Classes
Silver Fern Rally — Classes
Five ways to experience “The World’s Best Marathon Gravel Rally” — from full competition through to precision time-trial and the shorter Silver Frond rally. Decide how you’d like to tackle New Zealand’s greatest gravel, then come and join us.
Whether you’re bringing a period-correct classic, a modern 2WD build, a pre-1996 4WD icon, you’d like to take on the longest precision driving test on gravel, or you prefer a shorter Silver Frond format that still shares the marathon atmosphere — there’s a Silver Fern class designed for you.
Choose Your Challenge
Historic Competition (pre-1987 2WD)
The premier class, where the overall winner is crowned. Period heroes — Escorts, AE86s, RX-series, Starlets, E30s, 911s and more — take on seven days of legendary marathon 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
Challenge Trophy (modern 2WD)
The same unforgettable route and format, in a more accessible modern 2WD package. Big mileage, big value, and a welcoming paddock for crews stepping up to marathon rallying.
- Classes: E–H by capacity (true cc; overbore 1.5 mm; FI ×1.7; Rotary ×1.8)
- Why: A cost-effective path into long-distance gravel rallying
- Safety: Competition-level equipment as per event regulations
Classic 4WD (Pre-1996)
Audi, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Toyota — early 4WD icons from the golden era (without the modern WRC-level machinery). All the theatre, with rules that keep the playing field fair and true to period.
- Eligibility: Pre-1996 4WD / H6
- Intake: Forced-induction cars require a 36 mm restrictor
Silver Fern Time-Trial
The world’s longest precision driving test. Maintain a target average speed on closed stages using RallySafe timing. Huge seat time, minimal prep, and a relaxed competition environment.
- Vehicle: NZ road-registered (often 30+ years old; modern “stepping-stone” cars welcome)
- Speed cap: 130 kph
- Safety: Helmets, extinguisher, triangle, first aid kit, RallySafe wiring
Silver Frond
A shorter-format rally run during the Silver Fern event window. The Silver Frond shares the same world-class North Island gravel and atmosphere, with fewer days away from home or work.
- Format: Selected days and stages from the full Silver Fern route
- Vehicle & safety: Follows the same technical and safety principles as the main competition classes
- Ideal for: Crews wanting a serious multi-day challenge without committing to the full marathon distance
Moments from the Road
Compare the Classes
| Class | Competitive | Speed Limit | Vehicle Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historic Competition (pre-1987 2WD) | Yes | Event-appropriate | Period competition cars (A–D classes) | Experienced crews chasing overall honours |
| Challenge Trophy (modern 2WD) | Yes | Event-appropriate | Modern 2WD by E–H classes | Cost-effective entry to marathon rallying |
| Classic 4WD (pre-1996 4WD / H6) | Yes | Event-appropriate | Pre-1996 4WD icons; FI with 36 mm restrictor | Fans of the early 4WD era |
| Silver Fern Time-Trial (130 kph cap) | 🎯 Time-based | 130 kph | Road-registered (often 30+ yrs; modern eligible) | Precision drivers & first-timers |
| Silver Frond (short-format rally) | Yes | Event-appropriate | Cars meeting the technical rules of their chosen Silver Fern division | Crews wanting a serious multi-day challenge on a shorter schedule |