The Cape 1000, one of South Africa’s most visually spectacular motoring rallies, returns to the Western Cape from 15 to 19 March, bringing together an extraordinary collection of classic and modern automobiles for a multi-day journey through some of the country’s most iconic landscapes.
Now firmly established on the South African motoring calendar, the rally attracts a curated field of enthusiasts and collectors who gather in Cape Town before embarking on a carefully designed route that winds through coastal roads, mountain passes and historic towns across the Western Cape.
The rally officially begins on Sunday, 15 March, with a free public Show and Shine event at the Cape Town Hotel School in Granger Bay, where spectators will have the opportunity to view more than 70 remarkable cars up close before they depart on the rally.
The field includes a wide range of iconic machinery, from classic Ferraris and Porsches to modern Lamborghinis and other exceptional performance cars. It offers a rare opportunity for the public to experience these vehicles in one place. The event has also begun attracting growing international interest, with collectors and enthusiasts increasingly travelling to the Western Cape to experience the rally and the region’s world class driving roads.
On Monday morning, the rally gets underway as the cars depart Cape Town and begin the first leg of the route through the Western Cape. Over the following days participants will travel through some of the country’s most scenic driving roads, combining the spirit of grand touring with the extraordinary scenery of the region.
Beyond the rally itself, The Cape 1000 has evolved into a broader lifestyle experience that brings together motoring enthusiasts, hospitality partners and luxury brands through a series of curated moments during the week.
The rally concludes on Thursday, 19 March, with the ceremonial Grand Finish at the Silo Precinct at the V&A Waterfront, where the cars arrive back in Cape Town following their journey.
For visitors and motoring enthusiasts, the two public facing highlights of the event remain the Show and Shine in Cape Town on Sunday and the Grand Finish at the Silo Precinct at the V&A Waterfront on Thursday, both of which are free for the public to attend.
Show and Shine, Cape Town
Date: Sunday, 15 March 2026
Time: 14h00 to 16h00
Venue: Cape Town Hotel School, Granger Bay, Cape Town
A Rally with Heart
The Cape 1000 is a precision regularity rally rather than a race. It combines breathtaking grand touring with driving challenges and a strong charitable focus, including a dedicated fundraising component during the event week.
Where to Watch the Cars Along the Route
Spectators can catch the Cape 1000 convoy at a number of suggested viewing points as the rally travels through the Western Cape.
Monday 16 March
Start, Mouille Point
Millers Point, Cape Café
Chapman’s Peak
Tuesday 17 March
Montagu Meet and Greet
George, York Street
Wednesday 18 March
Outeniqua Pass
Calitzdorp, Old Station
Barrydale, Karoo Art Hotel
Hermanus, Gearing’s Point
Thursday 19 March
Clarence Drive
Franschhoek
Finish, Silo District, V&A Waterfront
Spectators are encouraged to park legally, follow marshal instructions and keep a safe distance from the road at all times.
