Special Swede sent on London to Brighton Run

A 1903 VABIS, the oldest Swedish car still running, is to take part in the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run for the first time on 4 November.

The fourth VABIS built takes to British roads with a colourful history behind it; it raced against imported rival marques in its homeland after being displayed in Paris in 1903, and was later photographed with members of the Swedish royal family.

The VABIS remained on display at a regional museum between 1913 and 1989, before being bequeathed to the Community of Surahammar, which began to restore it. The team got the car back on the road with the goal of eventually driving it in this year’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

Four volunteers pose with the 1903 VABIS in which they hope to complete this year’s LBVCR.