A decade after its inception, the Hope Classic Rally returned in triumphant form for 2025 bringing together a curated group of 55 classic and performance cars, and 130 guests, for a the charitable driving event in aid of WeSeeHope. Ranging from spirited road miles to laps of the Dunsfold Aerodrome circuit – and a line-up that included not one but two McLaren F1s. Our very own James Elliott was taking part, and you can read about his experiences in the upcoming Octane issue 268.
The rally’s centrepiece was a day at Ledmore’s new Dunsfold facility, the Fire Station, where the McLarens delivered passenger laps around the former Top Gear test track with Harrison Newey and Evgeny Kireev at the wheel. Two lucky bidders paid a combined £10,000 for the privilege, with all proceeds going to charity. RM Sotheby’s Sholto Gilbertson presided over the auction, which also saw a unique artwork by Jeremy Sutton raise £9000. The artist captured the spirit of the day on canvas and will offer a limited print run to benefit the cause.
Hosted by Simon Thomas and supported by a long-standing roster of partners – including Jaguar Land Rover Classic, Tuthill Porsche, GTO Engineering, RS Williams and ICON Solutions – the event also made use of vehicles that were kindly loaned from private collections. RS Williams not only provided technical support but also loaned a striking Aston Martin, while Hagerty handled insurance and Mack Logistics managed vehicle transport. JLR Classic, GTO and Tuthill Porsche all contributed vehicles.
Though final figures are still being tallied, early estimates suggest a significant total raised for WeSeeHope – a charity supporting vulnerable children in Southern and Eastern Africa. Places for the 2026 edition are expected to be in high demand, with priority access offered to this year’s participants.
For more info, visit hopeclassicrally.org
