The Cape 1000 Puts SA’s Classic Motoring Scene on the International Map

Photo Credit: Cape 1000

The Cape 1000 combines classic cars and scenic Western Cape routes with a charitable mission that raised more than R300,000 in 2026.

Cape Town, South Africa (15 October 2026) – The Western Cape rally has been shortlisted for Rally or Tour of the Year at the 2026 International Historic Motoring Awards.

Some of the Western Cape’s most spectacular roads will once again provide the backdrop for The Cape 1000, but the South African motoring event has another reason to celebrate: it has earned a place on an international awards shortlist.

The 1,000-mile grand touring rally has been shortlisted in the Rally or Tour of the Year category at the 2026 International Historic Motoring Awards, which recognise achievements across the global classic and historic motoring community.

Founded in 2022, The Cape 1000 combines a carefully selected collection of classic and collectable cars with a five-day route through the Western Cape. Its regularity format challenges participants to maintain precise timing across stages, placing as much emphasis on consistency and control as the cars themselves.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Cape 1000 (@thecape1000)

The event also raises money for charity. Its 2026 rally generated more than R300,000 for the Motorsport Legends Benevolent Fund and the QuadPara Association of South Africa.

Event director Vanessa Crichton said the international recognition was a proud moment for the rally and for South Africa, acknowledging the participants, partners and charitable organisations involved.

The next edition is scheduled for 20 to 25 March 2027, with around 70 cars expected across the Classic, Modern Classic, Sports Cars and Specials/Recreation categories.

For the first time, the rally will begin on a Saturday with a public Show & Shine at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. A send-off is planned for Sunday morning, before the field travels towards Franschhoek and the Overberg, finishing at the Silo Precinct.

The International Historic Motoring Awards ceremony takes place on 13 November 2026 at The Peninsula London, where the winners will be announced.

Regardless of the final result, the shortlist places a South African event among international names in historic motoring. Also, the Western Cape’s roads, automotive heritage and charitable purpose are all part of its story.