For one day a year, southwest London steps back in time to host the longest-running and oldest motoring event in the world.
The London to Brighton has taken place annually since 1927, but the first edition, known as the ‘Emancipation Run’, was held 129 years ago – making it the oldest motoring event in the world.
The first tour in 1896 celebrated the lifting of the 4mph national speed limit and the ending of the requirement for a flag-barer to walk in front of your car as you drove.
All of the 384 cars that set off from Hyde Park this year were more than 120 years old, and 340 made it to Brighton’s Madeira Drive by the 4.30pm deadline.
A selection of the veteran cars were displayed on a closed-off Pall Mall the afternoon prior to the run, with their owners donning period clothing to match the occasion.
Participant Kelsie Whittemore said: “We’ve been watching the London to Brighton for years and really wanted to take part.
“It sort of feels like you’ve stepped back in time, which we love.”
Watch the full video below.
Featured image: St James’s Motoring Spectacle concourse on Pall Mall Credit: James Keegan
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