About Classic Car Rallies
The roots of rallying can be traced back to the late 19th century, with the first known motor race being the 1894 Paris-Rouen competition. However, it was the 1911 Monaco Rally that formally introduced the concept of rallying as we know it today. Over the decades, classic car rallies have transformed, focusing not only on competition but also on enjoyment and camaraderie among enthusiasts.
At each control point, the team stops and has time recorded on a card. At the end of the event, the competitor who has visited all these controls and who has the fewest early or late penalties overall is the winner.
London to Brighton
Open To Cars Built Before 1905
3rd November 2024 – The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is an annual event held on the first Sunday of November, celebrating the historic Emancipation Run of 1896. The event covers approximately 60 miles from Hyde Park to Brighton, attracting thousands of spectators.
Ennstal Classic
Open to cars built between 1919 to 1976
16th – 19th June 2025 – The Ennstal Classic is a celebrated classic car rally held annually in Austria, spanning four days. The rally emphasizes both competition and the joy of driving, with participants covering approximately 600 km and engaging in various special tests.
Mille Miglia
Open To Cars Built From 1927 to 1957
17th – 21st June 2025 – Often referred to as “the most beautiful race in the world,” the Mille Miglia is a historic rally that traces a route from Brescia to Rome and back. While it can be competitive, the atmosphere is celebratory, making it a fantastic introduction to classic car rallying.
Arlberg Classic
Open To Cars Built Before 1975
26th – 28th June 2025 – The Arlberg Classic Car Rally is a renowned event held in the Alps, covering approximately 600 km over three days. It attracts car enthusiasts from over 15 nations, featuring around 110 teams, including 40 pre-war vehicles. Participants drive through scenic routes such as the Lech Canyon and Flexen Pass, enjoying both competition and the joy of driving.
Rallye des Princesses
Open to cars built between 1946 to 1985
The Rallye des Princesses Richard Mille is a prestigious, all-female classic car rally held annually in France. Established in 1999 by Viviane Zaniroli, the event spans approximately 1,000 miles from Paris to the French Riviera over five days. It emphasizes regularity rather than speed, with participants navigating scenic routes and adhering to set average speeds based on their car’s age.
AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix
Open To Cars Built From 1920 to 1990
1st – 3rd August 2025 – The AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix is a prominent historic motorsport festival held annually at the Nürburgring in Germany. The event features over 600 racing cars spanning nine decades, showcasing the evolution of motorsport from its early days to the late 20th century.
Monaco Historic
Open To Cars Built From 1950 to 1980
8-10 May 2026 – The Monaco Historic Grand Prix is a biennial event that celebrates classic motorsport, held two weeks before the Formula One Grand Prix. Established in 1997 to mark the 700th anniversary of the Grimaldi dynasty, it features over 230 vintage cars racing on the iconic Monaco circuit.
Conclusion
Whether you’re behind the wheel or cheering from the side lines, these classic car rallies offer unforgettable experiences for beginners to experience the perfect blend of competition, camaraderie, and cultural exploration, allowing participants to not just own a piece of automotive history, but to actively engage with it in some of Europe’s most stunning locations.
