A classic car rally in the presence of Walter Röhrl is certainly worth a trip to Saalbach at any time. In addition, there is the hospitality, the family atmosphere and the culinary delights of the Austrians.
That's why almost everyone who has been there once finds their way back to Saalbach-Hinterglemm every year.
Ski aces behind the wheel
Traditionally, a number of ski aces such as Alexandra Meissnitzer and Klaus Kröll took part in this year's rally alongside ski legend Annemarie Moser-Pröll. Klaus Kröll needs engine capacity and brought his own Dodge to the start.
Alexandra Meissnitzer was enthusiastic about the Porsche 356: "Finally driving a real car again and not having to drive these emotionless comfort vehicles for once."
Weather confusion on the Grossglockner
Of course, there was also driving, and the route with a total of 670 km spread over two of the three rally days was certainly even more attractive this year than in previous years. Bright sunshine, heat, the threat of thunderstorms and sleet showers on the royal stage over the Grossglockner and the Stallersattel demanded a lot from man and machine on Friday.
The oldest did not hold out
The clearly oldest car in the field, the Fiat 509 S MM from 1926, was the first to have to throw in the towel after only around five kilometers on the initial climb.
The damage could not be repaired in a short time. The intense heat also claimed a few other victims.
Professionals ahead
In the end, however, the decision was also very exciting this year. Even before the final special stages, no fewer than seven teams were fighting for the coveted podium places.
In the end, however, the professionals of uniformity once again decided the rally in their favor. Josef Panis (A) / Gabriele Bürger (D) won the pre-war class (up to 1945) in a BMW 328 built in 1938 and Florian and Dieter Böhmdorfer (A) celebrated their fourth victory in the post-war class (1946-1972) in a Jaguar Mk II 1962 at the Saalbach Classic. It can't really be that one team wins the Saalbach Classic four times in a row.
For all other perfectionists, there will be a great opportunity from June 21 - 24, 2018 to compete with Florian and Dieter Böhmhofer and challenge them for their fifth victory.
Stefan Ramharter/Bettina Umdasch (A) won the Weekend Trophy in their Alfa Romeo Spider 1966 with almost no special stages, just a road book and plenty of time to enjoy themselves.
Satisfied Röhrl
Honorary Rally President Walter Röhrl congratulated the winning teams on the finish ramp and was very satisfied with the 5th Saalbach Classic: "We were able to welcome many new international guests with beautiful cars. The response was excellent, many thanks to all participants and to the organization. The relaxed, cordial atmosphere - that's how a classic rally should be. And then there was the fantastic weather. I, like the participants, really enjoyed the route and the culinary program".
Olympic and world champion Annemarie Moser-Pröll drove a Porsche 356 Roadster 1958 from Porsche Austria together with World Cup winner Alexandra Meissnitzer - Moser-Pröll: "The Saalbach Classic is simply incredibly friendly and relaxed, I was really looking forward to it, there were great routes on all three stages. Many thanks to Walter Röhrl and the Porsche team".
Klaus Kröll was very enthusiastic after the drive in his classic car: "My 1969 Dodge was a lot of fun, especially the Friday stage with the Glockner and Stallersattel were a great experience. I'll be back!"
In addition to the skiers, the winning team Böhmdorfer was also delighted and wrote in the guestbook:
"Many thanks for the wonderful and very challenging Saalbach Classic 2017. The route via South Tyrol was a particularly good idea, the good organization and the friendliness and competence of your staff were also outstanding. We have had many discussions with our competitors and know that the Saalbach Classic is now a fixed part of the planning of all classic car enthusiasts."
