RALLY 2008
The 2008 “L’Impérial - Rallye d’Exception” was designed for lovers of the great outdoors, with South Africa’s legendary wide open spaces and wildlife.
A change in hemispheres
The 2 800 km route meandered across the southern tip of Africa, starting in Port Elizabeth and finishing in Cape Town. At each of the tour’s thirteen stops, participants discovered South Africa’s hidden wonders and breathtaking scenery from behind the wheels of their own classic cars.
Across the wilderness
The tour explored South Africa’s varied landscapes, travelling through the lush vegetation in Mpumalanga province, the vast Kalahari desert, and the vineyards north of Cape Town, giving drivers a chance to admire the Drakensberg rock formations and the stunning beauty of Golden Gate National Park. Participants also caught glimpses of Big Five game − lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses and buffalos on private game reserves as well as in the renowned Krüger Park. Tour participants enjoyed memorable drives along South Africa’s emblematic Garden Route, Seven Passes Road, and Route 62 − one of the longest roads in the world.!
First-class treatment
In addition to the country’s astounding beauty − illuminated in pink and gold at every sunrise − the tour served up first-class service at every step of the way. From prestigious hotels and exclusive homes to rustic lodges, luxury was the leitmotif of this tour. The pampering continued with fine tables including a gourmet lunch at Paarl Rock, in the only Relais gourmand (Relais & Châteaux chain) restaurant in Africa, a candle-lit dinner in the bush, and sunset cocktails in the Valley of Desolation. In short, the tour was a multi-sensory experience that created lasting memories.
Download the full record of the rally
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This is the opportunity to reflect on a very unusual journey.
L’Impérial Classic is the only French company to offer vintage car rallies worldwide, combining not only speed but also the art of living and passion for cars.
These rallies, each centred on an exceptional destination, offer splendour, sophistication and true French style and elegance. These watchwords go hand in hand with the quality and originality of the hospitality on offer.
L’Impérial Classic could be nothing other than top of the range, and is today a major player in the vintage rally world. It combines receptions and private visits, fascinating spectacles in unique sites with tailor-made organisation, providing travel through sumptuous countries to explore culture and hitherto undiscovered sights.
L’Impérial Classic retains its fundamental principles, the guarantee of its success and its trademark : unique routes, precise preparation and « haute couture » style, trips which offer each participating team the chance to live their dream.
As a new decade dawns for l’Impérial Classic two outstanding new projects have been announced (the South Africa in 2016 and the end of the world : New Zealand in 2017).