Royal Automobile Club Summer Run

Last year the Royal Automobile Club decided to give the owners of cars usually seen in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run in November an excuse to exercise their cars in high summer.  The Summer Veteran Car Run was such a huge success, the Royal Automobile Club has confirmed that the event for pre-1905 cars will make a welcome return in July and become an annual fixture on the Club’s calendar.  This year’s event is set for 20 July.  It is a rare chance for spectators to see genuine cars from the dawn of motoring in action, as their owners prepare to take part in November’s RM Sotheby’s London-to-Brighton Veteran Car Run – amazingly, now in its 127th year.

Sticking to last year’s winning format, the one-day-45 mile Summer Run will be based at the Club’s country Woodcote Park clubhouse near Epsom, Surrey, and include a light-hearted concours.  “Last year’s Summer Run proved a wonderful warm-up for the London-to-Brighton, and we are excited to be offering a similarly special event this July,” explained Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club.

“As tradition famously dictates, the annual homage to the original Emancipation Run must always take place on the first Sunday in November… when the brave participants often experience very challenging weather.  With the sun higher in the sky, the Summer Run is a far more relaxed and sociable gathering, as well as an opportunity for veteran car owners to ready themselves and their cars for the main event three months later.  We’ve been overwhelmed by the response and only have a few slots available”

The special appeal and significance of the London-to-Brighton Run regularly attracts more than 400 entries from all over the world.  However, the Summer Run is open to just 25 petrol, steam or even electric pioneers, all dating back to the earliest days of motoring.  See www.veterancarrun.com for details.