London to Brighton Old Car Run on 02.11.2025
London to Brighton Old Car Run on Kennington Park Road
All photos are from the London to Brighton Old Car Run on 02.11.2025, taken early in the morning, on Kennington Park Road near Oval Underground Station.
Each year, the first Sunday of November, they celebrate the anniversary of the original 1896 Emancipation Run, as a response to restrictive motoring laws of the time, and it now celebrates the pioneering era of the automobile.
This is one of the most cherished motoring gatherings in the world, and you can be part of it either as a participant or as a spectator. You’ll witness cars that were built around the turn of the 20th century making the 60-mile journey from London to Brighton, and you’ll absorb the atmosphere of classic motoring celebration.
Photos from the older London to Brighton Veteran Car Run are inside Visit London Events Home Page
What started as a short-lived protest turned into an annual commemoration as enthusiasts wanted to keep the spirit of the first run alive. Today’s event honours the bravery and innovation of early motorists while providing a living history exhibit.
More than 400 pioneering old cars with their drivers and passengers gathered in Hyde Park and start this 2025 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
Understanding “veteran” and other classifications
Car classifications matter. You’ll want to know the difference between veteran, Edwardian, and vintage for both entry rules and your own appreciation.
What is a veteran car?
Veteran cars are generally those built before January 1, 1905. These are the very earliest horseless carriages, often very simple in design and operation. When you watch them, you’ll see engines, controls, and coachwork that predate almost all automotive conventions.
Edwardian and vintage distinctions
Cars built between 1905 and 1918 are often called Edwardian, and those built between 1919 and the 1930s are usually called vintage. Knowing these distinctions helps you navigate entry categories, rally groupings, and historical context for different vehicles.
The route: London to Brighton
The classic route covers roughly 60 miles (100 km) from the starting point, traditionally at Hyde Park in London, to the finish on Brighton seafront, passing a variety of landscapes, small towns, and country roads that add character to the run.
Drivers and their old cars from around the world are part of this spectacular event.
