The historic South African race shortlisted for an international award

The Cape 1000, a five-day, 1,000-mile (1,609km) grand touring rally through the Western Cape, has been shortlisted in the Rally or Tour of the Year category at the 2026 International Historic Motoring Awards.

Heavily inspired by iconic historic endurance road events such as Italy’s Mille Miglia, the Cape 1000 was launched in 2022 and billed as “South Africa’s Most Beautiful Drive”.

Unlike other speed races and traditional rallies, the event is a classic and exotic car regularity rally, meaning competitors do not race to finish first.

Instead, they navigate public roads and mountain passes under strict speed limits, attempting to match designated target times between checkpoints. Points are deducted for arriving either too early or too late.

To preserve exclusivity and lighten the logistics load, participation is regularly capped at between 60 and 70 entrants, split among rare, historic, or high-performance vehicles.

These are generally divided into distinct classes, including Classic, Modern Classic, Sports & Supercars, and Specials & Recreations.

The first class comprises historic collector cars typically manufactured before 1976, while Modern Classics include iconic models from the late 1970s through the 1990s.

The Sports & Supercars category includes high-performance modern exotics, while the Specials & Recreations category adds period-correct tribute vehicles and custom builds.

The Cape 1000 traverses some of the country’s most celebrated driving roads, including Chapman’s Peak Drive, Clarence Drive, the Franschhoek Pass, the Overberg coast, and sections of the Klein Karoo and Garden Route.

While participants stay at luxury accommodations along the way, the public can view the cars at designated gathering spots, including an opening Show & Shine event and the Grand Finish at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront.

The sixth edition, taking place from 20 to 25 March 2027, will begin on a Saturday, for the first time, with a public Show & Shine at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront followed by a Sunday morning send-off.

Same as every year, the event will raise funds for local non-profit organisations, having raised more than R300,000 in 2026 for the Motorsport Legends Benevolent Fund and the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA).

International award finalist

The Cape 1000 said being shortlisted for the International Historic Motoring Awards Rally or Tour of the Year recognises its unique offering.

This includes its distinctive grand touring regularity format, its carefully curated field of rare and collectable vehicles, and how it introduces historic and classic vehicles to the Western Cape’s finest roads.

“Widely regarded as the most prestigious accolades in classic and historic motoring, the International Historic Motoring Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and dedication across the global historic motoring community,” it said.

“The awards shine a spotlight on the individuals, clubs, organisations and events that preserve, promote and enrich shared motoring heritage.”

According to the Cape 1000, its fellow nominees reflect the passion, expertise and creativity that continue to drive the historic motoring sector forward.

This year’s winners will be announced at a ceremony on 13 November 2026 at the prestigious 5-star Peninsula London hotel.

Leading figures from the international motoring world will gather to celebrate outstanding contributions to the preservation and enjoyment of motoring history.

“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 Cape 1000 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.

She added that the recognition belongs to Cape 1000 participants, partners and beneficiaries, and it puts the Cape firmly on the map for classic motoring enthusiasts everywhere.

The Cape 1000