From Brooklands to Lisbon: the adventure begins

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Tucked beneath the clubhouse at Brooklands Museum, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation as crews gathered for the start of the 2026 London to Lisbon Historic Rally. Photographer Adrian Berg joined competitors and organisers as final preparations were made for one of Europe’s great historic motoring adventures.

On Wednesday 20 May, I joined the crews of the 2026 London to Lisbon Historic Rally as they shared stories, tactics and anticipation for the long week ahead beneath the clubhouse at Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, on the site of the 1907 racetrack — the first purpose-built racing circuit in the world.

They were about to embark on the ultimate European driving adventure for pre-1991 cars, during which, over 11 days, they would complete 35 regularities and cover almost 2,000 miles on some of the continent’s most beautiful roads, with every detail organised to perfection by HERO-ERA, the masters of historic rallying.

At precisely 9.30am, the cars assembled on the track’s finishing straight to be waved off at two-minute intervals. They hit the ground running, tackling the daunting 1909 Test Hill before immediately taking on driving tests along the circuit’s banking and finishing straight, prior to leaving the museum and heading through the North Downs and Kent countryside towards Dover, before continuing on to Le Touquet for their first night.

I have put together a selection of photographs that capture the spirit of the event’s start, its characters and its memorable moments. I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoyed being part of the day.

Words and photos by Adrian Berg of IMAGE PERFECT

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