Largest gathering of super cars, world record set at the Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia

October 11, 2024

Angkor Wat, Angkor, Cambodia--A total of 179 super cars and hyper cars were displayed in front of the Angkor Wat Temple to showcase the Unesco world heritage site to the world, during a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the renowned Gumball 3000 Rally, which set the world record for the Largest gathering of super cars, according to the WORLD RECORD ACADEMY.

"Angkor Wat is one of major temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park. The 401sq km park is home to 91 ancient temples, which had been built from the ninth to the 13th centuries."

"Cambodia has earned a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of super cars at the complex of the famed Angkor Archaeological Park in the northwest Siem Reap province, Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Thursday," the Xinhua News Agency reports.

"A total of 179 super cars and hyper cars were displayed in front of the Angkor Wat Temple on Sept. 17 to showcase the UNESCO-listed world heritage site to the world.

"Angkor Wat is one of major temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park. The 401-square-kilometer park is home to 91 ancient temples, which had been built from the ninth to the 13th centuries."

"This momentous event was a jubilant commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the renowned Gumball 3000 Rally, made possible through the generous sponsorship of Chip Mong and in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism," The Better Cambodia says.

" The enchanting journey of the rally unfolded over three exhilarating days, from 15th to 17th September 2024, as participants embarked on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Cambodia.

"The grand finale of the Gumball 3000 Rally culminated in a magnificent car exhibition staged in front of the majestic Angkor Wat. This spectacular showcase not only celebrated the spirit of automotive excellence but also served as a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship and innovation of super cars and hyper cars that have captivated enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike."

"The centuries-old temples of Cambodia's famed Angkor Wat played host to a parade of Rolls-Royces, Ferraris and Lamborghinis today, although drivers were banned from revving their supercharged engines," the NDTV.com says.

"The event was intended to promote the environmentally sensitive UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, where the ruins of the Khmer empire's greatest monuments are surrounded by lush forests and giant trees. Angkor Wat is the world's largest temple complex.

"Tourism is vital to the Southeast Asian country and received around 6.6 million visitors a year before the Covid-19 pandemic, when numbers nosedived to below 200,000 in 2021."

"A huge global celebrity will wave the start flag at midday on Sunday 15th September on Le Loi Boulevard in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City to set drivers off on the first stage of their adventure to the famous Cu Chi tunnels before entering Cambodia for a spectacular welcome in Phnom Penh featuring Cambodia’s biggest music artists performing live!" the Gumball 3000 says.

"From Phnom Penh the route navigates north to the most incredible region of ancient temples in the world to arrive into Siem Reap (Monday 16th). That evening the Gumball 3000 Foundation will host its annual gala dinner and charity auction in partnership with Christie’s at Angkor Wat, the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’!

"The following morning (Tuesday 17th), Gumball will create a new Guinness Book of Records attempt for the largest supercar display at one of the Wonders of the World at Angkor Wat; and from there the rally heads into Thailand, ready for a night of Thai boxing and live music outside Bangkok’s Central World."

"The centuries-old temples of Cambodia's famed Angkor Wat played host to a parade of Rolls-Royces, Ferraris and Lamborghinis Tuesday, although drivers were banned from revving their supercharged engines," the Gulf News reports.

"The event was intended to promote the environmentally sensitive UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, where the ruins of the Khmer empire's greatest monuments are surrounded by lush forests and giant trees.

"Asked about the apparently incongruous nature of the occasion, Cambodia's tourism minister Sok Soken said that strict guidelines had been imposed, with engine-revving banned "in terms of disrespect to our heritage here".

"Angkor Wat is a Hindu-Buddhist temple complex in Cambodia. Located on a site measuring 162.6 hectares (1,626,000 m2; 402 acres) within the ancient Khmer capital city of Angkor, it is considered the largest religious structure in the world by Guinness World Records. Originally constructed in 1150 CE as a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Vishnu, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the century.

"The temple complex is surrounded by an outer wall, 1,024 m (3,360 ft) by 802 m (2,631 ft) and 4.5 m (15 ft) high. It is encircled by a 30 m (98 ft) apron of open ground and a moat 190 m (620 ft) wide and over 5 km (3.1 mi) in perimeter.

"The moat extends 1.5 km (0.93 mi) from east to west and 1.3 km (0.81 mi) from north to south.[62] Access to the temple is by an earth bank to the east and a sandstone causeway to the west; the latter, the main entrance, is a later addition, possibly replacing a wooden bridge." (Wikipedia)