London to Brighton Veteran Car Run 2013

Two cars from the collection are taking part in the London to Brighton run this year

In England, according to the so called Locomotive Act of 1878, the first vehicles were allowed to drive at a maximum speed of three kilometers per hour within built up areas.

Outside, no less than twice that was allowed! In addition, within built up areas a man carrying a red flag had to walk in front of the vehicle as a warning of the approaching monster danger.

In 1896 this so-called 'Red Flag Act' was abolished and, through the 'Locomotives on Highways Act', the speed limit was raised to 20 kilometers per hour. To celebrate this, a drive from London to the coastal town of Brighton was organized that year. This drive was called the 'Emancipation Run'. The idea was that by repealing the old law, the car had been emancipated.

The 'Emancipation Run' was carried out in full English tradition; after what was undoubtedly a hearty breakfast, the 'Red Flag' was ceremonially torn up. Accompanied by an escort of numerous cyclists, the 33 participants set off towards Brighton, where 17 of them arrived. Although this is not mentioned in the annals, the 'winner' was looked at askance. It was a Duryea, a car of American manufacture. It was the very first time an American car drove in Europe, and it immediately took the prize!

Since 1927 this so called 'London to Brighton Run' has been held every year. Only the Second World War caused a brief interruption. This was not because of a lack of interest, but because gasoline was rationed! From 1947 to the present, the Run has taken place annually. Participation is limited to cars from before 1905.

From very modest beginnings, this Run has grown into the largest of its kind. More than 500 cars take part in this event. The route to be covered is not very long (87 km), but the real challenge lies in the rolling nature of the roads. With in many cases no more than 10 hp available and two or more people on board, the driver is expected to have great judgment. He must build up enough speed on the downhill stretches to make it safely up the climbs. The braking power of cars from before 1905 is very limited and forms an extra handicap. Given the weather conditions at the beginning of November (a shower here and there, usually here), passengers are not expected to get out and push.

Against the backdrop of this run, a romantic comedy film titled 'Genevieve' was shot in 1953.

The leading roles were played by two cars that belong to the permanent collection of the Louwman Museum: a 1904 Darracq, which gave the film its name, and a green Spyker Double Phaeton, which actually dates from 1905, but that was no problem for the film. The film 'Genevieve' gave a huge boost to interest in classic cars.

This year, the London to Brighton Run will take place on Sunday 3 November. The more than 500 cars from the early days will set off one by one from 07:02 from Hyde Park, in the center of London. A few hours later, the first cars will arrive in Brighton, on the south coast of England.

Just like in previous years, Genevieve from the film is taking part again. The 1903 Napier Gordon Bennet racer will also be there. With around 100 hp, the course itself will not be a problem, but the idea is that participants should not drive faster than an average of 20 km/h over the route. As far as is known, there will be no speed cameras in use during the run.

The Louwman Museum has a rich history of participating in the London to Brighton Run. The 1895 Peugeot even still carries the number 1, the starting number that at the time belonged to the oldest car in the event. Several Benz automobiles from the collection have also graced the Run with their presence.