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Call us old fashioned, but we think that classic cars are meant to be driven as well as admired. And classic car rallies are just about as good as it gets when it comes getting the most fun out of vintage motor.

There are some quite incredible classic car rallies to be found out there. As long as your classic car is up to the challenge (rallies can be quite the endurance test), you should really consider participating in one. But where?

We’ve compiled some of the best classic car rallies from around the world. So, why not take your pick? We’ve included the odd rally closer to home – but there’s also some that are probably once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Just remember, before booking yourself on any of these rallies, make sure you’ve got the right vintage car insurance which will cover you for your trip.

After all, the more miles you do, the greater the chance there is of something unexpected happening. Now we’ve got the word of caution out the way, here is our selection of the biggest and best classic car rallies around the world.

Samurai Challenge, Japan

Taking place for the first time in 2017, the Samurai Challenge is set to return by popular demand in spring 2022. According to the website, it’s the “only competitive UK-organised rally to visit Japan”.

Competitive as it might be, the event runs to a “relaxed schedule” to allow participants to enjoy Japan in all its glory, in the height of cherry blossom season. Lasting 21 days, you’d have plenty of time to soak up the fascinating culture and history on offer. Daily drives are short to maximise tourist time.

The inaugural event rally covered some 4,660km with the route taking classic car enthusiasts from Fukuoka in the south to Lake Toya in the north. The 2022 event will commence and conclude in the neon-lit metropolis of Tokyo, which allows for more time in the heart of the country.

Along the way, participants will get to experience a boat trip to Miyajima Island and the Great Torii Gate marking the entrance of Itsukushima Shrine, and a visit to the incredible temple at Nara, where hundreds of deer roam free. There are plenty of other highlights on top, too!

Trans-Africa Rally, Africa

If you’ve always wanted to go on a safari trip but never got round to it, then the Trans-Africa Rally is for you. Spanning some seven countries – South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Swaziland – the rally is a whopping 7,560km long, so it’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. In fact, the website says that only experienced participants need apply.

If you do want to give it a go, you’ll need to be quick as there are only 18 spots available at the time of writing. Lasting the best part of a month (29 days), you’ll be packing a hell of a lot of sight-seeing in, with the organisers promising safari trips, a cruise on lake Kariba and a stay at the best resort hotel in Mozambique on the island of Bazaruto.

The Maharajah Marathon, India

India might just be the most colourful country in the world and Rajasthan, known as the colourful state, might just be the most vibrant of any place on Earth.

The Maharajah Marathon will take you through the royal palaces and stunning temples of Rajasthan, as part a 3,500km route, which also takes in the Taj Mahal, the Rann of Kutch and much, much more.

The website says you will enjoy “privileged access and princely hospitality” as you make your way across the country. You won’t feel like you’re forever on the road either, with short daily driving distances and no fewer than seven rest days. A non-competitive and highly social touring event, you could make some friends for life, in a truly unforgettable setting.

Open to novices and experienced crews alike in cars of all ages – vintage, classic and modern – you’ll have to be quick to snare a spot on the rally which is dubbed “exclusive and supremely luxurious.”

The Motoscape Banger Rally, Europe

Don’t be put off by the name. The Motoscape Banger Rally is as much for classic car enthusiasts as it is for owners of old battered motors – it’s up to you what you make of it.

There are two rallies – one in Prague and one in Venice – and while organisers provide suggested routes and places to visit, you are responsible for finding your way around. Most people stick to the suggested route, but if you wanted to do a detour, there’s nothing stopping you.

The website makes it clear that this isn’t a package holiday – but the organisers do promise an excellent standard of accommodation.

Unlike some of the other rallies we’ve highlighted, the Motoscape Banger Rally is upfront about the cost to enter a car: £279 for a team of two people. However, that doesn’t include accommodation, which will work out at £50-60 per night, according to the organisers.

To compete in the rally, all you need is a car and suitable insurance. And a valid driving licence, of course.

Where’s the best place to find classic car insurance?

If you decide to take the plunge and book a place of one of the classic car rallies listed above, you’re in for a great time. But, it’s crucial that you check with your insurer that you’ll be covered for the length of the trip before you go – or seek out suitable insurance if you’re not.

When it comes to decide which insurer to go with, consider that Lancaster Insurance is the classic car insurance broker of choice for 96,000 vehicle owners. Over 40% of all MGBs and over 30% of all Land Rover 88s and MG Midgets have their insurance arranged by Lancaster. Insurance premiums start at just £70.48 for private cars.

Like you, Lancaster is passionate about classic vehicles. Drawing on the recommendations from our panel of specialist underwriters, we will search for the right classic car insurance for your cherished antique motor.

Get your quote today!