Just a few years later, in 1896, the UK Parliament passed the landmark Light Locomotives on the Highway Act, raising the speed limit for mechanically propelled vehicles to 14mph. This pivotal legislation not only effectively signalled the end of the horsedrawn era and sparked the birth of the British automotive industry, but also encouraged a group of hardy early enthusiasts to drive their pioneering vehicles from London to Brighton on the famous Emancipation Run – the historic event honoured today by the Veteran Car Run.
Under the evocative 2026 event theme,‘ 140 years of the Motor Car’, Collins’ wonderfully nostalgic watercolour graces the cover of this very programme. Postcards and a limited run of signed and numbered posters will also be available from the Club Shop.
Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, said:“ Carl Benz’ s remarkable invention transformed personal mobility and changed the world in ways few innovations ever have. It laid the foundations for the modern automotive industry and shaped the way people live, work and travel to this day. Neil Collins’ beautiful painting captures both the pioneering spirit and sense of wonder that surrounded those earliest days of motoring perfectly, making it a fitting tribute for this very special anniversary.”
Further examples of Collins’ work will also be displayed at the Royal Automobile Club’ s annual Art of Motoring exhibition, which showcases many of Britain’ s finest automotive artists. The exhibition will be held at the Iconic Images Gallery in Piccadilly during London Motor Week, in the immediate run-up to the Run.-
Neil and his work will be on display at this year’ s Art of Motoring at the Iconic Images Gallery in Piccadilly( 2025 Exhibition pictured above)
34 The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run