As I was navigating the public transport required to get to today’s destination, I marvelled at all the posters and electronic signs advertising what’s on in London. It was a dazzling array of events, and I thought once more how lucky we are to live so close to such a beautiful city with so much going on. I also thought how lucky we were not to have to live in London.
Old Cars
I was in London for the inaugural St James’s Motoring Spectacle where many of the cars that will be taking in this years London to Brighton Veteran Car Run were on display on Pall Mall for the day. It was advertised as being open from 10 am, but as it was on a public road, which they couldn’t shut to pedestrians, I was able to get there early and start my tour before the official opening. This had the added bonus of there being fewer people too.
The London to Brighton run is for cars that were built before 1905. As I walked past them, there was a lot of wood, leather, brass and simple engines with drip trays catching oil beneath them. There were some lovely cars there, all beautifully maintained, with their owners standing proudly nearby. Some in period clothing and some as old as their cars!
Further down the road were some more modern cars including a Subaru Impreza WRC car, Bond’s Aston DB5, and an early Fiat 500. To me, these were less interesting perhaps because they were more common, and I found myself turning around and heading back to the classics.
One day I will go and watch the run itself and see these beauties on the road down to Brighton, but, for now, this will have to suffice.
Quite amazing! Here in Michigan, the heart of the American motor industry there are plenty of car museums and shows, including the occasional show of British cars from Rolls Royce and Bently down to 1970s Fords such as the Cortina and the Anglia. My Dad owned a Mini Countryman Estate – I wonder if that model is exhibited in museums now!