RUN IN THE SUN !
Now a dedicated fixture on the Veteran Car Run calendar , the Royal Automobile Club ’ s Summer Veteran Car Run is the perfect way to enjoy veteran motoring in summer sunshine .
It may seem a million miles away from a chilly November morning pre-dawn in Hyde Park , but back in July , warm blue skies greeted participants on this year ’ s magical Summer Veteran Car Run .
Now in its third year , the Summer Veteran Car Run once again provided participants with an opportunity to really enjoy their veteran vehicles in glorious surroundings . It was specifically established by the Royal Automobile Club as an ideal ‘ warm-up ’ for the annual RM Sotheby ’ s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run , and has quickly become much-loved . And this year ’ s staging attracted a full entry of 35 sparkling pioneers , all dating back to pre-1905 .
The vast majority of these vehicles offer very little protection from the elements , of course , but crews on the Summer Run donned caps and sunglasses rather than the coats and goggles required on the unpredictable trip from Hyde Park to Madeira Drive each November .
To begin the day ’ s proceedings , the cars gathered in the warm morning air on the Cedar Lawn at Woodcote Park , the Club ’ s tranquil country setting close to the Epsom Downs in Surrey .
Showcasing the innovative ambitions of the period , more than 20 marques were represented . Some like Cadillac , Mercedes and Renault have survived to become major global manufacturers ; others including Aster , Gladiator , Mors and Napier have fallen by the wayside . De Dion Bouton was best represented with five Summer Run entries .
With the sun shining , the colourful cavalcade set out from the gates of the Clubhouse on a jolly 54-mile
22 The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run