NZ Silver Fern Rally — Classes (Historic, Challenge Trophy, Classic 4WD, Time-Trial, Silver Frond)

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. Choose your challenge, then join us on New Zealand’s greatest gravel.

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Atmosphere and action at the Silver Fern Rally

Whether you’re bringing a period-perfect classic, a modern 2WD build, a pre-1996 4WD icon, you want 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 built for you.

Historic competition car flying on gravel

Historic Competition (pre-1985 2WD)

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 4WD)

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 (130 kph cap)

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

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Silver Frond rally cars on a North Island gravel stage

Silver Frond (short-format rally)

A shorter-format rally run within the Silver Fern event window, sharing the same world-class North Island gravel and atmosphere with a reduced time commitment.

  • 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

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Moments from the Road

On-stage action at the Silver Fern Rally
Service park scenes and camaraderie

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Compare the Classes

Class Competitive Speed Limit Roll Cage Vehicle Type Best For
Historic Competition (pre-1985 2WD) ✅ No speed limit ✅ 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 4WD) ✅ 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) ✅ Event-appropriate ✅ Cars meeting the technical rules of their chosen Silver Fern division Crews wanting a serious multi-day challenge on a shorter schedule

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