AUSTRIA CLASSIC, 22-26 MAY 2019: ALL ARE WELCOME TO BRING THEIR PRE-1980 HISTORIC VEHICLES

AUSTRIA CLASSIC, 22-26 MAY 2019: ALL ARE WELCOME TO BRING THEIR PRE-1980 HISTORIC VEHICLES

The first of this year’s three FIVA World Rallies take place in Austria, from 22 to 26 May 2019, and is open to any vehicle built up to 1980 with a valid FIVA ID Card – not just to members of FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens or international federation of historic vehicles).

“The Austria Classic is intended as a ‘regularity event and/or touristic discovery trip’ to enjoy not only driving your own historic vehicle, but also the architectural, geographical and cultural diversity of Austria,” explains Robert Krickl, president of OMVV (Austrian Motor-Veteran-Federation) and OMVC (Austrian Motor-Veteran-Club), the FIVA clubs organising the Austria Classic.

Starting and finishing at the Radisson Blu Park Royal Palace Hotel in Vienna, the event is a 650km run round Vienna, Wachau, Burgenland and the Semmering region, with a choice of two classes to enter: one for Regularity (Classic) competitors and one for Touring (Trophy) participants.

Wachau, which will be explored on the first full day of the rally, is a part of Austria renowned for its picturesque landscapes: rolling hills that stretch along the Danube river. Other reasons for its popularity with visitors include the region’s high-quality wines.

On the second day, participants will head for Burgenland, the easternmost province of Austria. Once part of the Kingdom of Hungary, Burgenland is characterised by Neusiedler Lake in the north and the foothills of the Alps in the hilly south.

Day three, and the tour will visit the Semmering region, since the 19th Century a popular holiday destination for Viennese ‘high society’. Not only did the nobility gather in the fashionable villas (Emperor Karl I often spent holidays here), but also artists. Today, the Semmering is an extremely popular venue for classic car rallies and historic motorsport events, helped by its history: in 1899, for example, the first Semmering mountain race was held, a 10km race for automobiles and motorcycles. It ran almost every year until 1933, with winners including such famous names as Rudolf Caracciola and Hans Stuck.

“We look forward to welcoming historic vehicle owners from many different countries to join our exploration of Austria, in company with other enthusiasts who are keen to meet new people, while enjoying their cars and the spectacular Austrian scenery and culture,” concludes Robert Krickl.

To register for the Austria Classic, please visit http://world.rallyeorg.at. The entry fee is €1,300 per person, plus hotel accommodation @ circa €125 per night, and registrations are open until 30 March 2019.