Vintage cars invaded centre London on Saturday, in the world’s longest running motoring event, the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

Starting from 10 a.m., vehicles from the late 19th and the beginning of the 20th century arrived on Regent Street, driven their owners dressed in vintage clothes, turning the busy central modern street into a 1900s London.

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Panhard et Levassor-1903

Roger Etcell, the director of the event, said more and more people take part every year, and that for the current edition, the number of participants touched the maximum possible, over 550. He added that the car run has attracted this year vintage car owners from more than 20 countries, like Australia, Switzerland, China, France, Belgium, Canada, Mexico and South Africa. The oldest car that participated in the event was a Peugeot from 1895.

Stephan Musfeld is one of the participants in the event who has been awarded on Saturday for the most original/unrestored veteran car. He said that, although the maintenance of such a car is usually very expensive, his didn’t change anything in his vehicle, that was produced around 1902. On Saturday, he came from Switzerland for the first time to participate in this event, but, according to his words, intends to come back next year.

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Stephan Musfeld

Other vintage cars were awarded, for instance in the Concours d’Elegance, spectators and judges special award, for most historic veteran car and for best Belgium manufactured car.

Lord Mayor of Westminster, Duncan Sandys, who attended the event and awarded the vintage car owners, said about 2.000 people were expected on Saturday in centre London, to admire the veteran vehicles. Asked what he would choose between a Ferrari and a vintage car, he preferred the second, for its elegance and unique features.

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Duncan Sandys in an awarded vintage car

On Sunday, the motoring event will continue with the London to Brighton race, that will start at 6.45 a.m., despite the bad weather that has been announced so far.