The Club was founded in 1907 by 4 prominent Brighton businessmen and sportsmen - Harry (later 'Sir Harry') Preston; George Hall; a Mr. Thomson and Ambrose Goreham. Its original dedication was to 'further development of the internal combustion engine'. It is still thought (but not proven) that the foundation title was the Sussex Motor and Yacht Club, because all four founders were keen motorists.
In its early years - and for many years afterwards - the Club was closely connected with automobile and flying events - many of which it sponsored. From its beginnings the Club had an automobile ...