Conservation & Heritage Issue 49 October 2025 - Flipbook - Page 6
1899 Wolseley Voiturette,
London to Brighton Run
Racing driver and broadcaster, Alex Brundle, and presenter Charlotte Vowden will drive the
1899 Wolseley Voiturette on this year’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
The Wolseley is one of several pre-1905 cars that the
British Motor Museum will be entering into the famous
Run which takes place on Sunday 2 November.
Alex Brundle is a British endurance racing star, with two
visits to the Le Mans 24 hours podium, multiple World
Endurance Championship race victories and the 2016
European Le Mans Series Championship to his name.
Following in the footsteps of his father, former racing
driver and current Formula One commentator, Martin
Brundle, Alex commentates on various motorsport series
including the FIA Formula 2 Championship.
Alex will partner Charlotte Vowden, known for her
engaging storytelling and passion for classic cars. She
won Rising Star at the 2020 Historic Motoring Awards
to honour her emerging impact in the classic car world.
Charlotte’s TV career began as the host of Repair Lot
which aired on Dave in 2023. Earlier this year, Charlotte
was named as co-host of The Motorsport Show for BBC
Radio Northampton.
The veteran car that Charlotte and Alex will drive, the
unique 1899 Wolseley Voiturette, will also be celebrated
at the Run to mark 125 years of the Thousand Mile
Trial. Driven by Herbert Austin, the car took part in the
Trial in 1900 which went from London to Edinburgh
and back and Austin was awarded first prize in his class.
The Voiturette is one of just two cars from the Trial that
survive today. So often a regular participant at the London
to Brighton Veteran Car Run, it has taken part in the Run a
staggering 39 times.
Alex Brundle said: “It’s a lot different from anything else
I’ve ever driven. You feel like you’re part of the mechanics
of making it work, which I really like. I’m really looking
forward to getting out on the open road with it!”
Charlotte Vowden added: “I’ve seen lots and lots of really
atmospheric photos of the early Sunday morning start, it
looks like a really special moment. Watch this space to see
what the response will be! I love history and old cars. It’s
amazing for us to be out in this vehicle and to see these cars
doing what they were built to do.”
Stephen Laing, Head of Collections & Engagement at
the British Motor Museum, said: “It’s a pleasure to have
Alex and Charlotte driving one of the most important cars
from our collection in the Veteran Car Run this year. We
are excited for them to join our team in London, from where
eight of the British Motor Museum’s cars leave on their trip
to Brighton. The Run provides the perfect platform for us to
demonstrate these incredible motors to the public, cars still
going strong after 120 years or more and inspire the next
generation with Britain’s rich motoring heritage.”
To find out more about the British Motor Museum please
visit the website at www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk. For
more information on the London to Brighton veteran Car
Run please visit www.veterancarrun.com.
Below, Picture of Stephen Laing, Charlotte Vowden, and Alex Brundle (from left to right)
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