The author driving the Malta Cadillac in front of Hamleys.

The best toyshop in the world, Hamleys of Regents Street, London, was the perfect backdrop for some of the best big boys’ toys: Aston Martins, Porsches and veteran cars. Originals of those Airfix model cars, which most small boys built in their youth, were all there in the street – only in life-size form.

Right in front of Hamleys’ front door was Malta’s oldest car, a 1904 Cadillac, one of the 250 cars in the show and a participant in the 2013 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. In sparkling weather and glorious sunshine, thousands of London West End shoppers could feast their eyes on, but not buy, some of the world’s most fabulous cars. In the mid-afternoon, a blue Rosette appeared on the Cadillac’s bonnet, indicating that it was a winning car.

A short while later, I was presented with a glass trophy by celebrity Wheeler Dealer TV presenter Edd China for having the best original car in the show. The Malta Cadillac, bought from the Inguanez family in Mdina in 1968, had just the right amount of patina for its age.

With its restoration completed in 1972, the past 40 years of gentle use in Malta aged the Cadillac to a finish admired by the judges, who gave it the first prize. Patina today, on veteran and vintage cars, is more important than a perfect shiny finish that many newly-restored cars, especially in America, possess.

Aston Martin, the world’s most prestigious brand, celebrated their centenary with the unique display of 100 Astons. Porsche celebrated their 50 years in production. One hundred veterans from the 500 in the Brighton Run were invited to participate in the show: makes from long lost and forgotten marques, included steam and electric cars.

Cars from what is known as the ‘Brass era’ are varied and beautiful, with exotic names. In 1904 French cars were years ahead of British and American cars. The first car to be seen on British roads was a Panhard et Levassor, and the first to be built in Britain was a Daimler. They were all there.

The Brighton Run, the oldest motoring event in the world, was first run in 1896 to celebrate the removable of the so-called Red Flag Act that forced motorists to be led by a man waving a red flag. It ran from the Metropole Hotel in Whitehall Place, that is now the Maltese-owned Corinthia, to the Metropole in Brighton, now Hilton run. It is only eligible to cars manufactured prior to December 31, 1904. To receive an award and qualify, cars must arrive by 4pm from a 7am start.

The Malta Cadillac had a clear run, arriving in Brighton at 1.30 pm. The car was ferried to and from Malta by Express Trailers Ltd in one of their many orange articulated lorries.