What is the London to Brighton Run?
The London to Brighton Run has been reported to be the longest-running car event in the world and ranks as one of Britain’s biggest motoring spectacles. It attracts entrants from around the world, all eager to take part.
The event is not a race. The cars are limited to an average speed of 20 mph, and the only reward for a successful run is a Bronze Medal (awarded to all who reach Brighton before 16.30). The Veteran Car Run has, since 1956, always taken place on the first Sunday in November.
Various routes and start times have been used in the past.
Timetable
The first group of cars leaves Hyde Park at sunrise, with the last group leaving about 1.5 hours later. The older the car, the earlier it leaves, or if the same age, then it is by HP, the smaller first. (The times may change on the day)
The cars start to arrive on the seafront at Brighton from about 10:00 and then throughout the day till the check-in closing time of 16:30.
Next London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
2026/11/01 11:36:39
Eligible Cars
Only cars built before 1 January 1905 are eligible to take part, with the option for the organisers to invite a small number of vehicles out of period.
The Run attracts entrants from all over the world, with the biggest overseas entry coming from the United States, followed by France.
The oldest car to partake in recent years (2000) was the steam “car” belonging to the Bristol Industrial Museum, the “1875 Grenville Steam Carriage”, which completed the run in pouring rain, in approximately 9 hours. Now on loan to The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run Entrants
To enter the iconic London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, your vehicle needs either:
- Officially dating from the VCC Dating Advisory Committee, or
- A VCC Veteran Passport (for first-time entrants)
The VCC Veteran Passport is designed for pre-1905 vehicles entering the LBVCR that don’t currently hold a valid dating certificate from the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain, Veteran Car Services Limited, or The Veteran Car Company Limited.
Passports may also be issued to eligible vehicles while a full dating appraisal is in progress, provided they meet all VCC Veteran Passport criteria.
Find out more about Vehicle Dating here.
Requirements:
- You must be a full VCC member and the vehicle’s legal owner to apply for dating
- The vehicle must be complete and roadworthy when entered
The VCC Veteran Passport is for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run only.
Please note: Certain makes and models are not eligible for consideration. View the exclusion list here.
Apply for a VCC Veteran Passport here – valid for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run only. VCCL Veteran Passport Conditions.