South Africa’s five-day, 1,000-mile grand touring rally has secured international recognition, earning a place on the 2026 International Historic Motoring Awards shortlist.
South Africa’s classic motoring scene is gaining international attention as The Cape 1000 earns a place on the shortlist for the 2026 International Historic Motoring Awards.
The 1,000-mile grand touring rally, which winds through some of the Western Cape’s most spectacular scenery, has been shortlisted in the Rally or Tour of the Year category. The recognition highlights an event that brings rare and collectible vehicles together on exceptional roads while supporting charitable causes.
For The Cape 1000, the nomination reflects the distinctive experience it has built around historic motoring: precision driving, carefully selected vehicles, remarkable landscapes and a meaningful contribution to charity.
International recognition for a uniquely Cape experience
The Cape 1000 stands out for its grand touring regularity format, which combines precision on the road with the experience of travelling through some of the Western Cape’s finest scenery.
Its carefully curated field of rare and collectible vehicles gives participants and enthusiasts an opportunity to experience exceptional historic and classic machinery in motion. The event also places charitable giving at the heart of its purpose.
The International Historic Motoring Awards recognise excellence, innovation and dedication across the global historic motoring community. Widely regarded as the most prestigious accolades in classic and historic motoring, the awards celebrate the individuals, clubs, organisations and events working to preserve, promote and enrich motoring heritage.
This year’s nominees reflect the passion, expertise and creativity driving the sector forward. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 13 November 2026 at The Peninsula London, bringing together leading figures from the international motoring world.
The Cape 1000: From South Africa to the international stage
Founded in 2022 and presented by Private Clients by Old Mutual, The Cape 1000 has grown into one of South Africa’s premier automotive and lifestyle experiences.
The five-day, 1,000-mile grand touring regularity rally returns from 20 to 25 March 2027, with approximately 70 cars expected to participate across four categories: Classic, Modern Classic, Sports Cars and Specials/Recreation.
The 2027 edition will introduce a first for the event: a Saturday start. The programme will open with a public Show & Shine at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, followed by a Sunday morning send-off as the field begins its journey.
From there, the route heads towards Franschhoek and the Overberg before finishing at the Silo Precinct.
Along the way, participants can expect precision regularity stages, Cape cuisine, five nights of world-class hospitality and the camaraderie that has become a defining feature of the rally.
A rally with a charitable purpose
Beyond the cars and the roads, charitable giving remains a central part of The Cape 1000’s identity.
The event supports the Motorsport Legends Benevolent Fund and the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA). The 2026 rally raised more than R300,000 for these beneficiaries.
The latest international recognition is therefore significant not only for the event itself, but also for the wider community connected to its participants, partners and charitable work.
Event Director Vanessa Crichton welcomed the shortlisting as a proud moment for the rally and the country.
“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,” says 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.”
Looking ahead to March 2027
With its next edition scheduled for March 2027, The Cape 1000 will once again bring together a field of classic and collectible vehicles for a journey through the Western Cape.
Its International Historic Motoring Awards shortlisting adds an international milestone to the rally’s development since its founding in 2022.
As the historic motoring community prepares for the awards ceremony in London, The Cape 1000’s nomination puts the spotlight on a South African event built around exceptional vehicles, memorable roads and a commitment to charitable causes.
For more information, visit www.cape1000.com or follow @thecape1000.
