Harrods takes a trip down memory lane

The organisers of the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with Harrods.
 
The world’s most famous luxury department store not only will become an Official Partner to this year’s running of the world’s longest running and greatest motoring celebration on Sunday 3 November, but also will supply the participants aboard more than 400 veteran cars with some well deserved refreshments at the event’s official mid-way check-point in Crawley, Sussex.
 
With the extraordinary cavalcade of pre-1905 vehicles facing several slow and challenging hill climbs as the historic route ascends the South Downs, the provision of tea, coffee and pastries will be extremely welcome at the new ‘Harrods Stop at Crawley’.
 
The partnership has added significance as among the 33 ‘horseless carriages’ setting off from central London towards Brighton on the original Emancipation Run on 14 November 1896 was one of the very first Harrods delivery vans (photo). Sadly the history books don’t tell the name of the two heavily moustachioed drivers but the vehicle was a Panhard-Levassor.
 
Adding further interest, Michael Ward, Managing Director of Harrods, will be participating in this year’s Veteran Car Run driving an electrically powered Waverley dating back to 1901.
 
“I am truly excited to be involved in this year’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Dating back to the early 1900s, our vintage vehicles form part of Harrods’ rich heritage and I, being a personal car enthusiast, will take great pride in driving our most prized van from the collection in this iconic motoring event,” said Ward. “We are also delighted to be bringing a taste of our Knightsbridge store to Crawley where we will officially host a pop-up café at the halfway stop for participants and spectators to enjoy on the day.”