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The Biggest Classic Car Rallies in the UK
A classic car rally is a frequent sight across the UK and overseas, with motoring enthusiasts taking the chance to meet up with like-minded ‘petrolheads’ and share their common interests.
This article looks at the biggest rallies in the UK, when they are held, and which types of vehicles they usually attract.
And if you are planning to attend any of the events, but you would prefer to have someone else take care of the transportation of your prized possession, then Hamiltons Removals can ensure it arrives there safely.
The historic vehicle industry is a big contributor to the UK’s economy, with a 2020 report putting the value at £18.3 billion. This figure includes racing events, owner clubs, museums, specialist magazines – and rallies, where thousands of like-minded enthusiasts can meet up and share their passion for classic cars.
Here, Hamiltons Removals, who offer classic car transportation across the UK, look at some of the biggest events held in this country.
Vintage Car Transportation from Hamiltons Removals
At Hamiltons Removals, we can help if you want to move your prized vehicle within the UK, Europe, or further afield. While many enthusiasts like to drive their own car to rallies, we appreciate that it’s not always that simple – and we can take a lot of the stress out of the whole process by ensuring it gets there safe and sound.
The NEC Classic Motor Show
Its official title in 2025 will be the Lancaster Insurance Classic Car Show. This is the UK’s largest indoor classic car show and is usually held at the NEC in Birmingham every November. It features more than 2,500 vehicles from motoring clubs, a vast trade area, and interactive exhibits (including where children get the chance to drive small vehicles). There’s also a restoration workshop if you need any tips on maintaining your own vehicle. And it’s not just for UK cars – there’s a dedicated section for motorbikes, as well as plenty of American muscle cars.
The Silverstone Classic
Also known as the Silverstone Festival, the Classic is held at the F1 track in Northamptonshire every August. Like the NEC Classic, there’s a mixture of trade stands and exhibits, as well as some live music. However, the focus is on racing – F1 (often including some famous names from the past), GT, Sports and Touring Car events were all on the calendar in 2025. Many enthusiasts camp out at the track for the whole weekend.
Next year (2026), the format is due to change slightly when the event will be run alongside CarFest, which has many of the same elements, but the focus will be on charity fundraising.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival Meeting
The Festival of Speed is a comparatively new entry onto the motorsport calendar. It started in 1993 and takes place at Goodwood House in West Sussex (where there was a racing circuit from the 1940s-60s that was restored and improved in the 1990s).
There are plenty of different races – a hillclimb, a soapbox challenge and a rally stage – all held within the grounds but using different circuits. The Festival of Speed is usually held in July, and Goodwood also hosts a Revival meeting later in the year. Vehicles here usually date from the original track’s heyday. In both cases, there are dedicated parking areas for classic cars (even if they aren’t taking part in any races) so enthusiasts can come and ‘browse’.
The Donington Historic Festival
This festival is held at the Derbyshire racing circuit in May. Again, it’s a significant event for historic racing, attracting hundreds of world-class racing cars. However, there are plenty of opportunities for owners to attend (with their cars) if they are registered with the appropriate owner’s club. Last year, the following clubs attended – Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Ferrari, Lotus, MG and Porsche – and that’s by no means a full list.
Classic Car Transportation across the UK from Hamiltons Removals
Of course, there are plenty of other smaller rallies held across the country, many of them for specific clubs or owners. Many people like to drive their own classic cars to these events – but if you have more than one, you prefer to ensure your vehicle looks in pristine condition, or you aren’t sure you are allowed to drive it on public roads, then you can entrust it to Hamiltons Removals.
We offer covered car and single car transportation from our base close to the Norfolk/Suffolk border and have a number of purpose-built transporters which we use to ensure your vehicle arrives safely at its destination, whether that’s in the UK or overseas.
For more information on our specialist vehicle services, follow this link, email us at vehicles@hamiltonsremovals.co.uk or call us on 01379 855203.
FAQS:
What sort of vehicles can Hamiltons Removals transport?
Whatever age or type of vehicle you have – classic, antique, or vintage – we can transport it safely to its destination. And we don’t just move historic vehicles; we can help with other types of vehicles (such as tractors) as well. For more information, follow this link.
What is the legal position about driving vintage vehicles on UK roads?
You are allowed to drive a classic car on UK roads, but you must ensure it’s registered with the DVLA and maintained well enough to be roadworthy. While vehicles over 40 years old are generally exempt from annual MOT tests and car tax, you must maintain them in good condition, which may involve a voluntary MOT for peace of mind and safety.
If there have been any substantial changes made to the vehicle in the last 30 years, it may be necessary to have an MOT, even if it is over 40 years old.
If you are in any doubt about its legality or its roadworthiness, you may be better off having it transported by a specialist vehicle transporter such as Hamiltons Removals.