Vintage motor lovers celebrate London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

A sight to get your motor running! Petrolheads showcase their vintage vehicles to virtually celebrate the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run after it was cancelled due to COVID-19

  • Group of vintage vehicle lovers were pictured when gathering at the National Motor Museum in Hampshire
  • Driving into the grounds and keeping socially distanced, the petrolheads showcased their veteran vehicles 
  • London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is the longest running motoring event and marks its 124th anniversary 

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It’s the first time since 1947 that the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run has been cancelled – yet it didn’t stop classic motor lovers from lining the streets with their beloved vehicles to virtually celebrate the event with one another.

Boasting a 1904 Humberette to a 1903 Daimler, a group of vintage vehicle enthusiasts were pictured when gathering at the National Motor Museum based at Beaulieu House in New Forest National Park, Hampshire.

Driving into the grounds and keeping socially distanced, the petrolheads – which included Beaulieu owner Lord Montagu – showcased their veteran vehicles from over 100 years ago.

RM Sotheby’s annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is the longest-running motoring event in the world, with this weekend marking the 124th anniversary of the very first occasion.

However, the Run, which usually involves drivers starting at Hyde Park before embarking on a 60-mile journey that ends on the iconic Brighton seafront, was cancelled on October 16 due to the pandemic and instead motorists are being encouraged to take their cars out for a nearby drive to celebrate.

An announcement read: ‘The organisers have been working tirelessly with the local authorities along the route to plan a Run which would be safe for the participants, staff and spectators. However, respecting the Government’s efforts to control the current rise in COVID-19 infections, this is no longer possible.’ 

The event commemorates the Emancipation Run of 14 November 1896 which celebrated the speed limit for ‘light locomotives’ being raised from 4 mph to 14 mph and abolished the requirement for these vehicles to be preceded by a man on foot.

It’s the first time since 1947 that the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run has been cancelled – yet it didn’t stop classic motor lovers (pictured) from lining the streets with their beloved vehicles to virtually celebrate the event with one another

Lord Montagu drives a 1903 Daimler into the grounds of Beaulieu House in the New Forest, as people take part in the RM Sotheby's Virtual Veteran Car Run

Lord Montagu drives a 1903 Daimler into the grounds of Beaulieu House in the New Forest, as people take part in the RM Sotheby’s Virtual Veteran Car Run 

Boasting a 1904 Humberette (pictured) to a 1903 Daimler, a group of vintage vehicle enthusiasts were pictured when gathering at the National Motor Museum based at Beaulieu House in New Forest National Park, Hampshire

Lord Montagu (left) drives a 1903 Daimler into the grounds of Beaulieu House in the New Forest

Boasting a 1904 Humberette (pictured left) to a 1903 Daimler (pictured right), a group of vintage vehicle enthusiasts were pictured when gathering at the National Motor Museum based at Beaulieu House in New Forest National Park, Hampshire

Driving into the grounds and keeping socially distanced, the petrolheads - which included Beaulieu owner Lord Montagu (pictured) - showcased their veteran vehicles from over 100 years ago

Driving into the grounds and keeping socially distanced, the petrolheads – which included Beaulieu owner Lord Montagu (pictured) – showcased their veteran vehicles from over 100 years ago

RM Sotheby¿s annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is the longest-running motoring event in the world, with this weekend marking the 124th anniversary of the very first occasion. Pictured, A 1904 Humberette is driven into the grounds of Beaulieu House

RM Sotheby’s annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is the longest-running motoring event in the world, with this weekend marking the 124th anniversary of the very first occasion. Pictured, A 1904 Humberette is driven into the grounds of Beaulieu House 

A 'Please be patient' sign on the back of a 1904 Humberette as it is driven into the grounds of Beaulieu House. The Run, which usually involves drivers starting at Hyde Park before embarking on a 60-mile journey that ends on the iconic Brighton seafront, was cancelled on October 16 due to the pandemic and instead motorists are being encouraged to take their cars out for a nearby drive to celebrate

A ‘Please be patient’ sign on the back of a 1904 Humberette as it is driven into the grounds of Beaulieu House. The Run, which usually involves drivers starting at Hyde Park before embarking on a 60-mile journey that ends on the iconic Brighton seafront, was cancelled on October 16 due to the pandemic and instead motorists are being encouraged to take their cars out for a nearby drive to celebrate

A London to Brighton Veteran car run 2020 competitor number on the front of 1904 Humberette after it was driven into the grounds of Beaulieu House in the New Forest

A London to Brighton Veteran car run 2020 competitor number on the front of 1904 Humberette after it was driven into the grounds of Beaulieu House in the New Forest