Cape 1000: Scenic splendour and sportsmanship for a cause

Cape 1000: Scenic splendour and sportsmanship for a cause

The third edition of the breathtaking Cape 1000 Grand Touring and Regularity Rally has wrapped up with resounding success, showcasing an extraordinary journey covering 1,600 km through the Western Cape. A spectacular blend of vintage and modern vehicles set out on a four-day journey along a scenic route, overcoming obstacles like a timed race, mountain passes, and a lengthy road trip aspect. 

The Cape 1000 is more than just a thrilling drive; it's a commitment to supporting charities and communities in need. This year, the event raised an impressive R350,000 for the QuadPara Association of South Africa and the Motorsport Legends Benevolent Fund. The event's climax was a charity auction on the final night, introducing an element of excitement as participants eagerly bid on unique items such as the Cape 1000 entrance carpet and medal holder, with the prized item being the number one event poster of sixty-five signed by the artist.

The 1,600 km journey combined leisurely drives and regularity driving, challenging drivers to maintain specific speeds over designated distances. Cars were categorised, with winners determined by the lowest number of points based on time adherence.

The event saw many international entries, including participation from the USA, UK, Botswana, Namibia, Germany, Netherlands, Greece, France, Italy, and South Korea, to name a few.

Top Achievers in Each Category:

‍

Classic Class

1st Place: Dean and Robyn Versace in a 1967 MGB Roadster

Modern Classic Class

1st Place: James and Frida Cottingham in a 1996 Ferrari F355 GTB

Sports Car Class

1st Place: Jan-Hendrik Delport and Jonathan Barron in a 2012 Porsche GTS Convertible

Special Class

1st Place: Justin Clark and Etienne Bezuidenhout in a 1933 Ford Model T pickup restomod

Overall Winners

Jan-Hendrik Delport and Jonathan Barron in a 2012 Porsche GTS Convertible

Vanessa Crichton, the event organiser, shared her enthusiasm: “We are thrilled with the success of this year’s event, which saw our entries expand to 66 vehicles. This growth stands as a testament to the unwavering enthusiasm within the motoring community, not only in South Africa but also beyond our borders. A sincere thank you to all participants, sponsors, and supporters for making this year's Cape 1000 a resounding success. Your passion and dedication are the driving force behind the continued growth and excellence of our beloved rally. We eagerly anticipate the evolution of the Cape 1000 and look forward to welcoming you all back for another exhilarating edition in 2025.”

We competed in the 2023 Cape 1000 in a stunning MGA Roadster, and to say the experience was anything short of spectacular would be an understatement. Luxurious dining and accommodation are just a bonus—this trip will help you deepen your love for your garage classic. This is a chance to experience some of the best driving routes in the world while socialising with friends old and new.

This year’s Cape 1000 was proudly presented in collaboration with wealth and investment manager Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth. “We are delighted to witness another successful edition of the Cape 1000, which is a celebration of some magnificent cars, the people who cherish them, and our beautiful country,” says Jean Minnaar, Managing Director of Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth.

“The passion, skill, and sportsmanship displayed by the participants, combined with the overwhelming support from the community, exemplify the values we hold dear at Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth. Congratulations to all winners, and we are proud to have contributed to the charitable causes through this remarkable event," he concluded.

Looking ahead, Crichton says that the team remains committed to enhancing the Cape 1000 experience and is actively working on refining the regularity aspect of the event. “Furthermore, we have exciting plans to introduce a cutting-edge technology solution aimed at providing participants and enthusiasts with real-time access to live scoring, further elevating the thrill and engagement of the Cape 1000. Watch this space,” she added.