THE first mass production car to break the 100mph barrier has celebrated its centenary by returning to the Lancashire hill where it made its high speed debut.

More than 30 surviving examples of the Vauxhall 30-98 gathered at Waddington Fell near Clitheroe to recreate the run by Joseph Higginson on May 3, 2013.

The car set the fastest time of the day and convinced Vauxhall to put the 30-98 into full scale production.

Derived from the famous Prince Henry Vauxhall - recently featured in the movie Warhorse - the 30-98 was to become a rival for the legendary Le Mans winning Bentleys.

Higginson, a local car dealer who invented the Autovac fuel lifting system, went on to set a record time in the 30-98 at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb in June 2013 and the car was to make auto history at Brooklands some 12 years later when it completed a flying lap at 100.7mph.

Originally fitted with a 4,525cc side-valve four cylinder engine, producing 90bhp, the 30-98 was produced in two types: E-type and OE-type which had a more powerful overhead valve engine producing 112bhp.

Production lasted until 1927 and of the 587 made some 200 remain in the hands of enthusiasts across the world.

In its day the 30-98 was renowned as a high-performance car that could swallow long distances with ease and its centenary celebrations will continue this summer with an event at Shelsley Walsh in Worcestershire in July.