Tom and Daniel Kinahan, a father and son team from Kelowna, British Columbia, are preparing to participate in the Peking to Paris Automotive Challenge, a vintage endurance rally that spans 14,500 kilometers and crosses eight countries. The challenge was inspired by a French newspaper editor’s challenge in 1907 to prove the viability of automobiles by driving one from China to France. Despite being more than 100 years old, the challenge has only been run seven times. The Kinahans will be driving a 1962 Austin Cambridge, a vintage British car, as they journey from the Great Wall of China to Place Vendome in Paris.
The Peking to Paris Automotive Challenge is considered the last true endurance race for vintage and classic cars, with 37 days of toil, blood, sweat, and grief. For the Kinahans, this adventure represents an opportunity to spend time together, work on cars, and do something truly remarkable. While they hope to avoid mechanical breakdowns along the route, they are also raising money for the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, which addresses issues related to men’s health, eating habits, and mental health conditions. The foundation’s CEO, Kenton Boston, highlights the importance of their fundraising efforts and the impact it can make on men’s health awareness.
Despite the challenges of the rally, both Tom and Daniel Kinahan are confident in their ability to reach the finish line. While Daniel expresses unwavering optimism, Tom remains cautiously optimistic after experiencing a rollover in the Austin during the winter. The duo’s journey will begin in Beijing, where their car has been awaiting them after being shipped there weeks earlier. Through their participation in the rally and fundraising efforts for the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, the Kinahans hope to raise $1 million for the foundation and create awareness about men’s health issues.
As they gear up for the adventure of a lifetime, the Kinahans are focused on the task at hand – completing the Peking to Paris Automotive Challenge in their vintage Austin Cambridge. The rally represents a unique opportunity for the father and son team to bond over their shared love for cars and take on a monumental challenge together. With their sights set on the finish line in Place Vendome in Paris, the Kinahans are ready to tackle the 14,500-kilometer journey across diverse landscapes and challenging terrain.
The Peking to Paris Automotive Challenge has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, when the idea of driving from China to France was first proposed as a means of showcasing the potential of the newly invented automobile. Over the years, the challenge has become a legendary event in the world of vintage and classic car enthusiasts, attracting participants from around the globe. For the Kinahans, the rally represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to test their skills, endurance, and perseverance as they navigate the diverse landscapes and cultures along the route.
The Kinahans’ participation in the Peking to Paris Automotive Challenge is not just a personal adventure but also a meaningful fundraising effort for the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation. By raising awareness about men’s health issues and encouraging conversations about mental health and healthy living, the Kinahans hope to make a lasting impact on the well-being of Canadian men. As they prepare to embark on their journey from the Great Wall of China to the iconic streets of Paris, the father and son team are poised to make history and inspire others to take on their own challenges, whether on the road or beyond.
