Preparations for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run have taken another encouraging step, with Jaguar Enthusiast Magazine Editor Wayne Scott and Classic XK Model Section Coordinator Michael Ballard completing their second practice session this week in the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust’s 1904 Lanchester.
Ahead of their adventure on Sunday, 1 November, the pair have been getting to grips with a car whose controls and driving techniques take them well beyond familiar Jaguar territory. Guiding this pioneering machine from London to the coast will require skills that practice, patience and expert tuition are helping to develop.
Providing that tuition has been James ‘Jock’ Howe, whose coaching has made a real difference as Wayne and Michael build their confidence.
“I can’t thank Jock enough for the brilliant coaching he has given Michael and me,” said Wayne. “It felt like I clicked with the car this time around and even mastered downshifting at speed – feels good!”
The session also brought an opportunity to meet one of the passengers (who read about the opportunity in Jaguar Enthusiast Magazine) who will be joining them for the Run, affectionately described by Wayne as “brave souls”!
With confidence growing and the departure from Hyde Park drawing closer, the preparations are becoming part of the adventure itself. For two enthusiasts more accustomed to Jaguars, learning the ways of a 122-year-old Lanchester is already proving a memorable experience.
If you are heading out to watch on Sunday, keep an eye out for the JDHT’s Lanchester, registration O 1230, and give Wayne, Michael and their passengers a wave as they make their way towards Brighton.
Where to watch on Sunday
If you are heading out to cheer on the participants, the following locations offer opportunities to see the veteran cars along the route. These approximate passing windows cover the field as a whole, rather than the Lanchester’s individual arrival time.
| Location | Approximate viewing window |
|---|---|
| Hyde Park | Red flag ceremony at 6.45am; departure from 6.53am |
| Constitution Hill / The Mall | 7.00–8.45am |
| Whitehall / Westminster Bridge / Lambeth Palace | 7.10–9.00am |
| Clapham Common | 7.20–9.20am |
| Mitcham | 7.25–9.50am |
| Coulsdon High Street | 7.35–11.05am |
| Merstham | 7.40–11.05am |
| Redhill | 7.55–11.35am |
| Three Bridges / Crawley | 8.10am–2.00pm |
| Handcross High Street | 8.25am–2.10pm |
| Staplefield | 8.30am–2.25pm |
| Cuckfield High Street | 8.50am–2.35pm |
| Madeira Drive, Brighton | 10.00am–4.30pm |
2 Responses
Wayne, look out for the West Sussex Region members who will be at The Redl Lion in Handcross for lunch that day and will be assembling from 11:00am to cheer on the cars and drivers.
Bril! Give is a wave and I’ll keep my eyes peeled for you!