Trailer: Peking to Paris 2019 – The Film

The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge is a recreation of the 1907 challenge issued by Le Matin, (a French daily newspaper first published in 1884 and discontinued in 1944), “Is there anyone who will undertake to travel this summer from Peking to Paris by automobile?” An epic 36-day adventure covering 14,500 Kms and a true test of endurance for both car and crew.

What has now become an annual event, this 7th version was held this year from June 2th to July 7th, with 106 cars crossing the start line at the Great Wall of China in Beijing. Organized by the Endurance Rally Association, the hardy competitors journeyed through twelve countries including Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, Kazakhstan, Russia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania before entering Europe to reach the center of Paris.

We managed to spot the 2 Citroëns that participated. A modified 1973 DS20 (See it at 1:51 in the video) entered by Daniel Spadini (CH) / Scipione Dibello (NL) and a 1955 Traction Avant 11 BN (at 7:12) owned by Mario and Noele Illien (CH). Can you find any other instances?

The Peking to Paris Motor Challenge is unique in the motoring world – open to cars of a type produced before 1976 and is suitable to both novice crews, with training and support, as well as experienced rally entrants. Taking an exciting route via gravel, sand and stunning roads, luxurious hotels and desert camping. Participants definitely need a sense of adventure as average daily distances are around 400 kilometres but, on occasion, can be as much as 650 kilometers. It is a true endurance motor rally following in the wheel-tracks of the original pioneers of 1907. Driving an old car nearly half way around the world with a bunch of like-minded enthusiasts, against the clock, with the added spice of timed sections, makes Peking to Paris the longest and toughest driving challenge for vintage and classic cars.

Aside from the phenomenal images in the trailer, the variety of cars that participated is outstanding. Mitch Goss and Christopher Rolph completed what is believed to be the longest drive ever by a steam-powered car, a 1910 White MM Pullman. (At 11:39).

One of the highlights of the rally was Gonnissen and Gelan crossing the finish line in the 1907 Contal Motori, a 3-wheeler that finally finished 112 years after it started in the first Peking to Paris rally. (At 11:09).

“This was the journey of a lifetime,” Gonnissen said. “August Pons failed in 1907 and there was a gap to be filled. Today, history has been written, we have put the ghost of AP to rest after 112 years.” Sitting at the front of the Contal in its “suicide” seat was Gelan, who thus had a unique view of the route. “In my seat I was closer to nature than any of the other competitors and the sheer beauty of the route and the surroundings are what will stay with me for a long time,” he said.

The Australian team of Gerry Crown and Matt Bryson finished as overall winners in their 1974 Leyland P76. This was their third victory, making it a ‘Triple Crown’

Here in the trailer you can watch some of the highlights from the 7th Peking to Paris Motor Challenge and get ready for the film’s release: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2ul-ja1CNk