British brand Vauxhall to commemorate heritage in joining the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
Historic British brand Vauxhall has announced its intention to join its French counterpart, Renault, in becoming a Manufacturer Patron of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
The pioneering carmaker will be entering a 1904 6hp single-cylinder two-seater into the run, which has competed in the run 53 times previously. Nine of the runs were during the early vehicle's 20 years of Vauxhall ownership.
The Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run commemorates the Emancipation Run of 14 November 1896, which celebrated the Locomotives on the Highway Act. The Act raised the speed limit for 'light locomotives' from four to 14mph, and abolished the need for these vehicles to be preceded by a man on foot waving a red flag.
The first re-enactment of the run took place in 1927, and it has taken place ever year since then (with the exclusion of the war years), securing its place as the world's longest running motor event. This year's event will take place on November 1.
Vauxhall has an equally interesting heritage. Founded in 1903 in its Southern London namesake, Vauxhall, the manufacturers moved to Luton in 1905, where they are still based today.
Recently, a part of their Luton site was dedicated to the brands heritage centre, where many of their historical vehicles are housed.
Denis Chick, Vauxhall communications director, said: "Vauxhall has been a regular in the run since the 1950s with either and sometimes both of our veterans. This year is particularly poignant as Vauxhall celebrates 110 years of vehicle production at its Luton plant and 90 years of ownership by General Motors. We look forward to sampling the sea air yet again in 2015!"