Sunshine and scenery: the return of the Summer Veteran Car Run

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If you're like many veteran car enthusiasts, you're probably of the opinion that one Brighton Run a year just isn't enough. Last year, sensing the appetite for 'another Brighton', the Royal Automobile Club added the Summer Veteran Car Run to its calendar. That inaugural event was well-received by all who took part and it was subsequently confirmed as an annual fixture, returning for its second outing on 20th July.

After getting soaked on the 2022 London to Brighton, the drivers and passengers of the 30 cars which entered the Summer Run were pleased to be greeted by sunny skies and a cool breeze as they arrived at Woodcote Park, the Royal Automobile Club's country estate, and assembled on the lawn beside the clubhouse.

I was duly introduced to Ian Stanfield, Senior Workshop Engineer at the National Motor Museum, who was taking a day off from restoring the 1000hp Sunbeam to running order to give the National Motor Museum Trust's 1903 Daimler 22hp some exercise around the Surrey lanes. Ian had kindly agreed to be my driver, provided I returned the favour as navigator.

The cars departed Woodcote Park from 10.30 am and, after a short dash through the commuter traffic, reached the empty and unspoilt country roads of the Surrey Hills, where the scenery epitomizes the picturesque - gently undulating pasture and parkland, with trees and sheep scattered at opportune intervals as if by design. A winding 30-mile drive past village greens and tile-hung pubs took us to our lunch stop, after which another scenic drive returned us to Woodcote Park for afternoon tea and a spot of putting.

With the Daimler's powerful engine and Ian's dexterous handling of it, we motored along the route rather quicker than some of the smaller cars, but not so quickly that we couldn't soak up the atmosphere, and the atmosphere, when all is said and done, is what makes it.

The Brighton is the Brighton; it's wonderful but it's a challenge. The Summer Run is 'another Brighton' inasmuch as it gives owners an opportunity to get a full day's driving done over a serious distance - at 54 miles, it's roughly equal to the distance from Hyde Park Corner to Madeira Drive - but it differs in two significant regards: the weather and the roads. Benign skies and a general absence of traffic give the Summer Run the character of a simple, relaxed saunter. That element is helped in no small part by the superb organization; drivers praised the excellent signage and marshalling en route which, it must be said, rendered my navigational input a little superfluous.

The Summer Veteran Car Run is a most welcome addition to the rally season, and the Royal Automobile Club's organization and hospitality leave no room for improvement. Veteran cars aren't just for November, so keep an eye open for updates about the 2024 event.

Words: Zack Stiling; photographs: Royal Automobile Club
 

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