The 2025 RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run promises to whisk us back to a bygone era, celebrating more than a century of motoring history with warmth, pride, and a touch of nostalgia.
Marking the 125th anniversary of the seminal 1000 Mile Trial, this world-renowned event unfolds with an entry list teeming with pioneering vehicles that tell the story of automotive innovation and human endeavour.
Before the first light of dawn, London’s Hyde Park becomes a hive of eager anticipation. More than 400 horseless carriages, accompanied by a modest but spirited collection of veteran motorcycles and charming penny farthings, gather for the traditional ceremonial tearing of the red flag—this year notably held on South Carriage Drive. That simple act, rooted in Victorian-era motoring freedom, signals the start of a journey that is as much about celebrating heritage as it is about embracing the joy of the open road.
This year’s Run pays homage to the original 1000 Mile Trial of 1900 — a daring adventure organised by the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland, the precursor to the Royal Automobile Club. Back then, 83 brave motorists embarked on a gruelling nationwide course designed to demonstrate the robustness of these new mechanical marvels and introduce the motor car to a curious nation. The route threaded through cities and towns, taking in Bristol, Manchester, Edinburgh, and beyond, capturing imaginations with every mile.
Leading this year’s cavalcade is a true icon — the 1899 Wolseley 3.5hp Voiturette, affectionately known as OWL. Preserved at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, OWL will be expertly driven by racing driver Alex Brundle and presenter Charlotte Vowden, its early morning journey from Hyde Park a living link to motor sport’s earliest days.
The procession rolls south, passing beneath Wellington Arch and following familiar paths lined with history and grandeur. As they traverse Constitution Hill, The Mall, and beyond, the parade touches some of London’s most iconic landmarks — Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament — places where motoring laws and freedoms took shape, notably with the 1896 Locomotives on the Highway Act that hastened the dawn of modern motoring.
While the majority of veteran cars rely on petrol engines, this cavalcade also embraces the rich variety of early propulsion, including steam power and the intriguing resurgence of electric vehicles. A modern nod to sustainability graces the event with four Royal Automobile Club entries powered by biofuels, a reminder that heritage and innovation can harmonise.
The age range of vehicles is both breathtaking and awe-inspiring; from one of the earliest contenders — a 1894 single-cylinder Benz entering from Germany — to illustrious names like Chevrolet, Ford, Mercedes, and Renault, the lineup reads like a motoring encyclopaedia. This year also celebrates a century of Mercedes-Benz heritage, featuring memorable models that mark the brand’s storied past.
The split route, winding through London’s bustling districts and on through Surrey’s countryside, leads to a welcome stop at Crawley. Here, The Hawth Theatre offers a brief respite for crews and spectators alike before the final leg across the picturesque South Downs into Brighton.
The Run’s spirit is one of camaraderie and celebration rather than competition; no prizes await the swiftest, but rather the cherished finisher’s medal reserved for those who complete the journey by the dusk curfew.
Along the route, spectators are treated to moving scenes of motoring history, with recommended viewing points drawing appreciative crowds — from Hyde Park’s first light ceremony through the hustle of London streets, the calm of Surrey’s lanes, and finally the vibrant bustle of Brighton’s Madeira Drive.
As Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, reflects: “The RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is not just a race; it is a living, breathing exhibition of how far motoring has come. Honouring the 1000 Mile Trial reminds us of the passion, innovation, and sheer determination that propelled the industry forward.”
The Run shines as the jewel in the crown of London Motor Week — a vibrant celebration of motoring encompassing thought-provoking lectures, the Motoring Book of the Year Awards, and exhibitions, all culminating in this spectacular homage to motor transport’s roots.
For those eager to witness this extraordinary blend of history, engineering, and spirited adventure, full details and entry information await at veterancarrun.com.
Ultimately, the 2025 Run offers more than a glimpse into the past; it invites us to share in the continuing story of motoring, where every turn of a wheel connects generations, and every mile travelled is a tribute to the enduring human spirit of exploration and innovation.
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