Event Flashback
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run 2005
The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run may have been cancelled for everybody this year - for it’s as much a spectator event along the 60 miles of the route from the capital to the coast as it is a participant sport. But CCW got to experience it from the sharp end 15 years ago, with an invitation from Vauxhall to sample its 1903 5hp.
A cold and damp November early morning may not be everyone’s idea of fun, but the sense of joviality, camaraderie and even adventure is infectious as the veteran cars gather at Hyde Park before sunrise. And the run is an adventure, for making it to Brighton is never that certain for these pioneers. My 2005 trip in the 5hp, with the Vauxhall Heritage Centre’s Andy Boddy in charge of the 102-year-old car, was actionpacked almost right from the start.
There was a large thud from behind us as we entered Parliament Square – a steam car had gone into the back of us. Fortunately, it hadn’t happened at any real velocity and the damage was largely confined to the wooden back panelling. Members of the RAC were on hand to lend copious amounts of duct tape so it could all be temporarily fixed. As the rain became heavier, the Vauxhall broke down twice when its single spark plug became water-logged. And there was the steep hill about halfway through where it simply lacked the power to get up the gradient. That left no other choice than for me to push it, uphill, until it could coast down the other side.
Nevertheless, we made it to the end - and the sense of achievement at crossing the ceremonial finish line on Brighton seafront was incredible, like nothing else I’ve experienced with any other vehicle. It’s one event that I’ll never forget.