Tomas de Vargas Machuca Completes Peking to Paris Solo.

Making Vintage Motorsport History

Tomas de Vargas Machuca has etched his name into vintage motorsport history by completing the 2025 Peking to Paris Motor Challenge entirely solo— a feat not previously attempted in the event’s long and storied history.

Covering over 15,000 kilometres over 37 demanding days, he drove a 1926 Bentley 3L Speed model of original factory specification and bodywork. There were a few expected early challenges— some minor overheating and throttle quirks in the Gobi Desert— but Tomas pressed on with determination. His pace, particularly in the rally’s second half, was nothing short of remarkable, posting consistently high-speed regularity results across some of the most challenging terrain.

First in Class, First Vintage Bentley Home

At journey’s end, Tomas achieved first in class and was the first vintage Bentley to arrive in Paris. More notably still, his car was the only entrant to remain entirely true to original mechanical specification and coachwork— demonstrating not only the resilience of the Bentley marque but also the craftsmanship behind its preparation.

The car was rebuilt and reimagined in our workshop at Bicester Motion. Restored to period correctness with a view toward endurance capability, the car was as much a tribute to motoring heritage as it was a tool for competition. It completed the event with no mechanical failures other than an errant clutch rivet quickly resolved by Tomas en route; and a minor electrical issue with the help of a 24 hr turn around in Baku by Ewen Getley himself.

Tackling the rally entirely alone— no navigator— Tomas exemplified the quiet determination and mechanical empathy this rally requires of you. His result stands not only as a personal milestone, but as a reminder of what can be achieved when tradition and performance are treated as equals.

To explore the story behind this remarkable car, and our role in its journey from Bicester to Beijing and on to Paris, visit: Reborn at Kingsbury: The 1925 Bentley Rally Car

For those considering a similar adventure—or wishing to bring a historic car to life with period accuracy and modern reliability—Kingsbury Racing Shop Ltd offers full preparation and build services for long-distance rallies and concours restorations alike.