History
The London to Brighton run for commercial vehicles has been held annually at the beginning of May since 1962 when 52 vehicles set off from the ill-fated British Transport Museum at Clapham. Number one in the programme was a 1916 Foden 5 ton steam wagon No. 6368 Pride of Edwin owned at the time by Fodens themselves and now part of the Science Museum’s ensemble at Wroughton Airfield. Since then, the run has started in numerous places in London including Battersea Park, Purley Way and Crystal Palace. At one time a transport rally was held to coincide with the run at Battersea Park and also at Crystal Palace.
These days eligible vehicles have to be over 20 years old and the run attracts commercial vehicles of all types and ages. This year the oldest was 1901 Fowler B5 crane engine No. 9177 The Great North with Ian Langley at the controls, while the youngest was a 2001 MAN roll-on/off rigid belonging to Wayne Pyke.
