29.4.2003
Vauxhall kicks off centenary celebrations

Vauxhall's, Kevin Wale, kicked off celebrations as he took a 1903 5hp Vauxhall on a sentimental journey back to the birthplace of Vauxhall Motors.

Vauxhall's Managing Director, Kevin Wale, took a 1903 5hp Vauxhall on a sentimental journey back to the birthplace of Vauxhall Motors last week as he unveiled a plaque on the site of the original Vauxhall Ironworks in south London. The site will also be the starting point for the "1,000 Mile Trial".

In helping Vauxhall kick off May's centenary celebrations, two pre-World War II cars from Australia arrived at Luton Airport last week in preparation for an historic nationwide journey.

The two Vauxhall H-types are among 65 vehicles taking part in the "1,000 Mile Trial", a recreation of a similar British tour that happened in 1900. The event starting in south London where the first ever Vauxhall car was built in 1903 – marks the beginning of Vauxhall's centenary celebrations.

A total of seven cars have been imported from Australia for the event, along with three from Switzerland, six from Holland and two from Sweden and Denmark each. Other cars taking part include a 1911 Prince Henry (the oldest car to drive the entire route), 1932 Vauxhall Cadet, 1952 Velox E and 1963 Cresta PB, while enthusiasts clubs who have entered include Viva Owners, Victor Owners, and the Vauxhall Owners' Club of Australia.

The original trial of 1900 was the inspiration of Claude Johnson, Secretary of the Automobile Club of Great Britain, and was designed to prove to a sceptical British public that the car was a reliable and practical mode of transport. Many motoring historians argue that it was the most important public demonstration of the motor vehicle to date.

The 2003 route – which covers 1,200-miles - has been modified slightly from the original, to take account of modern traffic and road conditions.