RUNNING ON SUNSHINE !
Cars leaving the Royal Automobile Club ’ s Woodcote Park clubhouse at the start of the 2023 Summer Veteran Car Run .
Jonathan Gill reflects on the second iteration of the Royal Automobile Club ’ s Summer Veteran Car Run , held in the blazing July sunshine .
After the success of last year ’ s inaugural event , the second running of the Royal Automobile Club ’ s Summer Veteran Car Run was hailed an even greater triumph than the first !
Again based at the Club ’ s Woodcote Park clubhouse near Epsom , the event was introduced as a means of providing owners and drivers of pre-1905 machines with an opportunity to enjoy their cars in warm and relaxed surroundings .
Upon gathering under bright blue skies on the Cedar Lawn , a full-capacity field of 30 veterans set out through the Woodcote Park gates to begin their journey . The 54-mile day trip led them through the grasslands and woodlands of rural Surrey and West Sussex .
First to leave was the oldest car – a venerable single-cylinder 1899 De Dion Bouton vis-à-vis – followed by a captivating cavalcade of Cadillac ,
Daimler , Napier , Peugeot and Renault pioneers . Also represented were some less familiar marques including Argyll , Dennis , Gladiator , MMC , Mors , Norfolk and Rambler .
From Woodcote Park , the horseless carriages headed south through the Surrey Hills and passed through the charming villages of Brockham , Charlwood and Rusper , towards a leisurely lunch stop at Gildings Barns in the countryside ; once refreshed , the field travelled back via the picturesque Mole Valley . With the sun shining throughout , large numbers of spectators lined the wayside , revelling in the sights and sounds of these extraordinary vehicles from longgone Victorian and Edwardian times .
Once all the cars had safely returned to Woodcote Park , crews of all ages shared their experiences over tea , before prizes were awarded for Best in Show and the Chairman ’ s Choice , as well as for a round of mini-
26 The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run