Walking Around at the Nurburgring Oldtimer Grand Prix

The castle of the village of Nurburg which gave its name to the circuit.

Story and Photos by Alessandro Gerelli

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The Oldtimer Grand Prix, organized by the Automobilclub von Deutschland within the premises of the Nurburgring, offers not only a huge number of test and race sessions for any type of car at least 25 years old, but also many other events such as an important auction, owner’s club meetings, flea markets, production and second hand car exhibitions, good food and drinks.

Therefore although the heavy fog and light rain of Friday and the early morning of Saturday had stopped all the events on both the tracks (the long old historical and the new one), the public has had the opportunities to enjoy and spend lot of time without being bored.

This year the auction was held by Coys and the cars offered were as usual, stunning: at least three Ferraris, few Alfas, Maseratis and Abarths, one Fiat and Lancia, plus, of course, many others and a lot of memorabilia.

The owner’s club meetings were held in the Ring and outside in the parking places: the Porsche meeting is always the most crowded (few hundreds cars), then the Ferrari’s and the Maserati’s (this year limited to old cars, excluding the actual production). Lamborghini is the new entry this year and the clubs brought out a few old cars, including a big LM, few Countach and many new Murcielago and Gallardo.

What else to say? The organization was perfect notwithstanding the weather. The public as always competent and enthusiast. The atmosphere, well, you should have been there!

Fog meant no racing on Friday, but a 308GT4 and a 308GTB were around for a photo op.

During the Oltimer Grand-Prix, also a Coys auction takes place: here is an Abarth 1000SP (estimation 150,000 dollars).

Fiat 6C 1500 supercharged sport Zagato (estimation 160,000 dollars).

A Dino 308 GTB derivative by Facetti according to Group 5 specifications and turbocharged to provide 700-800 bhp.

This original roof was designed by Moretti for a Lancia Aurelia 2500 GT.

A very nice Fiat Giardinetta used for advertising purposes within the paddocks.

For the first year, the Lamborghini owner's club was present at the circuit: this Murcielago has a very nice Spanish picture on the bonnet.

A very old, but always fascinating Touring Lamborghini 350 GT.

A very rare Ferrari 250, the "Nembo" was on display in front of the tent of the Ferrari owner's club.

This Ferrari 250 GT by Ellena (0819GT) was for sale at 350000 euros.

A traditional picture I take every year with the long stack of Ferraris parked at the owner's club meetings.

Side by side after 30 years a 599 and a BB: much longer (467 vs. 436 cm.), wider (196 vs. 180cm.) and taller (134 vs. 112 cm.) the 599: but which is the best?

A lightened rear mirror for this Ferrari 308 GT4 in a racing version.

Yellow, red and green colors grace these three Dino 246 GTs.

Although misspelled, the message is still clear.