The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge is unique in the motoring world, a true endurance rally.
This event was organised by the HERO-ERA, company registered in the UK.
After a five-year forced break, this is the eighth edition, 117 years since Prince Scipione Borghese won the epic first event in 1907.
Due to the war conflict in Ukraine, this year's route ran from Beijing on a southern route through Inner Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey, Greece, San Marino, Italy with Paris as the final destination. The total journey was 14,250 km and the event lasted 37 days.
Before the start all crew members had to attend a briefing with the Chinese police, after which they were issued with Chinese driver's licenses and a Chinese vehicle number plate.
Finally 75 crews from 26 countries started on 18 May.
The oldest car was an American La France from 1914, which unfortunately burned later on during the event.
Having driven for more than 4 weeks through Asia, the competitors arrived in Europe via Istanbul, crossing Greece, Italy and San Marino.
After the last regularities in France, the main goal became, of course, to arrive in Paris.
The finishing location was a perfect place for the arrival: the historic building of Gendarmerie national, Garde Nationale in the center of Paris.
The ceremony was very emotional as many families and friends from all over the world came to Paris to welcome the competitors.
After 5 weeks of heat, dust, desperation, hope, hard work and especially support and helpfulness between teams and staff, they all deserved to be celebrated at the finish line.
The Spirit of FIVA Award was presented to Mr Tomas de Vargas Machuca (Chairman of HERO-ERA) and Mr Guy Woodcock (Clerk of the course and Competition director of HERO-ERA)
This most challenging event for classic cars will be back in 2025.
Text by Sandra Heinisch
Pictures: Blue Passion Photo and Will Broadhead Photography.
