Classic cars and dapperly dressed drivers will take to Tauranga roads this Sunday, coming together to connect and raise funds for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research.
On September 27, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive will happen across the world – including in Tauranga – with drivers in their thousands taking their classic and vintage cars out for a spin to raise funds for Movember, the leading charity to support men’s mental health.
“The funds are invested for vital research and programmes for prostate cancer and men’s mental health to support the wellbeing of men all around the world,” Tauranga’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive host Carole Seymour said.
“This year, there are 195 drives taking place in 57 countries and so far, there are 3055 participants.”
The drive flows on from The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, which similarly sees men donning tailored and tweed suits – but instead of driving classic cars, they hop on motorbikes to fundraise.
Drive to connect
Seymour said the classic car drive iteration of the fundraiser had been run in Tauranga since 2024, when she became the host for the region.
“I’ve seen friends struggling with mental health problems and I’ve also had friends that have had prostate cancer and that prompted me to think that I’d like to get involved,” she said.
Tauranga Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive host Carole Seymour. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
“There’s a lot of men in the car community – and it’s not a very often talked about subject [mental health] and I just thought it would be a good way to raise some money, but to also have a fun day out that also is good for mental health – go out and drive your favourite car.”
The convoy of classic cars will start off on their journey from Classic Flyers in Mount Maunganui at 9am. They then head to The Strand, Welcome Bay and Pāpāmoa before parking up at Coronation Park for a “Show and Shine” for onlookers to enjoy, connect and chat.
“It’s for cars that are either 40 years or older. It’s not only that though, if it’s a replica of an old car that’s okay as well,” Seymour said.
Dress up!
Seymour said cars registered so far in Tauranga’s drive included classic Mustangs, Cadillacs, Corvettes and vintage cars from the 1920s. The dress code requests drivers and their passengers to dress to match the era of their cars.
“There are not many events where people are dressing up in tweed jackets, dresses, scarves and driving gloves,” she said.
Every driver had their own fundraising page to gather support from friends, family, co-workers and anyone wanting to donate. Seymour said that so far in Tauranga this year, the event had raised just over $1000, but since 2024 it had raised more than $8000 in Tauranga.
Colin Denize, Icon the dog, with a 1929 Dodge and a 1934 Chevrolet Master behind them. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Worldwide, since it started, more than $78 million had been raised from 2016 to 2025 – “that’s The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive and Ride combined”.
“People just love it because it’s a very social day out ... it’s just been a nice way to bring people together.”
Interested classic car owners can register online now at: https://gentlemansdrive.com/ for the September 27 event or in person on the day before 9am at Classic Flyers, Mount Maunganui.