About

Let us tell you about the

National Microcar Rally.

What are Microcars?

Using the information from the site that Malcolm Parker and Malcom Thomas.

Small cars under 700cc (3 or 4-wheeled).
Bubblecars/microcars, both classic and modern
Any other 3-wheelers or unusual vehicles in a ‘small’ way.
Using your microcar or want to meet others who have them – you don’t have to own a car to be a member.
Attending rallies and shows.
Taking part in runs out and meets/camping weekends.
Giving help and advice to others, or needing help yourself.

About The National Microcar Rally

The National Microcar Rally has grown to become the UK’s annual gathering for microcar enthusiasts, bringing together owners, restorers and admirers of these unique vehicles from across the UK and overseas.

What began as a small gathering of like-minded enthusiasts has developed into a well-established annual event, celebrating the rich history and diversity of the microcar world. Over the years, the rally has welcomed hundreds of vehicles, from rare pre-war cyclecars and iconic post-war bubble cars to later classics and modern microcars.

More than just a vehicle display, the rally is an opportunity for enthusiasts to reconnect with old friends, make new ones and share their passion for these remarkable little cars.

Road runs, social events, camping and technical discussions have always been at the heart of the weekend, creating a friendly atmosphere that welcomes both long-time owners and first-time visitors.

Today, the National Microcar Rally continues to celebrate the innovation, ingenuity and character of microcars while helping to preserve their heritage for future generations. Whether you’re bringing a vehicle, restoring one at home or simply curious to learn more, the rally offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the most distinctive communities in the classic vehicle world.

Where the rally has been held, over the years.

For most of the rallies, a programme was produced, and often a plaque, sticker or other item was presented as a memento to those who attended.
Some of these are pictured in the Programmes Gallery.

There are videos of previous National Microcar Rallies and microcars in general posted on our YouTube Channel or on our History page in our archive.

How It All Began

Every great tradition has an interesting beginning, and the National Microcar Rally is no exception.

The very first rally took place in 1975 by Tony Marshall, and remarkably, it all began because of a misunderstanding!

Originally known as the Multi-Make Three-Wheeler Rally, the event proved such a success that it returned in 1976 as the Annual Micro-Car Rally. By 1978, it was just a one-day event, but the gathering had expanded into a two-day event as interest continued to grow.

During the early 1980s, enthusiasm for microcars exploded. New one-make clubs were established across the country, alongside the formation of the Register of Unusual Microcars (RUMcars). What had started as a small gathering was rapidly becoming the UK’s prime event for owners and enthusiasts of these wonderfully quirky little vehicles.

By 1982, the rally had officially become the National Microcar Rally. It had grown to such a size that it was no longer practical for one person to organise everything alone. A committee was formed, bringing together passionate volunteers and representatives from the various microcar clubs to ensure the rally could continue to flourish.

More than 50 years after that first accidental gathering, the National Microcar Rally continues to bring together hundreds of enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond. Whether you own a classic bubble car, a modern microcar, an unusual three-wheeler, or simply enjoy seeing these fascinating vehicles, the National Rally remains a friendly, welcoming event where lifelong friendships are made and the remarkable history of microcars is celebrated.

Acknowledgement

The National Microcar Rally has been built on the passion, dedication and hard work of countless individuals over the years.

We would like to thank everyone who continues to support the rally today, including our organisers, volunteers, clubs, exhibitors, sponsors and attendees. Your continued support ensures that this unique event can be enjoyed by both current and future generations of microcar enthusiasts.

We also take this opportunity to remember and recognise those who helped build the legacy of the National Microcar Rally and the wider microcar community. Their enthusiasm, commitment and vision have shaped the event into what it is today, and their contribution will always be remembered.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to celebrating our history while continuing to grow and preserve the National Microcar Rally for many years to come.

Our Ethos

The National Microcar Rally is far more than just an annual event – it’s a celebration of Britain’s unique microcar community, built on passion, friendship, and the dedication of volunteers.
Since 1996, the running of the rally has been supported by three volunteers (originally known as Trustees, now Administrators) who oversee the rally’s finances and essential paperwork. Their role is to help ensure the continued success of the National Rally by supporting future organisers and providing continuity from one event to the next.

Over the years, the National Microcar Rally has built up a dedicated fund that allows organisers to access the money needed to get a rally off the ground. This means individuals and clubs are never expected to finance the event from their own pockets, making it easier for new organisers to host the rally with confidence.

The National Microcar Rally has never been about making a profit. It is a not-for-profit event, organised entirely by volunteers who share a love of microcars. The aim each year is simply to cover the costs of running the rally, repay any money used from the fund, and, where possible, leave a small surplus to help secure the following year’s event.

Today, the National Rally Fund is administered by:
Grant Kearney
Jenny Dilks
Nick Haddon

Anyone considering organising a future National Microcar Rally is encouraged to contact the Administrators early in the planning process. They can provide advice, guidance, equipment and information on the financial support available to help make your event a success.

Above all, the National Microcar Rally is run by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts.

Every organiser, marshal and volunteer gives their time freely—simply for the enjoyment of bringing the microcar community together each year.

NMCR Administrators' Role and Responsibilities

Safeguard and maintain the fund to ensure the long term financial viability of the rally.
Actively promote and recruit the organiser(s) to run the rally each year.Provide support and assistance to the rally organiser(s) as required.
Organise and promote a Review meeting each year after the rally, in the months of October or November.
Maintain finance records and present those at the Review meeting.
Maintain the website to promote the rally and provide an archive.
Provide the prizes in the categories of Metal Cars, Plastic Cars, Long Distance, Best in Show, ‘Concours de Grot’ and ‘Spirit of the National Award’.
Maintain records of returnable trophies and ensure these are returned for the following year’s rally.
Spend funds as thought appropriate to support the rally.
To look after and ensure safe return of all rally equipment and replace items as deemed necessary.
Ensure proof of Public Liability Insurance is seen prior to the Rally.
Ensure that proper responsibility for H&S issues is taken during the Rally period.
Deal accordingly with any participant(s) who, by their actions, bring the Rally or its Organiser(s)/Administrators into disrepute – e.g. through inconsiderate, abusive or dangerous behaviour.