He took a tip from the old timers ! . Annual car run to Brighton starts in fog . In open cars and driving in thick fog , motorists started from the Magazine in Hyde Park , London , on the 41 annual Commemoration Run to Brighton . The Run , in which a record entry of 116 cars , each at least 33 years old , took part , celebrates the emancipation of motorists . Before 1896 every motor propelled vehicle had to be preceded by a man with a red flag . Photo shows , recalling the days when self starters were unknown , Mr de Caritet , wearing a heavy fur coat , starts Mr G E C Martin ' s 1902 DeDietrich in which he was a passenger . 21 November 1937 *** Local Caption ***