Sticking to a popular formula, the Summer Run is once again based at the Royal Automobile Club’s beautiful Woodcote Park clubhouse near Epsom in Surrey. From there, a full-capacity line-up of 32 pre-1905 veteran cars will set out on a 54-mile tour before returning to the seclusion of Woodcote Park for afternoon tea, an informal concours and prizegiving in the glorious grounds.
 
Giving participants and spectators more opportunities to enjoy these remarkable pioneering cars, this year’s route has been extended by around 15 miles either side of a leisurely lunch stop at Gildings Barns set in the tranquil Surrey countryside near Newdigate. 
 
The morning’s drive heads out through the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and now includes the quiet, charming villages of Brockham, Charlwood and Rusper while the return will see the veterans travelling north back through historic Brockham and the picturesque Mole Valley.
 
The fully subscribed entry includes many of the renowned early automotive marques such as pioneering Peugeot and Renault, whilst others such as Argyll, Dennis, Gladiator, Mors and Norfolk are far less familiar to modern audiences. De Dion Boutons are the most popular of the pioneers on the Summer Run with seven entries while the most powerful is a splendid 1904 Richard-Brasier propelled by a 16bhp four cylinder engine.
 
As well as providing owners of these extraordinary vehicles with an easygoing opportunity to enjoy their cars in the run-up to this year’s RM Sotheby’s London-to-Brighton Veteran Car Run (Sunday 5 November), the Summer Run also offers spectators with a rare chance to see genuine veteran cars in action on the road. Although Woodcote Park itself isn't open to the public, veteran car fans will have plenty of chances to see the cars as they make their way through the beautiful countryside and charming villages along the route - don't forget to wave if you spot them!
 
“With the sun higher in the sky than it is in November, the Summer Run offers owners of these incredible veteran horseless carriages a really wonderful to opportunity to enjoy their cars in rather more relaxing conditions,” said Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. “The very special camaraderie of last year’s inaugural Run proved to be an instant winner with all those who took part. Building on that, we are delighted this summer’s follow-up boasts even more entries and a longer driving route, ensuring even more people can share the magical experience whether as a driver, passenger or curious onlooker.”