A classic car fan plans to take his 1903 Cadillac on an epic 1,000-mile journey - a trip first made by his grandfather a century ago.

The 100-year-old motor only has two forward gears and a top speed of 30mph.

But Julian Bennett is confident it will be up to the job of following in the tyre tracks of his grandfather Frederic.

The car - the first Cadillac imported into the UK from the USA - will spend eight days travelling all over the South-East during the endurance test.

Julian, 40, will set off from Crystal Palace every morning for a round trip to towns such as Eastbourne, Worthing and Bexhill.

On the final day he hopes to arrive in Brighton and then complete his epic journey back to Crystal Palace.

Robert Maidment, who is helping to co-ordinate the challenge with the Cadillac Owners' Club of Great Britain, said he was keeping his fingers crossed it would finish.

He said: "Julian has done almost 100 miles himself in the car and any minor problems have been cured.

"I would say there's a very good chance that the man and machine will do 1,000 miles but it is 100 years old and there are no spare parts.

"The more miles it completes, the more charity will benefit. Julian is making the run in aid of the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund.

"Two of us will be in a support vehicle which will be going on ahead of Julian and another Cadillac will be behind him to protect him from fast traffic.

"Also, there will be a man from the Veteran Car Club assessing the run and, if it's successful, he'll produce a certificate similar to one presented in 1953."

The Cadillac Model A, registered YU 1974, has also been driven by one of Britain's racing legends, Sir Stirling Moss.

During its first run in 1903, the vehicle was alongside more than 100 cars attempting the challenge.

But Frederic Bennett then completed the journey alone in 1913 and 1953.

Julian, who lives in Oxfordshire, has given the vehicle a thorough check and will set off at 8am on September 18, exactly 100 years after the first journey.

It is expected to reach Margate that day, with other destinations including Southsea and Winchester.

Mr Bennett hopes the car will take him all the way to Brighton on September 26.