Bespoke Rallies is to revive the Grand Prix of South America with a rally held between October 22 and November 25, 2026. The event is intended as a modern recreation of the 1948 long-distance rally, often described as one of the most demanding road races ever held.
The 1948 Grand Prix of South America covered more than 9500km across seven countries, taking competitors from Buenos Aires to Caracas and back again over a 20-day schedule. The field was dominated by Argentine drivers, many of whom competed in modified production saloons. Juan Manuel Fangio, at the time an emerging talent on the continental scene, secured victory in the overall classification. His performance across widely varying terrain – including mountain passes, jungle tracks and high-altitude gravel roads – was widely regarded as a defining moment early in his career.
The event was marked by extreme conditions and significant risks. Several stages took place on narrow Andean routes with steep drops and little protection, while others traversed remote regions with limited local support. Mechanical failures and accidents were frequent, contributing to a high attrition rate. A tragedy on the route between Lima and Tumbes overshadowed the competition when Fangio’s co-driver, Daniel Urrutia, was killed in an accident. Fangio continued in the event, later describing the decision as one of the most difficult of his career.
Following a route of almost 11,000km over 32 days, the 2026 running of the modern-day Grand Prix of South America will begin with a midnight start in Buenos Aires. The flag-off will be conducted by Oscar Fangio, son of five-time World Champion Juan Manuel. Competitors will travel through Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia before finishing in Cartagena. According to the organisers, the itinerary will include two start days, 20 competitive or driving days and eight designated rest days. Hotel accommodation will be provided throughout, alongside local receptions and support from regional car clubs.
A symbolic nod to the seventh stage of the 1948 race – during which Fangio assisted fellow competitors – will form part of the Grand Prix of South America programme. A special accolade, El Caballero del Camino (Knight of the Road), is scheduled to be awarded at the concluding dinner.
Mechanical, medical and logistical support will accompany the Grand Prix of South America 2026 rally, and the organisers state that border coordination has been arranged with the relevant authorities.
More details on the Grand Prix of South America 2026 are available here.
