Genevieve Rides Again

Pall Mall stepped back more than a century today as magnificent vintage cars gathered ahead of tomorrow’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Open only to cars built before 1905, the 60-mile adventure is a celebration of motoring before heaters, weatherproofing and reliable engines became fashionable. Speeds vary, although 20mph is quite respectable for some of these elderly machines. Fans of the wonderful 1953 film Genevieve will recognise the spirit of cheerful rivalry and mechanical misfortune. Let’s hope the British weather remembers its manners. The cars have enough problems without rain.