Veteran car rally goes through West Sussex today

The world’s oldest car rally travels through Crawley, Handcross and the Mid Sussex district today (Sunday November 2).
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The Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran car run will be travelling in today’s wet and windy conditions.

No fewer than 440 veteran cars – some 34 more than in 2013 – lined up in Hyde Park ready to tackle the route.

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As tradition dictates, the first car set off on the 60-mile trip to the coast as dawn broke, regardless of what the weather is doing.

Very few of the veterans offer any protection against the elements, showing that the pioneer motorists were a hardy bunch.

As well as petrol-powered cars there will be veterans powered by steam and, proving there’s nothing new under the sun, even some battery-powered electric vehicles. Open to cars built in 1904 or earlier, all the entries are at least 110 years old.

Famous names taking part include former Grand Prix team owner Ross Brawn, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, MP Robert Goodwill, Olympic gold medallists Sir Ben Ainslie and Sir Steve Redgrave, Jonathan Montagu from Beaulieu and TV baker Paul Hollywood.

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A major checkpoint on the route is the Harrods Stop at Crawley where a break is organised.

The traditional finish is on Brighton’s Madeira Drive on the seafront, with the first cars expected at just after 10am with the event officially closing at 4.30pm.

For more on the rally, including a map of the route go to www.veterancarrun.com/home