LONDON.- Bonhams transported bidders back in time at its New Bond Street headquarters as the saleroom filled with pre-1905, veteran motor cars for the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run Sale.

Now in its 12th year, the event saw 95% of lots sold, realising a total £1.5 million, with starring lot, the 1903 Clement Model AC4R Four-Cylinder Rear-Entrance Tonneau, sold to a British bidder in the room for £415,900.

Malcolm Barber, Bonhams Co-Chairman, said: “‘London Motor Week’ is a fantastic, social gathering for enthusiasts, an event in which Bonhams is delighted to participate with our annual London to Brighton Sale.

“We had a full sale room, eager bidding in the room, on the phones and online, with bids coming in from the UK, Europe and the US. We now look forward to Sunday’s Run.”

Elsewhere, the 1904 Napier Model D45 12hp Four-cylinder Five-seater, Side-entrance Tourer sold for £326,333. One of the few Napier models that were assembled in period in America, the exceptionally rare Napier boasts inclusion in three major international car collections, and comes with an enviable record of completed Brighton Runs.

Further historic motor cars sold include a 1901 Albion 8hp A1 Dogcart, sold for £147,100, a 1904 Winton 4¼-Litre 20hp Two-Cylinder Detachable Rear-Entrance Tonneau, sold for £130,000, and an 1899 Star Benz 3½hp Vis-à-Vis soared above top estimate to achieve £92,220.

The Bonhams London to Brighton Sale celebrates the longest-running motoring event in the world; the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. The sale exclusively features pre-1905 cars, each eligible for the Run.

The Sale takes place during ‘London Motor Week’ – a series of events hosted by the world famous Royal Automobile Club which also includes a Literary Festival, Motoring Forum and the Regent Street Motor Show. The first Run took place in 1896, and since then it has taken place almost every year since its 1927 revival.