Brighton Run: Album 251

Every year on the first Sunday in November four hundred pre-1905 cars gather in Hyde Park for the annual Brighton Run, at one time unfortunately known as the Old Crocks Park. It is one of Britain's greatest annual motoring spectacles. Organised by the Royal Automobile Club with the co-operation of the Veteran Car Club, this event is reputedly watched by a million people over the 52 mile (84km) route. Its origins go back to 1896 when the law changed and the light locomotive was at last allowed to travel up to 12 mph (19km/h) and did not have to be preceded by a man walking in front. To celebrate this change in the law the Motor Car Club ran 'The Emancipation Run' from London to Brighton. Revived in 1927, veteran cars have been making this annual pilgrimage ever since - war years and 1947 excepted.Lord Montague of Beaulieu is the author of 'Brighton Run: Album 251' with ISBN 9780747800996 and ISBN 0747800995.