Silver Fern Rally — Classes

Four ways to experience ‘The World’s Best Marathon Gravel Rally’ — from full competition through to precision time-trial. Choose your challenge, then join us on New Zealand’s greatest gravel.

Whether you’re bringing a period-perfect classic, a modern 2WD build, a pre-1996 4WD icon, or you want the longest precision driving test on gravel — there’s a Silver Fern class built for you.

Historic competition car flying on gravel

Historic Competition — The Heart of Silver Fern

The premier class and where the overall winner is crowned. Period heroes — Escorts, AE86s, RX-series, Starlets, E30s, 911s and more — take on seven days of legendary stages.

Classes: A–D by capacity (true cc; overbore 1.5 mm; FI ×1.7; Rotary ×1.8)
Eligibility: FIA Historic status or MSNZ CoD (or equivalent)
Safety: Certified roll cage, FIA seats & belts, fire-retardant apparel, RallySafe kit, extinguisher, triangles & first aid kit

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Modern 2WD rally car on a fast flowing stage

Challenge Trophy — Modern 2WD

The same unforgettable route and format in a more accessible modern 2WD build. Big mileage, big value, and a welcoming paddock.

Classes: E–H by capacity (true cc; overbore 1.5 mm; FI ×1.7; Rotary ×1.8)
Why: Cost-effective path into marathon rallying
Safety: Competition-level equipment as per regulations

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Classic 4WD rally car carving through gravel

Classic 4WD (Pre-1996)

Audi, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Toyota — early 4WD icons from the golden era (no fire-breathing WRCs). All the theatre, with rules that keep the playing field fair.

Eligibility: Pre-1996 4WD
Intake: Forced-induction cars require a 36 mm restrictor

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Silver Fern Time-Trial car with precise average-speed targets

Silver Fern Time-Trial — Precision to the Clock

The World’s Longest Precision Driving Test. Maintain a target average speed on closed stages using RallySafe timing. Massive seat time, minimal prep, maximum fun.

Vehicle: NZ road-registered (often 30+ years; modern “stepping-stones” welcome)
Speed cap: 130 kph
Safety: Helmets, extinguisher, triangle, first aid kit, RallySafe wiring

Enter Time-Trial More info

Moments from the Road

On-stage action at the Silver Fern Rally

Talk to the Team Compare Classes

Compare the Classes

Class	Competitive	Speed Limit	Roll Cage	Vehicle Type	Best For
Historic Competition	✅	~200 kph	✅	Period competition cars (A–D classes)	Experienced crews chasing overall honours
Challenge Trophy (Modern 2WD)	✅	Event-appropriate	✅	Modern 2WD by E–H classes	Cost-effective entry to marathon rallying
Classic 4WD (Pre-1996)	✅	Event-appropriate	✅	Pre-1996 4WD icons; FI with 36 mm restrictor	Fans of the early 4WD era
Silver Fern Time-Trial	🎯 Time-based	130 kph	❌	Road-registered (often 30+ yrs; modern eligible)	Precision drivers & first-timers