During last weekend’s 9th Hamburg to Berlin Klassik, 182 oldtimers and youngtimers came together to compete in three days of regularity rallying across the German countryside and among them was an impressive selection of cars from BMW Group Classic. The open road is where touring cars belong, after all.
It’s always satisfying to see classic cars being used, and it’s even better when some of the finest examples come from a car manufacturer’s own collection. With what seems like a constant rise in the popularity of classic motoring, more and more manufacturers are taking the covers off their collections to show them to the world.
Lined up by the River Elbe and travelling as a convoy, the collection of BMWs made for an impressive sight, and an interesting cross section of the marque’s 100 year motoring history. Ranging from iconic sports cars like the 328 and 2002 Ti Rallye, grand touring cars like the seductive 507 and 503 Coupe, a rare 2002 GT4 Frua, rarely-seen Mini Cooper Cabriolet, and an incredibly large Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III DHC which I drove—it was clear BMW had certainly brought a range of vehicles that perfectly matched the variety among the rest of the competition.
Complementing the diversity of automobiles, the BMW camp was also made up of various stars in cars, from the successful racer Prince Leopold of Bavaria, to figure skater Katarina Witt, the personalities were just as colourful as the cars.
Although the Hamburg to Berlin Klassik is officially a regularity rally, slow speed is only truly key during the small special stages encountered throughout the day. For the remaining time, speed is subjective, making it the perfect opportunity to hear a 2002 Ti Rallye or 507 clear its throat.
Passing by the Brandenburg gate in Berlin, the cars looked triumphant having completed the three day journey. With its wonderful balance between friendly competition and grand touring, the Hamburg to Berlin Klassik was the perfect place for tourers to get on the road where they belong.
I, for one, am glad that it is finally the covers that are in storage.
Photography by Jayson Fong, Driving shots provided by BMW Group Classic
