Picture galleries from 2012

Veteran Car Run 2012

Storms made way for glorious autumn sunshine as about 500 pre-1905 cars made their way to the south coast for the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Thousands lined the route through Greater London, Surrey and Sussex to cheer on the shivering drivers and their blue-fingered passengers. The event, which is now in its 79th year, continues to attract visitors from all over the world, with French, German, American and Chinese flags seen flying from the bonnets of the vehicles. Participants started in the driving rain in Hyde Park at 7am yesterday morning. Howling wind From there they made their way to Westminster and then south through Lambeth with the howling wind buffeting the century-old cars across the capital’s roads. By 8am the first vehicles were making their way through Croydon before taking in the Surrey countryside on the way to Redhill. The cars crossed the border into Sussex near Gatwick, where they continued to Crawley and then Cuckfield. At lunchtime, with the cars making their way through Burgess Hill, the clouds parted and bathed the drivers and their passengers in glorious sunshine. Shortly after the first vehicles made their way through Brighton before lining up on Madeira Drive. Robert Mullins, who had travelled from Florida for the run, said: “We’re cold and wet but we’re happy. “We’ve never done it before but it’s been really good.” Paul Wood, 66, from Essex, said: “It’s the best one around. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Despite the terrible weather it was great to see so many people out watching.” Alan Thompson, 67, from Herfordshire, added: “We broke down a few times but we made it. “It was a bit wet to start but we’ve had a great time.” The run is also known for attracting its fair share of petrol-headed celebrities. Among those taking part were 83-year-old F1 legend Sir Stirling Moss, TV adventurer Charley Boorman and Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason.