As previously reported, some 492 entries from all over the world will take part in the 110th Anniversary London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (LBVCR), with cars that are at least 102 years old. The average age of the drivers on this years run is 56, with the youngest just 17-years-old and the oldest 89. Many of the entrants also take their families along as passengers, with some cars carrying up to four generations along the 60-mile route to Brighton on Sunday 5th November.

Chris Scott, 17, from Guernsey is the youngest driver on the LBVCR, driving an 1898 Rochet Tricycle, which is owned by his father Tim Scott. Chris will also be displaying the Rochet in the LBVCR International Concours in Regent Street on Saturday 4th November. Student Katie Newens, from East Molesey in Surrey, is another 17-year-old taking to the road behind the steering wheel of the family 1904 Star three seater, which she will be sharing the driving with her 20-year-old brother Chris. Two 18-year-olds are also driving in this year’s Run, with Edwin Jowsey from Whitby in a 1904 De Dion Bouton Victoria and Laura Clemenson from Bishop Auckland in a 1904 Panhard et Levassor Tonneau that was previously owned by Rolls Royce founder CS Rolls.

At the other end of the age scale Osmond Bennett from County Kilkenny in Ireland at 89 is the oldest driver on the 2006 LBVCR and will be driving his 1901 De Dion Bouton Vis-à-vis.

“It is great to see so many young people taking an interest in these vehicles,” said Roger Etcell, LBVCR Event Director. “Many of these cars have been in the same family for generations. They are usually owned by their fathers or grandfathers and now it is time for them to take the wheel. In some cases it has almost become a generational relay, handing the cars over to the next generation of the family like a baton in a relay race. There is also a lot of interest from younger people who are looking for an investment or just enjoy the style of motoring that these cars offer and the last few events has seen the average age of participants moving downwards.”

Starting at Sunrise (07:07am) in Hyde Park, London, on Sunday 5th November, the oldest cars in the event will begin their 60 mile journey to Brighton, with the last cars leaving around 08:30. The 492 participants and their passengers will take in some of the most famous sights in the Capital as they head down Constitution Hill to pass in front of Buckingham Palace. Travelling along Birdcage Walk the veteran cars pass through Parliament Square and cross Westminster Bridge, with the Houses of Parliament providing a dramatic backdrop. After passing through Croydon and taking a stop in Crawley old town, the cars will head to Brighton where they will finish on Madeira Drive on the seafront.

Timetable

Sunday 5th November – 2006 LBVCR

07:07 to 08:30  Hyde Park, London

07:45 to 11:00  Croydon

08:30 to 13:45  Crawley