BONHAMS EXTENDS ITS SUPPORT FOR THE FAMOUS VETERAN CAR RUN

BONHAMS EXTENDS ITS SUPPORT FOR THE FAMOUS VETERAN CAR RUN Leading auction house pledges to support the famous London to Brighton for at least four more years   The organisers of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run are pleased to announce that Auction house Bonhams – a long time supporter of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, sponsor for 11 years and the event’s title sponsor since 2014 – has  further extended its backing of the world’s longest running motoring event. The renewed partnership will see Bonhams continue as title sponsor and auction house partner until 2019. The agreement encompasses a number of significant elements during the lead up to the Run. The company will continue to sponsor the Veteran Car Zone at the free-to-view Regent Street Motor Show, held in London’s famous shopping street on the day before the Run. And as well as sponsoring the Run, the company will carry on providing welcome participant’s hospitality at the finish line in Brighton. In addition, Bonhams will continue to hold its annual Veteran Car auction on the Friday before the Run. The auction of motorcars eligible for the London to Brighton Run and early automobilia is held at the company’s headquarters in New Bond Street, a short walk away from Hyde Park where the Run traditionally begins at daybreak on the first Sunday in November (this year, that’s 1st November at 06.45). More than 400 cars will be taking part. And you could still join in! Of the dozen cars in the Bonhams auction this year, no fewer than six already have provisional entries in to the 2015 Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Should a successful bidder decide to take part in his or her new purchase, Bonhams has even arranged for testing facilities complete with on-site technicians to be made available on the Saturday morning. Among the cars ready to go under the hammer this year is a 1904 MMC Rear-Entrance Tonneau with a guide price of £40,000-£60,000, a 1904 Darracq expected to make between £35,000-£60,000 while, for those with deeper pockets, a 1903 Clement could sell for as much as £500,000. Specialising in fine art, furniture, fine wines, clocks and watches, collectables and, of course, classic cars, Bonhams was founded in 1793, almost a century before the ‘horseless carriage’ was invented. Bonhams Chairman, Robert Brooks, is a lifelong fan of the Veteran Car Run and is a regular participant. This year he will be driving a 1895 Peugeot Vis-à-vis owned by the Dutch Louwman Museum. Most of the Bonhams motoring team will also be driving on the event, many in their own cars. “We are not just auctioneers, but very much active enthusiasts who enjoy – like our clients and customers – the hobby of old motoring,” said Brooks. “We all await the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run with eager anticipation. It’s all about fun excitement, adventure and camaraderie. It remains an incredible, unique event and one that I’m both delighted to support and in which to take part.” More information on the Run can be found at www.veterancarrun.com. The Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is the pinnacle event in a week of motoring in the capital during ‘London Motor Week’ – a series of events hosted by the world famous Royal Automobile Club which also includes a Literary Festival, Motoring Forum and the Regent Street Motor Show.