The London to Brighton Run continues its tradition of unveiling forgotten motoring treasures with the debut of the Opel Darracq, a striking relic of early automotive craftsmanship newly restored for the historic journey.
The RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, an exclusive event celebrating pre-1905 motor vehicles, will this year see the remarkable debut of a very rare c1904 Opel Darracq. Unearthed in a German university basement and restored with utmost care, this exceptional automobile is poised to join the ranks of motoring’s finest on the iconic journey from London to Brighton on 2 November.
Few events capture the spirit and enduring allure of early motoring quite like the Veteran Car Run. Every year, this storied occasion brings to light forgotten treasures from the dawn of the automobile—vehicles painstakingly restored and lovingly presented against the backdrop of the world’s longest continuously running motoring celebration.
The story of this particular Opel Darracq is one of rediscovery and resurrection. Originally manufactured in the early 1900s following a collaboration between Germany’s Adam Opel and the French marque Darracq, the car represents a fascinating blend of engineering heritage: Opel bodies expertly mounted on proven Darracq chassis, powered by a rare 20/24hp two-cylinder engine.
Its survival owes much to a stroke of luck—the car was discovered in 1960 within the cellar of Hannover Technical University, escaping the fate of many contemporaries lost to wartime scrap drives.
After decades of participation in local rallies and showrooms, stewardship of the car passed to a new generation in 2010. A comprehensive restoration in 2022 returned the vehicle to its original glory, complete with a rare Landaulet-style body characterised by an open driver’s seat and an enclosed passenger cabin—a design that echoes the elegance of motoring’s infancy.
To ensure authenticity, the car underwent rigorous scrutiny by the Veteran Car Company Ltd.’s Dating Advisory Committee, who verify the originality of essential mechanical components before granting each entrant official certification. Each year, only a select 10 to 15 pre-1905 vehicles worldwide earn this distinction, underlining the exclusivity and prestige of the Run.
Marc Heinemann, the current custodian, reflects: “The London to Brighton Run is the perfect stage to complete this car’s story, bringing it back to the public eye in its fully restored form. We hope to complete the Run successfully and share this piece of motoring heritage with enthusiasts and collectors alike during the St James’s Concours the day before.”
This event, organised by the Royal Automobile Club, also marks the thrilling end of London Motor Week—a week-long celebration brimming with exhibitions, lectures, and auctions, including RM Sotheby’s London Sale of exceptional collector cars.
As the veteran cars prepare to traverse the historic route, each one tells a story of innovation, craftsmanship, and passion from the dawn of motoring. The Opel Darracq’s journey from a forgotten basement to the London to Brighton Run epitomises the timeless romance of vintage motoring, a spectacle where history is not merely remembered but relived.
For those attending, further details on the 2025 RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run can be found at www.veterancarrun.com, promising a day rich in heritage, community, and automotive splendour.
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