The Antique Vehicle Club of Paraguay (Club de Vehículos Antiguos del Paraguay, or CVAP) has opened a temporary museum showcasing historic Paraguayan cars, particularly those that competed in the Rally del Chaco, the country’s most iconic race. The museum is open to the public until 30 August, 2025, on the sixth floor of the Touring and Paraguayan Automobile Club (Touring y Automóvil Club Paraguayo, or TACPy) building in Asunción, located at Brasil and 25 de Mayo streets. Opening hours are 17:00 to 20:00.
Admission will cost Gs. 15,000, although entry is free for children under 10 years old. The official inauguration will take place on 24 August. The event will be attended by Mohammed ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). Ben Sulayem will be in Paraguay for the tenth round of the WRC Rally del Paraguay 2025 and the FIA American Congress Asunción 2025.
A collection of Paraguayan rallying history
The CVAP, known for its work in preserving and restoring classic cars, will present approximately 25 vehicles of great economic, and sentimental value. These cars played a significant role in shaping Paraguay’s passion for rallying. The exhibition will feature vehicles that have written memorable chapters in the five decades of the Rally del Chaco.
Notable historic Paraguayan cars on display
Among the cars on display are models that have left their mark on Paraguayan rallying history. These include an Opel, which participated in the first editions of the Rally del Chaco; a Toyota 1000, nicknamed the “Rey del Chaco” (King of the Chaco), winner of the first Western Region Rally; and a Toyota Celica ST185, once owned by Gerardo Planas and part of the Toyota Team Europe (TTE).
This Celica was driven internationally by renowned figures such as Juha Kankkunen, Markku Alén, Marc Duez, and Carlos Sainz. The vehicle arrived in Paraguay thanks to preparer Mario Laterza, and the Scheid family from Encarnación.
Other notable vehicles include the Corolla WRC of the unforgettable Francisco “Pancho” Gorostiaga; a Lancia Delta Integrale; and models from Peugeot, Ford, Volkswagen, Datsun-Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Audi, Kia, and Alfa Romeo.
Celebrating Paraguayan motorsport heritage
This temporary museum offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the rich history of Paraguayan motorsport. The collection showcases not only the vehicles themselves but also the stories and personalities that shaped the country’s rallying heritage. The event promises to be a significant attraction for motorsport enthusiasts and history buffs alike, coinciding with the excitement of the upcoming WRC Rally del Paraguay 2025.
