London to Brighton Veteran Car Run Nov 2025

Background and details:

Taking part in the 2025 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is no easy task. The cars must be earlier than 1905 and make a journey of 60 miles, leaving Hyde Park at 7.00am and arriving at Brighton before sunset to achieve a coveted VCR certificate.

Later cars don't have much of a problem, but the run involves many steep hills and passengers in older cars don't have an easy ride and must often get off to push.

This year Andy Rhind-Tutt is following in his late grandfather's 1900-1902 footsteps, attempting the VCR in a 125-year-old, 3.5hp De Dion motorcar nicknamed “The Ritz Traveller”. With him, will be his son Mathew, son-in-law Ollie Hill, family friends Henry Fyer & Andy Tamkus. The car is open to the elements, has no rain protection, little braking, no reverse gear and enjoys tiller steering!

To add to the challenge, fellow Rotarian Andy Williams is going to attempt to ride a bicycle both directions, leaving Brighton for London at sunrise and back to Brighton before sunset (122 miles).

Supporting us and our chosen charities:

We would love you to sponsor and track us as we make our way to Brighton (we will share our live location on WhatsApp). You can even come and watch us and 450 other vehicles on the journey.

Adding a bit of excitement to your donation, if you can guess the exact arrival time the car or bicycle will arrive at Brighton, you will win a Xmas hamper. Just leave your time with you comments when you donate.

All funds raised will be given to The Rotary Club of Wilton Trust Fund (charity number 1026117) who will distribute to:

The Stars Appeal - Specialist equipment for Salisbury Hospital’s ENT department.

Salisbury Hospice Charity (charity number 1052284) - chosen by Ollie Hill

Thyroid UK (charity number 1125270) chosen by Matt Rhind-Tutt.

Wilton RDA (charity number 1158881) – chosen by Henry Fryer and Andy Tamkus.

South Wilts Mencap (charity number 1112202) - chosen by Andy Williams.

Any gift aid recovered will go to charities supported by the club’s members.

Facts to consider:

The De Dion’s start time at Hyde Park is between 7.00 and 7.06 am (the distance is 60 miles).

The max speed of car on level ground is approximately 12-15mph.

There is one Pit Stop which should be no more than 30 minutes.

The car may need a push over hills. See the route here: https://cdn.asp.events/CLIENT_Goose_Co_7F6419AF_5056_B739_54C4F8B966B46831/sites/Veteran-Car-Run-2019/media/Routes/VCR25-Participant-Route-Guide-V1.pdf

The car needs an oil top up every 25 minutes and a new battery, fuel and water during the run.

The cycle ride from Brighton to London and back to Brighton starts at 6.00 am (122 miles).

The team’s live location will be shared on WhatsApp so you can track the car /bike and timings.

Thank you for your support.

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