Hundreds of veteran car enthusiasts battled a morning of lashing rain, thunder and lightning to chug victoriously into Brighton.

A glittering finish awaited the 400 cars that set off on a cold, dark Sunday morning from Hyde Park at 7.30am.

Crowds lined the route to cheer gleaming cars driven by stars as well as enthusiasts in the 106th Veteran Car Run, which drivers had at one stage threatened to boycott because of a rule change by organisers International Motor Sports.

Previously cars built before December 31 1904 were eligible but this year organisers said they would allow newer models to take part.

After a U-turn, a handful of newer cars already given permission to join in were admitted, although the rules will revert to normal next year.

The first car crossed the finish line just after 10am.

While most swept elegantly on to the seafront, punctures and jammed engines meant some limped in on trailers.

One car taking part was a 1903 Gladiator Tonneau, once a milk float, then used to take cricket teams to matches.

A 1902 Albl from Germany is the only car of its type left in the world, while Thomas Loder, from West Sussex drove the oldest car in the run, an 1895 Peugeot.

Mark Tidy, from Cowfield, made it to the finish in his 1903 Panhard et Levassor but then engine trouble meant the car had to be towed home. The retired car enthusiast who has taken part in the run 35 times said: "Other than that it was a good run.

"It's the seventh time I've done it in this car. There was a downpour in Crawley and the car has no roof but we still had a great time."

Passenger Frances Edgeton, of Kemp Town, Brighton, said: "We weren't too cold because we were packed in so tight."

Mr Tidy's son Anthony drove his 1903 De Dion Bouton, with his friend Oliver Wiltshire dressed as Captain Birdseye.

Mike Timms, in his 1904 Mercedes Sports, drove in convoy with his brother Barry, in his 1902 Oldsmobile and daughter, Claire, 25, who drove her 1903 De Dion Bouton.

His mechanic, Russel Pain, who looks after Mr Timm's private collection of 30 veteran cars, also drove with them in a 1902 Mors.

Retired businessman Mr Timms, from High Hurstwood, said: "I'm fanatical about veteran cars but there's no point in leaving them collecting dust."

The 57-mile run, always held on the first Sunday in November, is an annual commemoration of the 1896 Emancipation Run which celebrated raising the speed limit from four to 14 mph.

Organisers stress that the world-famous event is not a race. All cars that roll over the finish line on the seafront to parade down Madeira Drive before 4.30pm receive a coveted finisher's medal.

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