London to Brighton 2018: what you need to know

| 29 Oct 2018
Classic & Sports Car – London to Brighton 2018: what you need to know

It’s almost time for the world’s longest-running motoring event, the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

This Sunday (4 November), over 400 crews will take the start in their pre-1905 vehicles.

From big names such as Mercedes, Renault and Oldsmobile, to lesser-known marques including Flint, Mors, Knox, Gladiator, Achilles, Darracq, Lambert and Warwick, there’s plenty of variety on the 60-mile Run.

And for the 2018 edition – perhaps surprisingly, given this event’s 122-year history – two brands make their debut! So if you’re planning to go, look out for the Premier Model F and 1903 Vabis.

Classic & Sports Car – London to Brighton 2018: what you need to know
Classic & Sports Car – London to Brighton 2018: what you need to know

There’s another first this year, too: participants will follow two routes out the capital, before later converging and following the well-trodden path to Brighton. Get full details on the new route here.

The aim of this change is to ease congestion, with the added bonus that more members of the public will be able to see the event.

As well as checking out the cars, there are a few famous faces to look for, too. Red Bull F1 boss Christian Horner and his wife, former Spice Girl Geri, are taking part, as is TV presenter Kevin McCloud.

So, if you’re planning on enjoying this spectacle, here’s what's happening when, but bear in mind that, apart from the start, all timings are approximate:

  • 6.59am-8.15am: Constitution Hill, London
  • 6.59am-8.15am: The Mall, London
  • 6.59am-8.15am: Horse Guards Parade, London
  • 7.05am-8.20am: Westminster Bridge, London
  • 7.10am-9.15am: Clapham Common, London
  • 7.35am-11.00am: Croydon – A236, A235 and A23
  • 7.50am-11.30am: Redhill – A23
  • 8.00am-12.15pm: Gatwick – A23
  • 8.20am-2.00pm: Crawley High Street
  • 8.45am-2.30pm: Cuckfield High Street, B2114
  • 8:55am-3.00pm: Burgess Hill – B2036
  • 9:00am-3.30pm: Clayton Hill – A273
  • 10.04am-4.30pm: Brighton – Madeira Drive
     

And don’t forget that there’s more than ‘just’ the Run. Bonhams is holding a Veteran Car Run sale on the Friday afternoon, plus there's the free Regent Street Motor Show between 10.30am and 4pm on Saturday 3 November.

“The unique Veteran Car Run is without doubt one of the highlights on the international motoring calendar. Even more than that, it’s a wonderful piece of living history and an annual reminder of the fearless motoring pioneers who, literally, paved the way for all of us,” said Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club.

Find out more about this year's London to Brighton Veteran Car Run here.


READ MORE

New route for 2018 London to Brighton

Renault and Vauxhall take on London to Brighton Run

Swedish rarity set for London to Brighton

Super-rare Premier Model F to make Brighton Run debut

Added spice for London to Brighton

Classic Jaguar celebration at Regent Street show