The 2025 Peking to Paris Classic Car Rally Makes a Low- Key Pit Stop in Sofia
In the early days of June 2025, Sofia, Bulgaria, played host—albeit quietly—to one of the most thrilling spectacles in the automotive world: the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge. The arrival of a convoy of beautifully preserved and roaringly alive classic cars turned a few heads among local enthusiasts, though word of the event was intentionally kept under the radar. Nonetheless, eagle-eyed fans spotted a dazzling array of vintage steel: rumbling Bentleys, a muscle-bound Dodge Charger, a nimble Porsche, and a handful of gleaming Chevrolets making their way through the cobbled streets of the Bulgarian capital, among other spectacular classics.
A Race Through Time
The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge is no ordinary rally—it’s a rolling museum of endurance, adventure, and nostalgia. First held in 1907, the rally was born out of a challenge issued by the French newspaper Le Matin, calling on motorists to prove that a car could travel from Beijing (then known as Peking) to Paris. Only five teams dared to accept. Prince Scipione Borghese of Italy claimed victory after 61 days, proving the resilience of early motoring and capturing the imagination of the world.
No identical routes: Every edition takes a slightly different path, ensuring fresh challenges each time.
No trailers allowed: Every car must drive under its own power—no towing, no swapping out vehicles.
Global crew: Participants come from more than 30 countries, with teams often including family members or lifelong friends.
Unexpected obstacles: Previous rallies have faced flooded rivers, collapsed bridges, and even encounters with curious wildlife—from camels to bears.
Since its revival in 1997 by the Endurance Rally Association (ERA), the Peking to Paris has evolved into a test of both machine and spirit, drawing drivers from all over the globe. Every few years, the rally retraces the nearly 14,000-kilometre route across mountains, deserts, plains, and time zones, passing through some of the most breathtaking and rugged landscapes the Eurasian continent has to offer.
The 2025 Edition: Grit, Grace, and Gearboxes
2025 Peking to Paris Classic Car Rally event kicked off in Beijing in late May, with over 100 pre-1976 vehicles starting the journey across the Mongolian steppes, and the Caucasus before entering Eastern Europe. By the time they reached Sofia, the rally had already traversed terrain that would challenge even modern SUVs.
Though unpublicized in the mainstream media, a hush-hush buzz circulated within Bulgaria’s tight-knit vintage car community. Enthusiasts gathered in cafes and back alleys, whispering about the rare chance to glimpse automotive legends up close. Sofia’s streets briefly transformed into a time capsule, as historic Bentleys, a strikingly restored Dodge Charger, and even a plucky Porsche 911 carved their way through the city.
Read More: Sofia: Spectacular Retro Car Parade
More Than Just a Drive
The Peking to Paris is about more than horsepower and chrome. Each vehicle must be fully self-supported, often undergoing makeshift repairs in the middle of nowhere. There’s no GPS assistance or high-tech shortcuts here—just maps, compasses, and a strong sense of camaraderie. Some teams are composed of seasoned rally drivers, while others are intrepid amateurs with a passion for vintage cars and the open road.
A Moment in Sofia
While the rally is built around grand landscapes and gruelling mileage, moments like the Sofia stop offer a quieter, more intimate view of the adventure. There’s something profoundly stirring about seeing a 1930s Bentley rumble past a modern tram, or a Ford Mustang parked beside a street art mural—time periods colliding in perfect harmony.
Though the drivers didn’t linger long, the visit left a subtle, magical imprint on those who were lucky enough to catch it. For Sofia’s vintage car lovers, it was a fleeting but unforgettable reminder that some journeys defy the ordinary. In a world racing forward, the Peking to Paris Rally continues to move to the rhythm of a bygone era—fuelled by grit, grease, and glory.
Think your friends would be interested? Like, share and subscribe!
