The Cape 1000 - The stage is set

Car enthusiasts, young and old alike, have lots to look forward to next week when the first-ever Cape 1000, a classic car rally tribute to Italy’s iconic Mille Miglia, takes place from Tuesday, March 8th to Sunday the 13th, on the scenic roads of the Western Cape.

“We are humbled and grateful for the support shown by not just South Africa’s classic car community but car community as a whole,” says organiser Ross Crichton. “With 36 spectacular cars, ranging from a 1956 Porsche 356 to a modern-day McLaren 720S, the Cape 1000 promises to not only be a memorable experience for the participants, but also for those watching and cheering from the sidelines.”

“We encourage petrolheads to follow the event not only on social media (on Instagram @TheCape1000) but also in real life by traveling to the selected locations to meet up with these exquisite machines,” Crichton says.

Registration takes place on Tuesday March 8th at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel from 14:00 to 17:00. “Visitors are more than welcome to come and have a look at the cars,” says Crichton. “There is another opportunity at the Waterfront the next day, the 9th of March, from 8:00 am at The Silo Museum, when cars will start leaving the V&A Waterfront at timed intervals.”

From the Waterfront the route takes participants on a scenic tour of the Western Cape that lasts four days, with Hermanus, Franschhoek and St. Helena Bay being stopovers before the participants returns to Cape Town on the 12th of March.

In addition to the starting point, enthusiasts who want to meet up with The Cape 1000 cars can also head to following spots;

• 9 March : 08:45 - Camps Bay, Victoria Road

• 9 March : 11:00 - Clarence Drive, Gordon’s Bay

• 10 March : 09:00 - Gearing’s Point, Hermanus

• 11 March : 08:30 - Franschhoek Main Road, Franschhoek

• 12 March : 15:15 - Silo Museum, V&A Waterfront

About The Cape 1000

South Africa’s own “Mille Miglia”-styled classic car event was announced late last year and pays homage to the iconic Mille Miglia, a historic 1 000-mile race that took place in Italy from 1927 to 1957. The historic Mille Miglia saw some of the best racers of the time battle it out on the scenic roads of Italy - legends such Tazio Nuvolari and Stirling Moss will forever be closely associated with the Mille Miglia.

The first year’s entry list includes some truly desirable machines, such as a super-rare 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, a 1970 Ferrari Daytona, 1960 Jaguar XK150 and even a 1981 BMW M1.

The event is run over the course of four days (five nights) and includes regularity stages, non-competitive track events and “a healthy dose of grand touring” according to the route planners, Dave Alexander and Di Dougmore.

The categories are;

• 1927-1957: Mille Miglia Specific

• Pre-1977: Classic

• 1977-1996: Modern Classic

• 1997-2021: Sports

The Cape 1000 is organised by Super Car Lifestyle (which also hosts Round Table Cannonball Run, Concours South Africa etc.) together with Cars.co.za, SCL Travel, Silvercrest Super Car Insurance and Mix 93.8FM.

Beneficiaries of the Cape 1000 include the Motorsport Legends Benevolent Fund and Quadpara Association of South Africa (QASA).