On 26 September, thousands of dapper drivers took part in the largest and most stylish global vintage automotive enthusiast event. The first event of its kind, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive, targeted its inaugural event toward establishing flagship drives around the world, to raise awareness and capture content within local classic car clubs and driving groups. With the premise that all drivers must be behind the wheel of a pre-1980s vehicle, and be dressed to suit, the event managed to successfully take place in over 145 cities and 55 countries around the world, connecting 4 000 drivers to its causes of prostate cancer and men’s mental health.

Raising over $200K USD for Movember, the charity partner of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive, who are the world’s leading global organisation focussed solely on men’s health. The funds raised through The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive will be directed toward prostate cancer and men’s mental health research and programmes.

Founder of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive, Mark Hawwa, reflects on the inaugural event. “It’s been surreal to experience the success of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive in its first year. What we were able to achieve, along with the support from all our volunteers and participants is exciting. We surpassed every expectation for this first year, raising more than what The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride did in its first year as a fundraising event. We’re proud to be able to bring so many classic automotive enthusiasts together and continue building upon our passion for men’s health and motoring.”

Every drive around the world features a unique selection of cars and people and encourages folks to get out on the open road and celebrate the life and connection that is made through these machines. The event is for cars built before January 1980 and will encourage its drivers to carry on the dapper style and gentlemanly conduct that perfectly complements classic and collectable cars by raising funds and awareness for men’s health on behalf of charity partner Movember.

Classic Car Africa was the co-sponsor for the Johannesburg North drive. Team members joined several other enthusiasts in Parkhurst to grab a coffee and then proceeded to drive dapper through the buzzing streets of northern Joburg, ending at the beautiful country venue of Toadbury Hall in Muldersdrift. An incredible selection of cars and a bunch of cool people in the blazing hot Jozi sun made for an amazing day for all.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive will be returning on Sunday, 25 September 2022 and anyone looking to take part in their local drive or start one of their own is encouraged to subscribe at www. gentlemansdrive.com.

About The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride unites classic and vintage style motorcycle riders all over the world to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in Sydney, Australia in 2012 by Mark Hawwa. After inspiration from a photograph featuring classic suits and vintage motorcycles, Mark decided a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often-negative stereotype of motorcyclists and connect the global motorcycling community and to raise funds for a cause important to every rider. For more information, visit www.gentlemansride.com.

About Movember

Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men’s health on a global scale, focusing on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. The charity raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programmes that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives. Committed to disrupting the status quo, millions have joined the movement, helping fund over 1,250 projects around the world. In addition to tackling key health issues faced by men, Movember is working to encourage men to stay healthy in all areas of their life, with a focus on men staying socially connected and becoming more open to discussing their health and significant moments in their lives. The charity’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health. To donate or learn more, please visit www.movember.com.