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.

Historic competition car flying on gravel

Historic Competition (pre-1985 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

Enter Historic More info

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 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

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Classic 4WD rally car carving through gravel

Classic 4WD (pre-1996 4WD / H6)

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

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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. 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

Enter Time-Trial More info

Silver Frond rally cars on a North Island gravel stage

Silver Frond (short-format rally)

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

Enter Silver Frond 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 (pre-1985 2WD)	✅	Event-appropriate	✅	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 / H6)	✅	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