Polka Dots, Vintage Cars, and Philanthropy: The Glamour of Monaco’s Ladies Vintage Rally

The 11th edition of the annual Ladies Vintage Car Rally, organized by the Child CARE Monaco Association, has once again captivated Monaco’s social calendar, combining retro style, vintage cars, and a commitment to charity. Under the leadership of Martine Ackermann, the event not only delights participants and spectators but also continues its essential mission of supporting disadvantaged children around the globe.

This year’s rally, held on Sunday, embraced the vibrant “Rockabilly” theme. Participants, mostly women and a handful of men were dressed in retro costumes, including red polka dot dresses, sunglasses, and bracelets and equally glam black and white costumes. The scene at Monaco’s iconic Casino Square was a picture of elegance and nostalgia, with both the ladies and their vintage cars exuding glamour. The rally’s dress-up tradition is central to its charm, with participants investing many hours preparing their meticulously crafted outfits.

The day began at the Café de Paris with a hearty breakfast, where participants were handed a secret itinerary—a cherished tradition of the rally. At 10 a.m., the journey began, with a caravan of vintage cars departing for a scenic, 11-hour adventure along the French Riviera, culminating at the Prince’s Palace. Among the prized vehicles was a Delahaye 135 from the Prince of Monaco’s private collection, driven by none other than Martine Ackermann herself. The Delahaye was once owned by the famed soprano Vassilka Petrova.

While the rally is filled with fun and camaraderie, its core purpose remains deeply rooted in philanthropy. Since its inception in 2012, Child CARE Monaco has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children in need, particularly focusing on education. Their flagship project, a school for girls in rural India, has grown to accommodate over 100 students. In addition, they’ve established host houses for street children in Jaipur, providing safe spaces for hundreds of children to reintegrate into society.

Martine Ackermann’s dedication to the cause stems from a personal experience. A visit to India 25 years ago left her profoundly impacted by the stark poverty and deprivation she witnessed. This led to the foundation of Child CARE Monaco, which has since expanded its reach beyond India to include projects in South Africa and elsewhere supporting orphans in need.

Princess Stephanie

This year’s rally maintained the secrecy and surprises it’s known for, with participants discovering their destinations only as they progressed. The route featured scenic spots, fine dining, and various activities, including a quiz with prizes for participants. The event with Princess Stephanie in attendance concluded with a celebratory champagne and cocktail reception, where numerous awards were handed out, including one for the best costume, further adding to the fun and competitive spirit of the day.

The proceeds from the rally go directly toward funding Child CARE Monaco’s ongoing projects, ensuring that children across the world receive the support and education they deserve. As Martine Ackermann says, “Education is an everlasting gift,” and this rally is one way to make that gift a reality for children in need.

With the 11th edition now complete, plans are already underway for next year’s event featuring even more stunning scenery, beautiful stops, and, of course, continued dedication to children’s welfare.