SMMT has partnered with the British Motor Museum to give four UK automotive apprentices the once-in-a-lifetime experience to drive the iconic 1904 Thornycroft Tourer in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run – the world’s longest-running motoring event – on 2 November 2025.
The initiative has been launched to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025 and the importance of thousands of automotive apprentices driving industry’s success – in roles from design and R&D to engineering and manufacturing, repair services and the aftermarket.
HOW TO APPLY
The 1904 20hp Thornycroft Tourer on display at SMMT Annual Dinner 2024.
Eligibility
- The competition is open to current UK automotive apprentices employed by SMMT Members.
- Find out whether your employer is an SMMT Member by clicking here.
- All participants must have an eligible, clean driving licence held for a minimum of two years.
Your application
As part of your application, please confirm the following:
- Name;
- Age;
- Role;
- Employer;
- Automotive sector (eg manufacturing, R&D, supply chain, sales, marketing, etc);
In support of your application, please answer one of the following questions within 250 words:
- What would participating in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run mean to you?
- How might this experience benefit your personal growth and/or apprenticeship?
- What is your favourite innovation in the automotive industry, and why?
- Do you have an historic connection to the automotive industry, and how does this inspire you?
Please send your application to drivingapprentices@smmt.co.uk by no later than 30 April 2025.
The winners will be announced in due course, subject to employer/supervisor approval, successful completion of the mandatory driver training, and clearance by the British Motor Museum.
Classic cars en-route on the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Credit: London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
Need to know
Preparing for the event
- Successful entrants would be required to attend one driver training day at the British Motor Museum in Autumn 2025. The day would also provide the opportunity to learn about the Museum, its collections and its mission.
Please note, the Museum reserves the right to insist upon further training if required and to make the final decision as to whether individuals are competent to drive the car following training.
At the event
- Entrants would be provided with food and accommodation at a hotel in London on the night before the Run only.
- Entrants would be responsible for their own travel to the hotel/from Brighton.
- Entrants can share driving duties if wanted.
- At least one driver is required to be aged above 25 years old.
- The British Motor Museum’s workshop team will be on-hand during the Run to assist with mechanical issues, should one occur.
Please note, the Museum endeavours to ensure every car it enters is able to cross the finish line, however, it cannot be guaranteed. If a breakdown does occur and the car cannot be fixed at roadside, the Museum will provide additional road travel for entrants to arrive to Brighton.
The Sports Car Collection at the British Motor Museum. Credit: The British Motor Museum.
