X

The supercar carnival that is the Gumball 3000 rally (pictures)

We got up close and personal with the supercars and celebs that drive them in the London stage of the bizarre Gumball 3000 rally.

Andrew Lanxon
Andrew is CNET's go-to guy for product coverage and lead photographer for Europe. When not testing the latest phones, he can normally be found with his camera in hand, behind his drums or eating his stash of home-cooked food. Sometimes all at once.
Andrew Lanxon
gumball-3000-2014-london-66.jpg
1 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The Gumball 3000 rally sees some of the world's most famous and wealthy people get together with the best cars money can buy and drive them all over the planet, stopping off at some of the most luxurious spots along the way.

Why? Well, what else is there to spend that money on?

Big names such as skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, Jackasses Johnny Knoxville and Bam Margera, DJ David Guetta and The Hoff are all among the Gumball fraternity.

It's not just about the cars though -- the Gumball foundation aims to put the money raised (it costs £40,000 per car to enter) to charitable efforts including bringing opportunities to underprivileged children the world over.

First up, this Dodge Challenger.

gumball-3000-2014-london.jpg
2 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The 2014 Gumball rally stops off at locations including Miami, New York, Edinburgh, Barcelona and Ibiza.

The London leg of the journey required the majestic Regent Street to be completely closed off.

gumball-3000-2014-london-44.jpg
3 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The Gumball cars drove down a parade route through the crowds. Shown here is an Audi RS 6, complete with happy people poking out of the top.

gumball-3000-2014-london-35.jpg
4 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Get Hoff that car! David Hasselhoff arrived sitting astride a Nissan GT-R -- complete with "KITT" lights.

gumball-3000-2014-london-69.jpg
5 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

No car party would be complete without a Bugatti Veyron.

gumball-3000-2014-london-70.jpg
6 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Even from the back this thing looks incredible.

gumball-3000-2014-london-55.jpg
7 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

A McLaren P1 made an entrance too.

gumball-3000-2014-london-57.jpg
8 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

It also looks brilliant from behind -- though it's so fast you won't have long to look.

gumball-3000-2014-london-58.jpg
9 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

All the cars were of course plastered with livery from all the various sponsors. This Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was given a shiny coat too. Fancy.

gumball-3000-2014-london-16.jpg
10 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The sponsors, VIPs, racers and CNET were housed in this London bus-style champagne bar. Wasn't a bad spot to watch the events unfold.

gumball-3000-2014-london-14.jpg
11 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Those who weren't in the bus were lining the streets.

gumball-3000-2014-london-2.jpg
12 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

For many, it wasn't their first Gumball experience.

gumball-3000-2014-london-17.jpg
13 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

It's a Gumpert Apollo!

gumball-3000-2014-london-3.jpg
14 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The street was decked out with a massive amount of Gumball advertising.

gumball-3000-2014-london-20.jpg
15 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

This Ultimate Thrust Aero SSC used to be the fastest car in the world.

gumball-3000-2014-london-38.jpg
16 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

A Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG arriving, flapping its wings.

gumball-3000-2014-london-5.jpg
17 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

It wasn't just about the cars. The road played host to extreme sports events and live music. The Apple store was oddly ignored while BMXers took to the air outside.

gumball-3000-2014-london-4.jpg
18 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Hamleys toy store had its staff on the street, delighting young and old with toys and bubble guns.

gumball-3000-2014-london-27.jpg
19 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

I want this Lamborghini Gallardo and its Tron-ish paint job.

gumball-3000-2014-london-6.jpg
20 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Gumball staff were handing out this branded energy drink. It was foul.

gumball-3000-2014-london-18.jpg
21 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

This odd blob was among the more unusual cars to drive down the street.

gumball-3000-2014-london-19.jpg
22 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

This Dodge Challenger, however, was fairly typical.

gumball-3000-2014-london-7.jpg
23 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

It was a time of plenty for the mimes.

gumball-3000-2014-london-13.jpg
24 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

A live music stage had been set up on Regent Street too.

gumball-3000-2014-london-10.jpg
25 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The Cuban Brothers did their best to keep the crowd entertained during the hours before the cars showed up.

gumball-3000-2014-london-12.jpg
26 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

When not helping keep the crowds under control, this guy couldn't help but bust a move.

gumball-3000-2014-london-21.jpg
27 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

