FROM THE CLUB
FROM RM SOTHEBY’ S
WELCOME
WELCOME
FROM THE CLUB
As Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, it gives me enormous pleasure to welcome you to the 2026 Run.
This year we celebrate 140 years since the first car took to the roads, and 130 years since British drivers could legally do the same on the original‘ Emancipation Run’ in 1896.
Entries continue to rise. With more than 100 international participants and 20 first-time entrants. I’ m also delighted to see so many younger drivers and participants taking part. The Run really is in the rudest of health.
As we know, it’ s not a race, but a test of true endurance for drivers and their steeds – and part of the essence of the challenge. From the anticipation of the iconic Hyde Park dawn start to the relief and jubilation of arriving in Brighton, this journey is an experience only the Run can deliver.
We take pride in preserving its traditions, working closely with the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, planning and collaboration with the authorities along the route.
Finally, my thanks to our recovery teams, over 350 volunteer marshals and our valued partners, without whom this unique event would not be possible.
Enjoy the day, and see you in Brighton!
Duncan Wiltshire Chairman, Royal Automobile Club
FROM RM SOTHEBY’ S
This year’ s event celebrates the 140th anniversary of the world’ s first production automobile – a landmark moment in history that changed the course of humanity forever.
I, for one, am eternally grateful to Carl Benz and his pioneering Benz Patent-Motorwagen.
Without that revolutionary 954 cc three-wheeled carriage, you would not be here today celebrating the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run – an event that has brought me and thousands of other likeminded enthusiasts immeasurable joy over the years.
For many, today can be a rather grueling journey, but the challenge of persevering and the accomplishment of the journey makes it worthwhile. And spare a thought for Bertha Benz and her two teenage sons. When Bertha took one of her husband’ s earliest creations on the world’ s first long-distance automobile journey – without his knowledge – she proved that the motor car was far more than a fragile curiosity or passing plaything. She drove 68 miles – five miles farther than today’ s participants will cover.
Please do come and see us when you cross the finish line, and don’ t forget to attend the superb St James’ s Motoring Spectacle.
I wish you all a safe and enjoyable journey.
Malcolm Barber RM Sotheby’ s
Duncan Wiltshire Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club
www. veterancarrun. com F / veterancarrun. I @ veterancarrun 3