European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 13, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Spectators line the sidewalks As antique automobiles make their Way through London s Normal traffic. On the London to Brighton run for classic autos dad again a Driver and passenger prepare their classic machine for the London to Brighton run. Up by Malcolm j. Donahoo Magazine editor it s 7 . On a raw and Rainy november sunday in London. One might expect Hyde Park to be deserted. But if it s the first sunday of november a the Day of the annual London to Brighton run for Vintage automobiles a the Park is Apt to be packed despite the unpleasant weather and the Early hour. For if there is one thing the British adore it is tradition. And the Royal automobile club s rally is steeped in nearly 100 years Worth of tradition. A London newspaper sponsored the first London to Brighton run on nov. 14, 1890, to celebrate the repeal of the red Flag act of the previous year. The Law had required every Quot self propelled Light Road locomotive Quot to be preceded by 60 Yards by a Man waving a red Flag to warn of its approach. There was another cause for cheer Speed limits on country roads had been raised from 4 Mph to 12 Mph. Brighton seemed an Ideal destination for the 39 vehicles participating in that inaugural event. For one thing it was the country s most fashionable coastal resort frequented by no less a personage than Queen Victoria s eldest son the Prince Regent. For another the 57-mile route was judged to be the longest any of the Drivers could reasonably Hope to Complete. The British seem equally fond of spectacle in a refined sort of Way of course a and the classic machines that assemble at Hyde Park for the Start of the rally provide plenty of that. The automobiles gleam like new though Only vehicles manufactured before 1905 Are eligible to enter. Swooping fenders running boards brass lanterns wooden spokes coiled bulb horns Cranks protruding from Grilles a signs of automotive Antiquity Are everywhere. Some Are Plain some fancy some Large some Small. Some ride on Only three wheels and Are steered by bicycle like handlebars. Some carry Marques that can still be found on showroom floors Peugeot Mercedes Renault Oldsmobile Cadillac Vauxhall. Other makes Are More obscure Orient buckboard allays amp onions de Dion Bouton Royal Enfield Darracq Phoenix trim. Last year s oldest entry a de Dion it tre Sardoux from France was built in 1884 for the Marquis de Dion. It was powered by a Coal fired steam engine and needed 45 Gallons of water every 20 Miles. Decked out in the finery of Days Long past the Drivers and passengers present a bit of a spectacle too. Females favor hats trimmed with silk ribbons and ankle length fur beloved Coats. Motoring Caps and goggles Are big with the men and facial hair a Bushy sideburns perhaps or a daring cavalry Mustache a seems de Rigueur. Long Woolen scarves and heavy gloves Are continued on pages 4 and 5 september 13, 1990 stripes Magazine 3