There is quite a weekend coming up, with the final of the Rugby World Cup in Japan on Saturday and the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on Sunday.

To help prepare for the latter, or even buy a car to enter it, Bonhams today held its London to Brighton sale, with a selection of vintage cars, an amazing collection of accessories and art, and some opportunities for a complete restoration.

Was there a star to the show?  Possibly the 1901 Panhard-Levassor Type A2 7hp Rear Entrance Tonneau known as ‘Le Papillon Bleu’.  Not many people probably know that French Panhard is considered as the father of the modern motor car with an engine at the front, a gearbox transmission, pedals for the clutch and brake and a steering wheel rather than the tiller which was common in previous cars, some of which were also for auction here.

The longest-running motoring event in the world, the first London to Brighton Veteran Car Run was held in 1896 is now the world’s largest event for veteran cars with some 484 in 2009.