Bright sunshine, a glamorous marina and numerous vintage cars, classic cars and motorcycles from 1914 to 1998 that are well worth seeing: this is the Mallorca Classic Week (MCW) in Port Adriano on the most popular island in the Balearics. "Classic Fun under the Sun" is the motto of the trilingual (Spanish, German, English) event, which always focuses on relaxed enjoyment. Mallorca Classic Week has been running since 2016 and is the only event of its kind in Spain. Many participants come directly from Mallorca, from one of the more than a dozen classic car clubs based here. Others are happy to accept a longer journey and come to Mallorca with their classic cars, mainly from Germany, Austria and Switzerland on one of the many ferries.
In order to maintain the familiar character and a certain exclusivity, the number of participating vehicles is limited to a maximum of 50 classic cars each year. The classless society is very charming to observe, with a VW Beetle, a Ford Mustang and a Woodie Jeep rubbing shoulders with a BMW 507, Ferrari 308 and Porsche 911 over the four days, Thursday to Sunday. Length is not a factor here, nor is the value or manufacturer of the classic cars from the various decades. But, and this is also part of the program here, the MCW is by no means a closed event, but rather an open-hearted society that always warmly welcomes new participants and guests with their automotive cultural assets.
Thanks to the numerous sponsors, such as BMW Group Classic, the national company BMW Iberia S.A., MotorWorld, Pure Salt Hotel, the ferry company Balearia and Ultima Hora, the costs for participation are extremely manageable and spectators have free access to the event on all four days - in one of Mallorca's most beautiful harbors.
Great conditions
A major advantage of the rides, which always take place in the fall, is the almost guaranteed good weather, which allows you to fully stock up on vitamin D3 before the winter break. Another plus: the Mallorcan roads are excellently developed, winding, exciting and, thanks to the mild climate all year round, one hundred percent salt-free. This means that fans of classic cars can enjoy their passion in a perfect atmosphere.
The event kicks off on Thursday, with the first petrolheads meeting up with the other participants at the Blue Nest restaurant in Port Adriano. Alvaro Middelmann, Roman Hummelt and his enchanting wife Christiane then invite you to a welcome BBQ on the terrace. By the way: Christiane's white Fiat 500 Giardiniera from 1975 is once again the favorite of all participants this year, one might speak of an oldie of the heart.
The event starts with a special commemorative drive
Friday sees the first drive, the traditional Russell Stevens Memorial Drive, organized by Gentlemen Driving. The memory of Russell Stevens is particularly close to the hearts of the organizers around Roman Hummelt and Alvaro Middelmann. Russell, a native of England, died on June 7, 2015 in a tragic car accident in an AC Cobra on the way to a charity event. The tragedy also lies in the fact that the passionate motorist was a passenger on his last trip to the "Circuito Mallorca" race track. His passion for cars began as a young boy and remained with him throughout his life. The respected gentleman driver owned an extremely impressive collection of very special automobiles and was also appreciated for his strong character and keen sense of humor. He loved Mallorca, his adopted home of many years, and was always devoted to his friends and family.
The memorial ride started at 10:00 a.m. sharp from the Port Adriano parking lot and led to the most beautiful places on Mallorca. Over a good 144 kilometers, via Andratx, the busy roads towards Valldemossa, then via Esporles, north past Palma, over the then wonderfully empty country roads to Santa Maria and Santa Eugènia, via Campos to the legendary fish restaurant Casa Manolo in Ses Salines. After the almost three-hour drive, all the participants thoroughly deserved their seven-course lunch.
Also taking part were jury member Ulrich Knieps, long-standing president of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, and MCW jury head Dietrich "Dieter" Hatlapa, author of the classic car bible "Better Than Gold", in his 911 SWB Coupé from 1968. The petrolheads in the flesh, along with their navigating co-pilots, drove for miles along the breathtaking coastal road along the cliffs with its magnificent views to Banyalbufar, one of the most beautiful villages on the west coast of Mallorca. However, the summer skiers, who were always difficult to overtake, quickly caught up again when the classics group decided to take a short break at a coffee stop.
Fun for young and old
Saturday saw the start of a colorful program with music and swing dancing. Other highlights included the "Gran Premio de Mallorca", the children's race with Kettcar pedal cars, organized by Gentlemen Driving, and the Concours d'Elégance with the most beautiful cars of the weekend. The kids had a fierce race and the two winners of the Premio Ultima Hora, Anna Cantallops and Tem Tomas, received their prizes from the hands of the guest of honor, Prince Leopold of Bavaria, who has also been a permanent member of the jury since the beginning. The Classic Festival, the American Car Show and the catwalk of the pin-up girls from the American Car Club are also real crowd-pullers.
The international jury had the extensive task of evaluating a wide variety of vehicles and selecting winners for the respective categories. This year's winners of the International Concours d'Elegance 2021: Best of Show/Russel Stevens Trophy 2021: 1934 MG PA, Georg Letzerich. Best Pre-War: 1934 MG PA, Georg Letzerich. Best Post-War: 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL, Daniel Hartert. Best Youngtimer: 1991 Ferrari Mondial Spider, Stefan Kemna. Best Car in Unrestored Condition: 1969 Volga, Alexandru Fortu. Best American Car Club Car: 1969 Ford Mustang Cobra, Andy Szumada. Best Dressed Lady: Mrs. Katja Hartert. Congratulations to Mrs. Hartert!
Historic vehicles on a humorous mission
On Sunday, the Mallorca Classic Week traditionally gets exciting, because in addition to the picturesque drive, the participants have to prove their criminalistic skills, even if the Crime Drive is not always to be taken completely seriously and is a lot of fun for everyone with more than just a wink. Nick Nickerbocker is the name of the detective embodied by each team of participants. The master detective has the powers of deduction of a Sherlock Holmes, the slyness of an Inspector Colombo and the charm of a James Bond. The quick-thinker has a steely fist and a big heart. He is the crush of many women - despite his thinning hair. No detail escapes Nick, no matter how inconspicuous. When he turns up, even the most difficult criminal cases are solved. Well then...
This year's search is about the missing Professor Hyronimus Bartap and his coveted formula "Beautiful Forever". Individual stations are approached according to the road book, where there are various informants with creative names such as Carla Flora, Lori Zontal, Don Promillo, Alfonso Fragranza, Cristina Moneypenny and Pu-Si Bang. It's a prankster who mispronounces the daughter of a Spanish torero and a Chinese horsewoman... The beautiful gardens of the Jardines de Alfabia with their indigenous and exotic plants appealed to all participants, who also enjoyed the delicacies served there.
Anyone who is now keen for more and would like to come to Mallorca with their classic car can already register for next year's event. The Mallorca Classic Week will then take place from October 13 - 16, 2022. Please register at: roman.hummelt (at) mallorcaclassicweek.com or 0049-172-8933778. Up-to-date information on the MCW can be found on the website www.mallorcaclassicweek.com.
