November yet again marked another year of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run; a huge event in our calendar every year where we enter several of our veteran cars in the historic sixty mile route from the capital city to the coast. It marks the anniversary of the Emancipation Run of 1896 after years of strict regulations on the use of motor cars.
This year was the second time we have welcomed Premium Members onto the team of drivers, two of which were Steve and Tom Vaughan, a father and son duo who were selected to drive the oldest surviving Rover car! Here is a brief rundown of the experience by Steve Vaughan:
“My son and I are regular visitors to the British Motor Museum at Gaydon. As Premium Members we knew Membership had advantages, but never dreamed of the one that we experienced in November. Premium Members were invited to apply for a very small number of seats in one of their six cars which would be taking part in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run in 2024. We applied.
In September we received an email, “I am really pleased to let you know that you and your son have been selected to join us …” It was difficult to keep the smile off our faces! We attended a training day where we learned we would be driving the oldest surviving
Rover car, the 1904 Rover 8hp.
On the 2 November, we arrived in London for a briefing and a lovely dinner with the Museum Support Team and other guests. The following morning, we had a rude awakening at 5am, but after a light breakfast, we were led to the car park to meet
our trusty cars. There was “our” Rover, shining and raring to go after the care and attention proffered by the Support Team. As the nominated driver, it was my duty to nervously drive the car out of the garage to Hyde Park. For the unknowing, early cars have
unconventional controls.
The drive in semi-darkness to Hyde Park was short and we waited our turn to depart. After driving through the Start Line, we were on our way past Buckingham Palace and across Westminster Bridge. Despite being just after 8.30am on a Sunday morning, the streets were busy and every stop at a traffic light was a challenge. My son was supportive, and applauded me for every good gear change.
I drove to the halfway breakfast stop near Gatwick and then my son drove the rest of the way. There were thousands of people lining the route and the reception was magnificent. We arrived in Brighton some seven hours later to rapturous applause.
I am 69, and my son is 22. Together we represent two key elements of the Museum’s ethos: to engage the older generation and inspire the younger. The Run achieved that completely. We will be talking about that day in November for many years to come. We have already adopted the Rover using the Museum’s adoption process and will be visiting our “baby” Rover whenever we can.
To find out more about the British Motor Museum please visit the website at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk. For more information on the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run please visit www.veterancarrun.com
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