RAC jump starts vintage car in Bonhams’ car rally

Hundreds of vintage cars today took part in the Bonhams’ London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on Sunday. 

More than 450 vehicles set off from Hyde Park this morning to drive the 60 miles to the East Sussex town as motoring enthusiasts flocked to the capital’s streets to watch. 

But not everyone made it all the way.

One unlucky motorist was forced to call the RAC after his antique automobile gave up the ghost while others were also spotted having difficulties.

Now in its 121st year, the rally is the longest-running motoring event in the world. 

The event commemorates the Emancipation Run of 14 November 1896 which celebrated the speed limit for ‘light locomotives’ being raised from 4 mph to 14 mph.

Until 1896, the law had required a man with a red flag to walk ahead of all cars, which meant they could not exceed walking pace.

To be eligible to enter, cars must have a pre-1905 registration. Vehicles must reach the Brighton finish line by 4.30pm to qualify for a medal.

Celebrity drivers taking part include Charley Boorman, driving a 1904 Rover 8 hp from the British Motor Museum, and BBC presenters Chris Evans and Alex Jones.

Going nowhere fast: Mechanics from the RAC help a man whose antique car has broken down

It's going to be a long way to Brighton! Two women wait for help after their car breaks down during the rally

It’s going to be a long way to Brighton! Two women wait for help after their car breaks down during the rally

Oops: Participants crossing Westminster Bridge are forced to stop after their car breaks down

Oops: Participants crossing Westminster Bridge are forced to stop after their car breaks down

And they're off! Charlie Boorman and Damon Hill tear up the Red Flag to start The Bonham's Vintage car Run from Hyde Park Corner

And they’re off! Charlie Boorman and Damon Hill tear up the Red Flag to start The Bonham’s Vintage car Run from Hyde Park Corner

Full steam ahead: Participants drive through Wellington Arch as crowds gather to watch

Full steam ahead: Participants drive through Wellington Arch as crowds gather to watch

Fun for all the family: More than 450 vehicles set off from Hyde Park this morning to drive the 60 miles to Brighton

Fun for all the family: More than 450 vehicles set off from Hyde Park this morning to drive the 60 miles to Brighton

Taking in the sights: Participants cross over Westminster Bridge in London as they take part in the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

Taking in the sights: Participants cross over Westminster Bridge in London as they take part in the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

Clear the slow lane! A vintage car crosses Westminster Bridge in central London during the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

Clear the slow lane! A vintage car crosses Westminster Bridge in central London during the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

Tight squeeze: Despite being considerably smaller than modern vehicles these cars still provided plenty of entertainment

Tight squeeze: Despite being considerably smaller than modern vehicles these cars still provided plenty of entertainment

Tight squeeze: Now in its 121st year, the rally is the longest-running motoring event in the world

Oh là là! These vintage car enthusiasts impressed with their French model, which sported a Tricolore

Oh là là! These vintage car enthusiasts impressed with their French model, which sported a Tricolore

Travelling back in time: Motoring enthusiasts from across the country braved the chilly weather to watch the antique automobiles as they weaved through the streets of the capital

Travelling back in time: Motoring enthusiasts from across the country braved the chilly weather to watch the antique automobiles as they weaved through the streets of the capital

Not again! Another car breaks down passing over Westminster bridge and gets a push start from bystanderss Bonhams London To Brighton Veteran Car Run

Not again! Another car breaks down passing over Westminster bridge and gets a push start from bystanderss Bonhams London To Brighton Veteran Car Run

One of the first: One pair drove the 1897 Bergmann down the Mall past Buckingham Palace

One of the first: One pair drove the 1897 Bergmann down the Mall past Buckingham Palace

All smiles: Participants cross over Westminster Bridge in London as they take part in the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

All smiles: Participants cross over Westminster Bridge in London as they take part in the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

Travelling in style: Len Brownm, Harrods's curator of historic vehicles with the Harrods 1901 veteran Pope Waverley electric car in Hyde Park ahead of the annual Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

Travelling in style: Len Brownm, Harrods’s curator of historic vehicles with the Harrods 1901 veteran Pope Waverley electric car in Hyde Park ahead of the annual Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

Old meets new: A passenger in a bright green vehicle films the spectacle on their smart phone 

Old meets new: A passenger in a bright green vehicle films the spectacle on their smart phone 

Fancy seeing you here: Two men don masks of Prince William and Charles as they cross Westminster Bridge in their black vehicle

Fancy seeing you here: Two men don masks of Prince William and Charles as they cross Westminster Bridge in their black vehicle

What a beauty! A man passes over Westminster Bridge in his blue and yellow vehicle at sunrise

What a beauty! A man passes over Westminster Bridge in his blue and yellow vehicle at sunrise

Bit misty this morning? These passengers wrapped up warm as they make their way through Hyde Park during the 60-mile rally

Bit misty this morning? These passengers wrapped up warm as they make their way through Hyde Park during the 60-mile rally

What a view: Passengers take in the stunning views of central London as they make their way (slowly) across Westminster Bridge

What a view: Passengers take in the stunning views of central London as they make their way (slowly) across Westminster Bridge

Chilly: Now in its 121st year, the rally is the longest-running motoring event in the world

Traditional: Now in its 121st year, the rally is the longest-running motoring event in the world

Holding up traffic: The vintage cars weaved their way through central London traffic at a considerably slower pace

Holding up traffic: The vintage cars weaved their way through central London traffic at a considerably slower pace

On the road again!  This pair braved the cold in a stunning open-top blue and gold car as they travel through Hyde Park

On the road again! This pair braved the cold in a stunning open-top blue and gold car as they travel through Hyde Park

Steampunks dream: Some fans really got into the spirit by dressing in period attire for the occasion 

Steampunks dream: Some fans really got into the spirit by dressing in period attire for the occasion 

On the road: Car-lovers took to the road for the legendary car showcase, which sees some of the oldest vehicles drive a 60 mile route from London to Brighton

On the road: Car-lovers took to the road for the legendary car showcase, which sees some of the oldest vehicles drive a 60 mile route from London to Brighton

Iconic: The cars drove a route which started at Hyde Park Corner and passed a slew of London landmarks

Iconic: The cars drove a route which started at Hyde Park Corner and passed a slew of London landmarks

Pedal to the medal: One history fan chose a more unconventional vehicle, riding a penny farthing

Pedal to the medal: One history fan chose a more unconventional vehicle, riding a penny farthing

Good to go! BBC presenter Chris Evans gave a friend a high five before hitting the road

Good to go! BBC presenter Chris Evans gave a friend a high five before hitting the road

Vroom! Alex Jones was seen taking the wheel of the vintage bus to raise money for Children in Need

Vroom! Alex Jones was seen taking the wheel of the vintage bus to raise money for Children in Need

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