A classic Lamborghini Countach. Lovely stuff.

gumball-3000-2014-london-34.jpg
28 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

"Yo Dawg, I heard you like eyeware..." Xzibit himself showed up, delighting meme fans with his multiple sets of glasses.

gumball-3000-2014-london-22.jpg
29 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Older cars were given some love too. This is an Aston Martin DB5.

gumball-3000-2014-london-23.jpg
30 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

We have no idea what this bizarre vehicle is.

gumball-3000-2014-london-24.jpg
31 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Get that man a beer!

gumball-3000-2014-london-25.jpg
32 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

He seems quite pleased.

gumball-3000-2014-london-54.jpg
33 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

This guy seems fairly chuffed, but then I would be too if I was hanging out of the roof of a Ferrari F430.

gumball-3000-2014-london-45.jpg
34 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

I'd be pretty chuffed if I had this Rebellion R2K too.

gumball-3000-2014-london-42.jpg
35 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

This Ferrari 458 Italia has been given an interesting wrap.

gumball-3000-2014-london-30.jpg
36 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Various special guests and performers made their way down the track -- some were less keen to see me than others.

gumball-3000-2014-london-28.jpg
37 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The circus performers thoroughly enjoyed themselves though.

gumball-3000-2014-london-31.jpg
38 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

I shouldn't need to tell you that this is the Batmobile.

gumball-3000-2014-london-32.jpg
39 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

And this is a boat. I don't know what it's doing here. Maybe it thinks it's a car? Poor thing.

gumball-3000-2014-london-46.jpg
40 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

This Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray is definitely a car. I counted the wheels -- there were four. Dead giveaway.

gumball-3000-2014-london-43.jpg
41 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Ferraris were a popular choice. A  458 Speciale is shown here.

gumball-3000-2014-london-50.jpg
42 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Those are some pretty bright colours on that Chevrolet Corvette.

gumball-3000-2014-london-61.jpg
43 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

These guys brought a Range Rover Sport to tackle the tough terrain around central London.

gumball-3000-2014-london-36.jpg
44 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

It's a Ferrari FF. Shown here in "I couldn't find a more interesting colour" grey.

gumball-3000-2014-london-67.jpg
45 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

This McLaren 650S Spider has a bit more "zing" to it.

gumball-3000-2014-london-68.jpg
46 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

All cars had to weave their way down a track. Some, like this Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG did it with more style than others.

gumball-3000-2014-london-56.jpg
47 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

This is a Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. It's from 1969.

gumball-3000-2014-london-8.jpg
48 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Does your dog simply adore highly-sponsored luxury motoring events? Bring it along!

gumball-3000-2014-london-73.jpg
49 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

"High five, bro!"

gumball-3000-2014-london-74.jpg
50 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

If I was a better photographer, I could have caught this high-five attempt much better.

gumball-3000-2014-london-59.jpg
51 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The only reason to have a convertible, like this Ferrari 458 Italia, is to stand up in it while driving around.

gumball-3000-2014-london-81.jpg
52 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

This Lamborghini Aventador enjoyed a steady cruise down the road.

gumball-3000-2014-london-82.jpg
53 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

It looked good doing it, too.

gumball-3000-2014-london-51.jpg
54 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

I'm told this is a Weissmann MF5. Hooray, and so forth.

gumball-3000-2014-london-9.jpg
55 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The Metropolitan police's finest were sent out for crowd-control purposes.

gumball-3000-2014-london-15.jpg
56 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Some cars, like this Arash AF8, were simply on show for the motoring enthusiasts to gather round, open-mouthed.

gumball-3000-2014-london-37.jpg
57 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Audi R8s were ten a penny at Gumball.

gumball-3000-2014-london-48.jpg
58 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

So were Ferraris.

gumball-3000-2014-london-47.jpg
59 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Actually, so were Lamborghinis, but who's counting?

gumball-3000-2014-london-49.jpg
60 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Bentley Continental GTs usually look a little more classy than this.

gumball-3000-2014-london-11.jpg
61 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Taking photos on iPads isn't cool, even at a supercar party.

gumball-3000-2014-london-72.jpg
62 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

"Woooooooh!" his face seems to say, as he drives through town in a Porsche Cayenne GTS.

gumball-3000-2014-london-26.jpg
63 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

