And they're off! (well, some of them): Hundreds of vintage cars take part in annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

We're off: The official starter waves the Union Jack as the 77th annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run started this morning


Hundreds of vintage cars today took part in the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

More than 500 vehicles set off from Hyde Park this morning to drive the 60 miles to the East Sussex town.

Organisers of the Royal Automobile Club's 77th rally said 572 vehicles were entered for this year's run, although not all managed to make it even over the start line.


Bit misty this morning? These two men wrapped up warm as they make their way up Brixton Hill during the 60-mile rally


Things are heating up: A 1904 steam Gardner-Serpollet from Monaco stops in Parliament Square. The flames are a side effect of restarting the steam engine


To be eligible to enter the rally, cars must have a pre-1905 registration.

A rally spokesman said: 'These cars are all over 100 years old so they're not the most reliable and many break down along the way, and there are always a few non-starters.'

He added that while some of the larger vehicles could reach speeds of up to 60mph, most made the journey at around 20mph.



Give us a push: These two contestants rely on an even more old-fashioned source of power to get their motor started


Underway: A 1903 Peugeot drives across Westminster Bridge on its way to East Sussex and, right, these four motorists narrowly stay ahead of a London bus


Healthy competition: A fleet of vintage cars makes its way along Constitution Hill after leaving Hyde Park earlier today


One of the first to cross the start ine was a circa 1894 Benz Victoria while a 1904 Darracq, which starred in the 1953 comedy film Genevieve about two couples who take part in the rally, was also in action.

Among those behind the wheels of the vintage motors is former Formula One driver Jochen Mass.

The annual rally commemorates the first 'Emancipation Run' in 1896, held to mark the passing of the Locomotives on Highways Act - which raised the speed limit for 'light locomotives' from 4mph to 14mph and scrapped the requirement for vehicles to be preceded by a man on foot carrying a red flag.


What ho chaps! Two 1903 De Dion Boutons - a Tonneau on the left and a Two-seater on the right - begin their journeys


Veteran vehicles: One car had to call the RAC as others trundle past at around 20mph. The last competitor is expected to cross the finish line in Brighton at 4.30pm


Pedal power: This motorist gives his vehicle a helping hand to get it restarted in south London

This year 164 makes of car were taking part, with drivers' ages ranging from 18 to 91.
The last car was expected to complete the journey at 4.30pm.


source: dailymail