It was a lesson in motoring history for the thousands lining the roads of Sussex yesterday for the annual London to Brighton veteran car run.

As the event got under way, the sun broke through on the drivers starting the 57-mile journey to the coast.

The first cars left Hyde Park at 7.30am, but six ground to a halt within 50 yards.

The 417 cars entered Sussex at Gatwick and enthusiasts lined the streets of Crawley, Cuckfield, Burgess Hill and Pyecombe on the way to Brighton.

There was a warm

welcome for the drivers and their passengers from crowds lining the road at Preston Park.

The London to Brighton run has its origins in the Emancipation Run of

September 14, 1896, to celebrate the law which meant cars no longer had to be preceded by a man on foot.

All cars in the run are at least 95 years old. Around 130 different makes from Britain and 13 overseas countries took part yesterday.

Estimated value of the vehicles was £40 million.

Among the drivers were Prince Michael of Kent, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, in a 1901 Panhard et Levassor, and Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, in the oldest car he has

driven in the event, an 1899 Daimler. First over the finish line at Madeira Drive, Brighton, at 10.40am, was a smiling Daniel Ward, from Yorkshire, driving an 1896 Panhard.

A jubilant Mr Ward was greeted by Brighton and Hove mayor Jenny Langston.

Mr Ward said: "We've had a super run except for being held up for half an hour at Preston Park. It has been an easy ride and we have had a lovely time."

Second to cross the

finishing line was Michael Banfield, from Kent,

driving a 1902 De Dietrich.

He said: "We've had a very good run."

When Michael Bradbrook arrived in Brighton he was back on home ground in his 1902

Gladiator Tonneau.

Mr Bradbrook said: "It's been great. We managed to avoid most of the traffic. We thought we had a problem at one point with a water pump but luckily it has got us to the end."

Motor Sports Association spokesman Derek Tye said: "The event has been terrific. We couldn't have dreamed of having better weather than today.

"The cars run much

better in the sunshine.

"It's always a popular event which draws massive crowds and this year is no exception.

"It takes us almost a year to organise the event but is well worth all the hard work."

For many of the crowd turning out to watch, the run is an annual pilgrimage.

Ann Hodgson, 59, from Bedfordshire, said: "We come down every year to see the rally. We've been coming for about ten years now and just love seeing the beautiful cars. It's a glorious day for the event."

John Moore, 66, from Brighton, said: "The really special thing is the great atmosphere. Everyone is always in a good mood and it's great to see the cars which are always in an amazing condition."

Michael Kadwell, 58, from Brighton, said: "I have been coming to see the finish since I was a child. The cars have great character and it's a real sight to see them all crossing the line."

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