From the Gobi Desert to the Parisian cobblestones, 55 teams embark on an extraordinary adventure combining endurance, heritage and pioneering spirit.
The kick-off is given. This May 17, 2025, under the ramparts of the Great Wall of China, 55 crews from all over the world set off for the 9th edition of the legendary Beijing to Paris Motor ChallengeFor 37 days, they will face a titanic journey of 14 kilometers through 988 countries and 11 borders, until the arrival scheduled for June 10 in Paris. A mechanical and human feat, halfway between an endurance test and a historic expedition.
Peking to Paris Motor Challenge – 2024 Edition
A challenge more than a race
"It's not a race, it's an odyssey. Getting to the end is the real challenge," emphasizes Guy Woodcock, competition director at HERO-ERA. The organizer had to deal with a schedule disrupted by the pandemic, holding this 2025 edition right after the 2024 edition. A daring gamble, met thanks to a complete redesign of the route and meticulous logistics.
On the program: Kazakh steppes, Gobi Desert, Caucasian passes and Bulgarian trails, not forgetting six nights in tents and off-road sections that will put even the most robust mechanics to the test.
An exceptional plateau
The 2025 field is simply spectacular. Elite drivers, political figures, and enlightened amateurs come together in a spirit of shared adventure.
Among them, Christophe bouchut, multiple winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, makes his debut in this discipline aboard a rare Peugeot 504 Coupé ex-factory, supported by the Dakar veteran Alfonso de Orléans-Borbón. Another unexpected duo: John caudwell, British entrepreneur, and his brother Brian, aligned on a 1938 Chevrolet Fangio Master Coupe.
On board the smallest car ever entered in the rally, a Fiat 500 of 1973, Minister of Tourism of San Marino, Federico Pedini Amati, flies high the colors of his Republic.
As for Tomas de Vargas Machuca, president of HERO-ERA, he will attempt a historic crossing in solo into a 1926 Bentley, an absolute first in the history of the event. Another tribute to the past: Jonathan Turner, veteran of the 1997 edition, returns with the same 1929 Bentley which he piloted 28 years ago, now accompanied by Nick English, vintage aircraft pilot.
Exceptional automobiles
The vehicles entered pay homage to more than a century of automotive history. Nearly half of the field is made up of pre-war models, including a American LaFrance Type 12 from 1917 with its 14,5 liter engine, or even a 1920 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.
On the classic side: Porsche 911, Datsun 240Z, Volvo 220 Estate, so many iconic models prepared for the impossible.
Peking to Paris Motor Challenge, a century-old tradition
Le Beijing to Paris Motor Challenge, created in 1907 and relaunched in 1997, is much more than a rally: it is a historic adventure that spans the ages, embodying the pioneering spirit of the first automotive explorers. Since 2024, the event has been organized by HERO-ERA, a world leader in historic rallies. True to its origins, the event combines self-improvement, mechanical passion and discovery of the world. Committed to a sustainable future, HERO-ERA is a company completely carbon neutral. Thanks to its partnership with BeZero Carbon, it measures, offsets and neutralizes the carbon footprint of all its events, notably via the innovative platform NET-HEROEvery mile driven is offset by AAA+ certified projects ranging from reforestation to peatland restoration. By offering all drivers the opportunity to make their vehicle carbon neutral, HERO-ERA proves that we can celebrate automotive heritage while protecting the future of the planet.
Beyond the competition, the Peking to Paris is a fantastic human adventure. The spirit of camaraderie is omnipresent, as Chris Elkins, course leader, attests: "When things are going badly, it's the other competitors who keep you going."
Its organizer, HERO-ERA (Historic Endurance Rallying Organization – Endurance Rally Association), is the world leader in historic automotive events, dedicated to classic and vintage car enthusiasts. With a calendar of 15 rallies ranging from beginners to extreme adventures, HERO-ERA offers a unique experience, from Hero Challenge to the prestigious test of Beijing to Paris Motor Challenge.
The organization provides a fleet of 26 vehicles " Arrive and Drive ", a complete equipment service, and tailor-made events for individuals or companies. Committed to the future of automotive heritage, HERO-ERA supports innovation and sustainability through entities such as Hangar 136 Ltd et The Classic Valuer Ltd, while playing a leading role in the Historic Car and Vehicle Alliance (HCVA)A pioneer in ecology in the world of rallies, HERO-ERA is developing with its division NET-HERO carbon offset tools and collaborates with Coryton to integrate advanced biofuels, thus combining passion for the past and environmental responsibility.
HERO-ERA does more than just preserve automotive heritage: the organization is 100% carbon neutral. Thanks to its NET-HERO platform, each kilometer traveled is offset by certified carbon credits, supporting reforestation, peatland restoration and sustainable agriculture projects in Europe and Asia.
Appointment on June 22 in Paris, for the triumphant arrival of these modern-day heroes, at the end of an unforgettable journey to the heart of Eurasia.
Patrick Koune
Photos: HERO-ERA – Edition 2024
