Historic rallying starts here: HRCR Open Day returns to Gaydon for 2027

Saturday 9 January 2027 | British Motor Museum, Gaydon | Doors open 9.30am | Open Day admission FREE

The Historic Rally Car Register will get the 2027 historic rallying year underway in traditional style when its hugely popular Annual Open Day returns to the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, on Saturday 9 January 2027.

One of the established dates in the historic motorsport calendar, the HRCR Open Day brings together competitors, enthusiasts, organisers, clubs, traders and some very special rally cars for a day devoted to the sport, its history and the season ahead.

And you certainly don’t need to be an HRCR member to come along. Whether you compete, marshal, organise, own a historic car, remember the great rallies of years gone by or are simply curious about getting involved, the doors are open.

Celebrating the Motoring News and RAC Rally era

The theme for 2027 will celebrate the Motoring News Road Rally Championship and the RAC International Rally of Great Britain, recalling an era when rallying meant long nights, challenging roads, forests, maps, stopwatches and some now legendary machinery.

Cars already confirmed for the display include:

Neil Jones’ Triumph TR8
Theo Bengry’s Opel Ascona
Andy Dawson’s Hillman Imp

with further cars still to be announced.

The HRCR will also bring the story right up to date with the 2026 championship-winning cars from its stage and road rally series, while an outdoor display will provide another chance to see historic rally machinery gathered together at Gaydon.

More than the cars

Part of the attraction of the Open Day has always been the opportunity to wander, talk and discover.

There will be trade exhibitors and an Autojumble to mooch around, along with representatives from across the historic rallying community.

The HRCR Membership Team will be on hand for anyone interested in joining the club, while Championship Secretaries representing the HRCR’s competitive series will be available to answer questions and take registrations from competitors looking towards the 2027 season.

Visitors will also be able to meet motor clubs and organisations running Scenic Tours during 2027, together with clubs organising HRCR-qualifying road rally events.

For those who have ever wondered how to get started in historic rallying, it is difficult to find a better place to ask the questions.

The Open Day has become a major annual gathering for the historic rally community. The 2026 event attracted around 2,500 visitors, alongside approximately 50 event organiser and trade stands.

Add it to the diary

HRCR Annual Open Day 2027
Saturday 9 January 2027
Doors open: 9.30am
British Motor Museum
Banbury Road
Gaydon
Warwickshire
CV35 0BJ

Admission to the HRCR Open Day is free. Café and refreshment facilities will be available during the day.

*Please note that free admission applies to the HRCR Open Day only. Entry to the British Motor Museum and its collections is separate and the Museum’s normal admission charges apply.

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For further information about the HRCR Open Day:
Clive King
cliveking1958@gmail.com
01600 737300
www.hrcr.co.uk

About the Historic Rally Car Register

The Historic Rally Car Register is Europe’s leading historic rally car club for enthusiasts and competitors alike. At the heart of historic rallying since 1984, the HRCR supports a wide range of championships, stage and road rallies, scenic tours and activities for everyone from newcomers to experienced competitors.

 

Photo Andy Crawford