Ipswich/Felixstowe: Owners of historic vehicles will be busy polishing their beloved motors today as they prepare to take part in an annual event.

Thousands of classic motoring fans from across the country are set to venture to Suffolk for the Ipswich to Felixstowe Historic Vehicle Run.

This Sunday will see the 41st staging of the event, which is organised by the Ipswich Transport Museum.

Almost 600 classic cars, motorcycles, lorries, buses and military vehicles will take part in the event, with more than 20,000 expected to flock to witness the historic drive.

All the vehicles set to take part are more than 30 years old, with star attractions including a 1936 Morris 10, which took part in the inaugural Ipswich to Felixstowe run in 1971, and the 1959 Ransomes Matador 24ins Mower that a group of students drove from Edinburgh to London in 1959.

The oldest vehicle taking part is a 1904 classic Cadillac which will be joined by a Foden steam wagon from 1913 and two model two Fords from 1913 and 1914.

Rally organiser Trevor Ling told The Evening Star that the event was in honour of all the volunteers that make it possible.

He said: “The first run 41 years ago attracted about 60 entrants. This year we have ten times that.

“It proves the popularity of the run and our love of nostalgia. The event has become one of the most popular in Ipswich.

“It’s a tribute to all the volunteers who organise the event and vehicle owners who take part.”

Fellow event organiser Richard Hanley, of Woodbridge, said that the event was one of a kind.

“It is the biggest free event of its kind in the East of England,” he said. “It’s very exciting and each year we seem to be attracting more people wanting to take part.

“This year we had 80 more entries than last year. It is always a great sight to see all of the vehicles lined up on the promenade.

“Last year it was raining, so we are hoping for a bit of sunshine at this weekend’s event.”

The run will see 84 cars built before the Second World War taking part, along with 108 cars built between 1940 and 1962. A further 103 cars built between 1963 and 1970 cars will take place.

There are 36 commercial lorries and vans taking part, with 18 buses, 35 military vehicles and 84 motorcycles also set to take the journey from Ipswich to Felixstowe.

The vehicles will start arriving at Christchurch Park at 9am, with the Mayor of Ipswich set to inspect them from 11.30am. From there they will travel along Westerfield Road, Colchester Road, Bixley Road and Heath Road out of Ipswich, with the first vehicles expected to arrive on the promenade at Felixstowe at around 12.15pm. By 1.30pm, all vehicles will be on display along the promenade.

Entry to the rally is now closed. Programmes costing �1 will be available, with proceeds helping with the running of the transport museum

Anyone requiring further information is asked to contact the Ipswich Transport Museum on 01473 715666.

Alternatively, visit www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk