Staged in welcome spring sunshine, the fifth edition of Rally the Globe’s Generations Rally lived up to its billing by introducing a raft of newcomers to the joys of competition in evocative pre-1986 cars, attracting crews of different generations.

This year’s March 20-22 weekend event took place on the edge of the ancient Forest of Dean and within reach of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. Competitors enjoyed many of the epic driving roads of mid-Wales, as well as the historic, honey-coloured scenery of the Cotswolds, in total almost 360 miles, featuring 13 Passage Controls, 12 Speed Tests and eight Regularities along a carefully devised route designed to give drivers and navigators an insight into classic rallying.

The packed entry of 83 cars, exclusively for crews of two generations, was split into Vintage and Classic categories, the former largely filled with Bentleys and Frazer Nash TT Replicas, and the latter showcasing an array of marques ranging from Aston Martin and Austin-Healey to Volvo Amazons and Volkswagen’s seminal Golf GTI.

The action began with an opening Speed Test at Chepstow Racecourse, followed by a series of tests and regularities that saw Michael and Ann Boland leading the Vintage class in their 1936 Ford V8 Convertible by the end of the day. Two-time winners Jack and Simon Brien headed the Classic category in their black 1972 Porsche 911.

After a misty start, a bright and sunny Sunday took crews deep into the stunning Welsh countryside, with seven Tests and four Regularities spread across a 176-mile route, either side of a well-earned lunch stop at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Showground in Builth Wells.

While the Brien Porsche continued to lead the Classic category, the Pre-War standings saw a shake-up. The 1932 Alfa Romeo 6C of Andy and Grace Johnson moved into the lead, as the Ford dropped out of the top ten. Following the rigours of Saturday, Sunday’s schedule was more relaxed, allowing crews to enjoy a slightly shorter day ahead of the prize-giving lunch and early afternoon departures.

In the Pre-War category, Irish duo Andy and Grace Johnson claimed their first Generations Rally victory. Fellow Irish father-and-son pairing Eric and John Kavanagh climbed to second place after finishing third the previous year, while Rose de Montmorency and her aunt Philippa Bailey secured a podium finish for the third consecutive year, having won in 2024 and finished second 12 months ago.