It’s tough for some… an annual event since 1962, the HCVS London to Brighton Run brings out (180 this year) the best of the country’s classic commercial vehicles
On a chilly Sunday morning in early May, the 56th Historic Commercial Vehicle Society London to Brighton Run pulled out of Crystal Palace and headed south on the 50-mile course. The first run, way back in 1962, featured just 50 of these wonderful restored vehicles from the past. This year’s entrants, coming from all over the UK, totalled 180 vehicles.
Early-morning enthusiasts waved them off as they travelled south via London’s suburbs on the A23. Taking their well-deserved break in Crawley High Street, the halfway point, cups of tea were drunk, sarnies were scoffed and photo opportunities taken. The locals came out in number to wonder at these polished representatives of the history of commercial transport.
Oil and water checked, comfort break taken, it was then back on the road south for Brighton.
Leaving the A23 at Handcross, the lorries, buses, fire appliances and vans now travelled on B-roads, passing through Staplefield and Cuckfield before joining the A273 at Burgess Hill. Despite the age of these vehicles, the youngest 1989, the oldest 1908, they caused few hold-ups. Apart from the steepest of hills, these veterans mostly held their own and kept pace with modern-day traffic.
Piece of cake: Madeira Drive
This story is from the Summer 2017 edition of Truck & Driver.
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This story is from the Summer 2017 edition of Truck & Driver.
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