It's not an R8 or a Ferrari! I don't know what it actually is though.

gumball-3000-2014-london-62.jpg
64 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Back to Ferraris then. It's a 458. In red.

gumball-3000-2014-london-29.jpg
65 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

When the crowds got out of hand, this man was sent in to terrify them with stories of a future where we only wear feathers and Oakley shades.

gumball-3000-2014-london-33.jpg
66 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Want the best view of the cars? Climb on top of a bus stop.

gumball-3000-2014-london-39.jpg
67 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

An Aston Martin DBS.

gumball-3000-2014-london-40.jpg
68 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Struggling to fit in at work or school? Why not dye your hair the colour of this Porsche 911 Turbo? You'll blend in seamlessly.

gumball-3000-2014-london-83.jpg
69 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

A Dodge Viper. Or "Beast GTS" if your primary source of car references is the rip-off versions from Grand Theft Auto.

gumball-3000-2014-london-41.jpg
70 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Spiderman took some time off from web-slinging to join in the fun. Presumably he asked Iron Man to fill in for him rescuing people falling from buildings.

gumball-3000-2014-london-63.jpg
71 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Another Lamborghini Aventador. With so many around, I figured they wouldn't notice if one went missing. I was wrong.

gumball-3000-2014-london-52.jpg
72 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Xzibit and associates insinuating absolutely nothing about other drivers here.

gumball-3000-2014-london-53.jpg
73 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

A Ferrari FF.

gumball-3000-2014-london-91.jpg
74 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Matthew Pritchard from TV show Dirty Sanchez making a proud and noble entrance.

gumball-3000-2014-london-60.jpg
75 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Ooh, a lovely glossy Ferrari 458 Italia.

gumball-3000-2014-london-93.jpg
76 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

A motorbike came through as well, although I'm not sure it counts as part of the rally. The tire smoke was pretty cool though.

gumball-3000-2014-london-94.jpg
77 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Johnathan Ross showed up in his yellow Lambo.

gumball-3000-2014-london-64.jpg
78 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Can't afford a Lambo? Why not go for a Fiat 500? Even this souped-up Abarth version is way more affordable.

gumball-3000-2014-london-65.jpg
79 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Or go for a Union Jack-coated Jaguar F-Type. Because Britain.

gumball-3000-2014-london-71.jpg
80 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

A much more elegant Bentley Continental GT.

gumball-3000-2014-london-75.jpg
81 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Oh and another Ferrari FF. Shocking.

gumball-3000-2014-london-76.jpg
82 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

An elegant Rolls-Royce Ghost made "Gumball" by the liberal application of stickers and rich men hanging out of it.

gumball-3000-2014-london-77.jpg
83 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

And another Ferrari FF. I'm tempted to enter my old Peugeot 206 just to add a bit of originality to the mix.

gumball-3000-2014-london-78.jpg
84 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Same goes for this Audi R8.

gumball-3000-2014-london-79.jpg
85 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

At least this Aston Martin DB9 has been made a bit more unusual with this mirrored finish.

gumball-3000-2014-london-80.jpg
86 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

It's a Porsche 911 Turbo, ready for take off.

gumball-3000-2014-london-84.jpg
87 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

VROOOOM! That tire smoke was from the Porsche's skid start.

gumball-3000-2014-london-85.jpg
88 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

This Ferrari 458 Spider had blue LED lights glowing inside the wheel arches.

gumball-3000-2014-london-86.jpg
89 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

It's another Audi R8, but this one has lost its hat.

gumball-3000-2014-london-87.jpg
90 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

The Ferrari California is actually really comfortable. I remember cruising around South London in one with the Car Tech guys -- we had to pick up a TV from Currys and thought it might fit. It didn't.

gumball-3000-2014-london-88.jpg
91 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

I'd like an Aston Martin DB9, but probably in a more regular forest green, rather than blue.

gumball-3000-2014-london-89.jpg
92 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

Car tuner Brabus has had its way with this Mercedes. It has six wheels and costs £400,000.

gumball-3000-2014-london-90.jpg
93 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

A Ferrari 458. In Tron-style wrappings.

gumball-3000-2014-london-92.jpg
94 of 94 Andrew Hoyle/CNET

And finally, as the light started to dwindle away completely, a Spyker C8, flapping its wings to cool down after its long trip from Edinburgh.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos