Ticket to Drive: Veteran Cars with Entry to 2021 London to Brighton Run in Bonhams Golden Age

If you're a pioneer motoring enthusiast without a drive on this year's London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (Sunday 7 November), Bonhams is offering six veteran motor cars with entry to the 2021 edition of the long-standing rally in The Golden Age of Motoring Sale on 5 November at its New Bond Street Saleroom.

Leading the pack is a 1904 Peugeot Type 67A 10/12hp Twin-Cylinder Swing-Seat Tonneau, estimate £140,000 – 170,000. Produced by one of the world's oldest surviving car manufacturers, this Peugeot has a four-speed transmission, plus reverse and can comfortably carry five passengers. Brought over from France and fully restored in the early 1970s, the Peugeot entered its first Run in 1974 and has been a regular participant since.

1904 Peugeot Type 67A 10/12hp Twin-Cylinder Swing-Seat Tonneau, estimate £140,000 – 170,000

Lining up with the Peugeot is a 1903 Wolseley 10hp Twin-Cylinder Four-Seat Rear-Entrance Tonneau, estimate £120,000 – 150,000. Produced by one of the foremost British Edwardian car makers, this model was designed by Herbert Austin, who later founded the eponymous motor manufacturer.

At some point in its early life, the car travelled to New Zealand and was imported back to the UK in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Purchased by the vendor in 1999, the Wolseley has been subject to a programme of restoration and upgrades, including an entire new body, new gears and braking, at a considerable cost.

As the vendor says: "I have carried out several improvements to make this car a reliable Brighton runner. Providing you get to know it and drive with care and attention, you will be assured of getting to the finish line, hopefully by 12pm!".

1904 Brennan 14/18hp Twin Cylinder Five-Seater Rear Entrance Tonneau, estimate £80,000 – 120,000

The other Run-ready pioneers represent less familiar names for modern drivers: a 1904 Brennan 14/18hp Twin Cylinder Five-Seater Rear Entrance Tonneau, estimate £80,000 – 120,000, one of only four surviving pre-1905 American Brennan cars; possibly the only surviving 6hp Warwick, a 1902 6hp Stanhope Four-Seater (£45,000 – 55,000) and a 1904 Crestmobile Model D 8 ½ hp Four-Seater Rear-Entrance Tonneau, estimate £40,000 – 45,000. The earliest vehicle in the sale, a c. 1900 Bruneau Quadricycle, estimate £40,000 – 50,000, completes the sextet which could be on the Run's starting line in Hyde Park on 7 November.

c. 1900 Bruneau Quadricycle, estimate £40,000 – 50,000

Tim Schofield, Head of Department, Bonhams Motor Cars UK, said: "After a year's break due to the pandemic, the pioneer motoring community is looking forward to this year's Veteran Car Run. Our sale gives a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to get in the driving seat, by bidding for and buying one of these fine examples on the Friday and then taking part in Sunday's Run."

As well as the pioneers, the sale presents a fine selection of pre-war and vintage vehicles, with further highlights including:

1928 Bentley 3-Litre Blue Label Tourer, estimate £230,000 – 280,000

1928 Bentley 3-Litre Blue Label Tourer, estimate £230,000 – 280,000. Produced in the second year of Bentley's outright Le Mans wins as a Blue Label (long wheelbase) variant of the archetypal vintage sports car, the Bentley was fitted with Gurney Nutting saloon coachwork as commissioned by its first female owner. This highly original example, restored in the late 1980s, was last offered for public sale 60 years ago and is offered with entry into the 2022 Isle of Man TT, 3-Litre Bentley Centenary celebrations, among other prestigious historic events.

1939 Brough Superior SS100, estimate £230,000 – 280,000

1939 Brough Superior SS100, estimate £230,000 – 280,000. Known as the two-wheeled 'Rolls-Royce', the SS100 was a superbike of the pre-war golden age of motorcycles, ridden by the likes of Lawrence of Arabia, with a top speed of more than 100mph.

This example was one of new delivered new to Sheffield Police and then used for family transport by its subsequent enthusiast owners. The subject of a thorough restoration in 2001, the motorcycle is offered with its original side car, since fitted with a Brough Superior Cruiser body.

Not all lots in have a six-figure price tag. The auction also offers an unrivalled selection of period automobilia, from spares including opera lamps to mascots, artwork, and other ephemera.

The Golden Age of Motoring Sale takes place on Friday 5 November, Automobilia from 13.00 GMT, Motor cars from 17.00 GMT, as a traditional live auction, with bids accepted from clients in the saleroom (respecting social distancing and all local COVID-related guidelines), and will be livestreamed via bonhams.com.

The sale will also be available on the Bonhams App, which provides registered bidders the opportunity to bid in real time online via Bonhams.com while watching the auctioneer and videos of cars on offer. Absentee and telephone bids are also encouraged.

All lots will be available to view on Thursday 4 November 09.00 – 17.00 and from 09.00 on Friday. Contact [email protected] for further details and to register.