The Cape 1000 rally is being put on the international stage, having secured a crucial nomination from the International Historic Motoring Awards panel…
The Cape 1000 has secured a nomination in the Rally or Tour of the Year category at the 2026 International Historic Motoring Awards. This international recognition places South Africa’s premier grand touring event alongside some of the world’s most respected historic motoring showcases. Judges selected the event for its unique regularity format, distinctive vehicle curation, and scenic routes across the Western Cape. Winners receive formal recognition during a ceremony at The Peninsula London. The event brings together leading figures from the international motoring world.
The Cape 1000 celebrates heritage and a love for classic cars
Launched in 2022 and presented by Private Clients by Old Mutual, the Cape 1000 covers a five-day motoring journey that tests driver precision. Participants include around seventy rare and collectable vehicles across four distinct classes. These include Classic, Modern Classic, Sports Cars, and Specials or Recreation entries. The demanding regularity format requires drivers to maintain strict time targets across challenging mountain passes and coastal roads without exceeding speed limits.
Beyond automotive performance and luxury lifestyle appeal, the event generates significant funding for local charitable organisations. Recent editions successfully raised more than R300 000 for the Motorsport Legends Benevolent Fund and the QuadPara Association of South Africa. Organisers combine world-class hospitality with grassroots philanthropy, ensuring that the high-profile showcase directly benefits local communities and injured motorsport veterans. CAR serves as an official media partner for the Cape 1000 rally. For this year’s event, Editor Ian McLaren participated in a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda.
Planning for the 2027 Cape 1000 already underway
The next edition runs from 20 to 25 March 2027. Proceedings begin on a Saturday with a public Show and Shine at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, allowing local enthusiasts to view the rare entries before vehicles depart for Franschhoek and the Overberg. Registrations for next year’s event are already open.
The rally’s organisers say this global nomination elevates South Africa’s tourism and automotive profile, confirming that local events match international standards. “To stand on an international shortlist alongside the world’s great historic motoring events is a proud moment for The Cape 1000 and for South Africa,” said Event Director Vanessa Crichton. “We set out to create a rally that could hold its own globally, with exceptional cars, extraordinary roads and a real charitable purpose. This recognition belongs to our participants, partners and beneficiaries, and it puts the Cape firmly on the map for classic motoring enthusiasts everywhere.”
