With the steadily worsening slipping clutch, the last day turned out to be the most nerve-wracking.  Fortunately, though, the run to Brighton is by far the shortest and, in many ways, the easiest, as the motorway to Gatwick Airport substantially reduces the traffic on the old roads.  Despite this, Cadillac #530's average speed was steadily reducing and cause for real concern.  
    Having started an hour early, at just after 7.00am, the trio of Julian, Bill and #530 appeared to the minute on Brighton seafront to be greeted once more by the BBC.  Having at this stage completed 1,038 miles, an air of celebration prevailed, as though the run was complete.  However, the rules of 1903 were quite explicit, stating that an entrant had to be back at Crystal Palace by midnight on each day of the run, and that included the final day. 
    So, after a civic reception with the Mayor, Cllr Jeane Lepper, and celebrations with numerous of Julian's relatives, friends and VCC well-wishers, the trio nervously headed north on the rerturn journey.  Despite all our fears, at 5.30pm, right on schedule and with no further problems, they arrived back, triumphant, at the Queens Hotel to a tumultuous welcome and smiles all round.  The Champagne appeared as if from nowhere and celebrations and photography continued for well over an hour outside and then on into the evening in the hotel.