The Cape 1000, South Africa’s premier 1,000-mile grand touring regularity rally, has secured a prestigious spot on the world stage. The celebrated event was officially shortlisted in the Rally or Tour of the Year category at the 2026 International Historic Motoring Awards.
This global recognition shines a spotlight on the event’s distinctive format, which blends precision regularity stages with a carefully curated field of rare and collectible vehicles. By guiding classic machinery across the Western Cape’s most stunning roads while raising vital funds for local charities, the rally has rapidly established itself as an international benchmark for automotive culture.
Global Excellence in Historic Motoring
Widely regarded as the pinnacle of achievement in the classic and historic automotive world, the International Historic Motoring Awards celebrate innovation, preservation, and dedication across the global community. The annual awards honor top individuals, clubs, and organizations that safeguard and elevate shared motoring heritage.
The nominees for 2026 represent the world’s finest automotive passion and craftsmanship. Winners will be announced during a black-tie ceremony on November 13, 2026, at The Peninsula London, bringing together prominent figures from the international motoring scene.
A Premier Western Cape Experience
Founded in 2022 and presented by Private Clients by Old Mutual, The Cape 1000 is a five-day grand tour that showcases the very best of South African hospitality and scenery. The upcoming iteration, set for March 20 to 25, 2027, will feature approximately 70 exceptional vehicles spanning Classic, Modern Classic, Sports Cars, and Specials/Recreation categories.
For the first time, the 2027 edition kicks off on a Saturday with a public Show & Shine at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, followed by a ceremonial Sunday morning send-off. The route takes drivers through the scenic regions of Franschhoek and the Overberg before culminating at the Silo Precinct. Participants experience five nights of luxury hospitality, local gastronomy, and camaraderie. The 2026 rally raised over R300,000 for the Motorsport Legends Benevolent Fund and the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA).
Why This Shortlisting Is Significant
Being named an award finalist elevates a regional showcase into an internationally acclaimed fixture. Standout achievements include:
Global Automotive Stature: Placing a South African event alongside the world’s most famous motoring rallies firmly establishes the Western Cape as a bucket-list destination for international classic car enthusiasts and collectors.
Economic and Tourism Boost: Highlighting Cape Town, Franschhoek, and the Overberg on a global platform attracts high-net-worth international visitors, reinforcing the region’s reputation for luxury travel, fine dining, and world-class driving routes.
Purpose-Driven Success: The nomination validates a model where world-class lifestyle entertainment directly drives community impact, ensuring local charities benefit from high-profile automotive culture.
As Event Director Vanessa Crichton noted, standing on an international shortlist reflects the hard work of participants, partners, and beneficiaries, proving that South Africa can host events that hold their own against the world’s best.
