Sustainable Fuel to Power the 2025 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run for the First Time

London, October 22, 2025: The upcoming RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (Sunday, 2 November) will not only celebrate the birth of motoring but also embrace its sustainable future, with a revolutionary eco-friendly fuel blend being used for the first time in the event’s 129-year history.

Organised by the Royal Automobile Club, the world’s longest-running motoring event will see more than 400 pre-1905 vehicles make the traditional journey from Hyde Park to Brighton. This year, the majority of petrol-powered entries will benefit from a breakthrough sustainable fuel developed by event partner SUSTAIN.

Introducing “Classic Veteran 80” – A Heritage Fuel for the Future

The new blend, called SUSTAIN Classic Veteran 80, contains at least 80% sustainable content derived from second-generation biomass-based renewable hydrocarbons. These components are created from agricultural and food waste, such as straw and crop by-products, rather than crops meant for consumption.

Free from ethanol and formulated for heritage engines, Veteran 80 offers improved reliability, smoother performance, and better cold starts — ideal for early morning departures from Hyde Park on a frosty November dawn.

Over the past two years, Veteran 80 has been successfully trialled in four historic vehicles curated by the Royal Automobile Club. These cars required no technical modifications and demonstrated improved running and cleaner emissions. All four will once again participate in the 2025 run using the same fuel.

“The switch to Veteran 80 couldn’t have been simpler — and it’s actually enhanced performance,” said Duncan Wiltshire, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club. “By embracing sustainable fuels, we’re proving that yesterday’s cars can run on tomorrow’s energy — preserving motoring heritage while reducing environmental impact.”

Mid-Run Refuelling and National Availability

SUSTAIN will also operate a refuelling stop at the Hawth Theatre in Crawley, providing participants with fresh supplies of the new blend midway through the event.

Veteran 80 joins SUSTAIN’s growing line of bio-based fuels, which already power classic and competition cars at prestigious events such as Goodwood Revival and Members’ Meeting. The fuel is now widely available in five-litre containers, priced at £5.95 per litre (including VAT) through distributors listed on the SUSTAIN website.

A Milestone in Heritage Sustainability

David Richardson, Business Development Director at SUSTAIN, highlighted the significance of the initiative:

“The Veteran Car Run is a wonderful celebration of automotive history. It’s the perfect stage to show how sustainable fuels can keep these incredible machines running while helping to protect our planet. We’re proud to support an event that bridges the gap between the origins of motoring and its cleaner future.”

SUSTAIN Classic Veteran 80 represents a major step forward in the use of renewable, low-carbon fuels for historic vehicles — ensuring that even the oldest cars can play a part in a net-zero future without compromising their authenticity or performance.

Spectators can also learn more about SUSTAIN’s innovation during the St James’s Motoring Spectacle on Saturday, 1 November, where the company will have a dedicated display on Pall Mall.

About the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

The RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run celebrates the Emancipation Run of 1896, marking the end of the 4 mph speed limit and the red flag law. It remains the world’s longest-running motoring event, attracting participants and enthusiasts from across the globe.

Full details, including entry information, route maps, and timings, are available at www.veterancarrun.com.