Owning a classic car is only part of the story. Sometimes the real joy comes from sharing it with others. A casual classic car rally is one of the easiest ways to display a cherished vehicle. In many countries, a classic is typically anything at least 30 years old.
The Russian retro season opened with the main event of the Russian Automobile Federation’s Committee for Classic Cars, the On Seven Hills rally.
No need to punish the suspension or strip the engine. This competition is not about speed but about precise navigation in space. The crew follows a set route through the city, avoiding getting lost in lanes and meeting time checkpoints. Traffic rules are observed strictly, and anyone with a suitable car who wants to share the experience with like-minded people can participate.
An exhibition of classic cars at a gas station is a rare sight. The pit stop is organized in partnership with the main sponsor, Rosneft, for refueling and a friendly bite to eat.
sources of inspiration
The rally movement for vintage car enthusiasts has grown strong enough that sports authorities created a dedicated competition, the RAF Cup (Russian Automobile Federation) in retro rally. Now in its seventh year, it comprises six stages held in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tolyatti, and Tula.
The season opened with the On Seven Hills race, drawing more than 60 crews. The route covered roughly 70 km, mostly through Zamoskvorechye, designed for around three hours of relaxed driving. A key stop was the Rosneft gas station, the rally’s main partner. After the refueling stop with Pulsar-branded fuel, participants could appreciate the high performance long associated with the Russian RCRS track racing series.
RAF Cup crews often visit the Golutvinskaya Sloboda area, where many historic cars can be seen in motion and heard in action.
The route celebrated Moscow’s corners that inspired Russian and Soviet painters to create iconic canvases.
The RAF Cup stands as Russia’s official and most prestigious classic car rally series. The year ends with an awards ceremony where winners are honored in the same vein as national champions.
In the opening leg of the RAF Cup, Rosneft’s team debuted with drivers Andrey Borovik and Dmitry Semenov. They had previously taken part in such competitions onboard a Moskvich-408 and spoke openly about their excitement and the experience of the track and driving drills.
The 1973 Plymouth Barracuda, nicknamed the ’Cuda, is a two-seat V8 muscle car. Its speed is not the focus in retro rally events, though; its charm lies elsewhere.
How does one approach peak performance in these events? It comes from intensive driver training, a deep study of traffic rules and rally regulations, and careful instrument tuning. It also means building a comfortable atmosphere within the crew. Clear communication between pilot and navigator brings smiles to newcomers. Terms like the emphasis, the hole to the right, and the string become part of a broader discipline that blends skill and teamwork.
ALL AGES ARE SUCCESSFUL
In these races, engine power and schedule are not the sole determinants of results.
RAF Cup regulations categorize cars by age into four groups:
- Veteran – cars produced before 1947;
- Classic car – from 1947 to 1969;
- Youngtimer – from 1970 to 1991;
- Super Sport – modified cars produced before 1992.
There are additional technical nuances. The age of the car affects the final score: older vehicles receive a lower correction factor, meaning the penalty points are amplified according to their age. Before each start, an expert panel checks for authenticity. Original, unmodified components are highly valued. If a later engine or other main parts from a different model are installed, the scoring reflects the age of the component. If several key components do not match the model, the car may receive the highest coefficient for modernization or be treated as a replica.
Amateur status allows players to participate with flexible age rules. A navigator can join at 12 years or older, and a declared passenger may ride without any age restriction.
List of winners
Rally events always crown multiple winners and prize winners. The awards ceremony often runs longer than the race itself. In addition to the rally prizes, the RAF Cup and the Grand Tour Cup, recognitions are given to top family crews, and to teams and clubs across various categories, totaling more than a dozen nominations. The overall winner was the family team of Anton and Maria Zolotov from Tula, who competed in a 1968 MG Midget.
Future race winners Anton and Maria Zolotov’s MG Midget is shown on the Raushskaya Embankment as it heads toward Zamoskvorechye.
Rare foreign cars attract attention in retro rally events, but the backbone of the fleet remains homegrown models like the Zhiguli, Muscovites, and Volgas.
In the organizers’ own words, the atmosphere around Red Square and the vast Gostiny Dvor inspires positive energy. Thousands of spectators, countless selfies, and the joyful reactions of children reflect a shared passion for technology, sport, and historical vehicles. The RAF and the Committee for Classic Cars advocate for young people to discover these passions and value skill, knowledge, and the history behind these machines. Enthusiasts who share the same love for cars are welcomed into the community with one simple ingredient—desire to participate and learn. If one wants to join the rally, all that is needed is that spark of interest. Let curiosity and experience be shared.
- 9 entertaining facts about the GAZ-21 here.
- Read how to properly maintain a car in the books of the publishing house Behind the wheel.
- Behind the wheel can also be read on VKontakte.