Hillclimb racing, one of South Africa’s oldest and most storied traditions, will return after a 60-year hiatus.
The first edition of the event was held in 1912, where both drivers and cars were tested to their limits on challenging routes. The races, held along Camps Bay Drive, Signal Hill Road, and Kloof Road, even continued through the Second World War.
However, in 1962, stricter regulations and increasing traffic volumes brought an end to Cape Town’s hillclimb era, leaving the city’s iconic roads silent for decades.
Now, after more than 60 years, the legendary race is set to make a comeback. Supported by the City of Cape Town and Motorsport South Africa, the Speed Classic Cape Town will revive the city’s hillclimb tradition on October 25–26.
For one weekend, Philip Kgosana Drive, set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, will transform into a 1.8-kilometer race track featuring 150 of South Africa’s most striking cars.
On Sunday, October 26, the finalists will battle it out for the prestigious “King of the Mountain” title.
Unlike the early races, which took place without seat belts, fireproof suits, or helmets, this modern event will place the highest priority on safety.