the number of enthusiasts watching the event can number well over a 100,000 spectators even on a bad day, with many more turning up when the weather is fine.

The halfway stop at Crawley was a welcome opportunity to rest, enjoy coffee and a bacon roll, and tend to both the car and its passengers. After refuelling ourselves and the vehicle, we pressed on toward Brighton. The final stretch included Clayton Hill, the steepest climb of the route, where tow cars stood ready to assist the oldest or most fragile vehicles. Thankfully, we didn’t require their services.

Being allowed to use bus lanes was particularly welcome in Brighton. We reached the finish line on the sea front on Madeira Drive, where we were awarded a medal for “Punctual Arrival.” This was accompanied by an even more welcome hot toddy courtesy of Aberfeldy Distillery and a hot meal provided by Sotheby’s, both proud sponsors of the LBVCR.

This year’s event celebrated the 120th anniversary of The Ladies’ Motor Club. To mark the occasion, I allowed the eldest granddaughter to take the wheel for the final approach to the finish line. She was thrilled to have her photo taken and be interviewed behind the wheel.

All in all, the LBVCR is an eccentric and charming event, and the oldest of its kind in the world. We will definitely participate again next year. Plans are already in motion for my companions to include OTs Adrian Stevens (FH 74-79) and Toby Stevens (FH 19-24), who are more accustomed to racing rather more serious motor cars. 

If anyone is interested, a video and pictures of the event are available via www.veterancarrun.com.