From August 27 to 28, 2016, it's that time again. The 3rd edition of the "24 Tours du Pont" historic sports car festival will take place in the beautiful surroundings of the historic Glienicke Bridge in Potsdam. 38 rare and select classic cars from private owners and from the factory collections of Alfa Romeo, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Lancia, Bugatti, Ferrari and many more will be competing in an exhibition run around the Garage du Pont.
In addition, 20 classic cars will compete in the Concours du Pont.
The 24 laps around the garage at the bridge
Up to 38 teams (1 vehicle, 2 drivers) with classic sports cars built between 1924 and 1976 that are registered for road use in Germany or the EU can take part in the 24 laps of the Garage du Pont. There are three classes:
- Class 1 - built up to 1941
- Class 2 - built between 1945 and 1960
- Class 3 - built between 1961 and 1975
Neither motorsport experience nor a racing license is required to take part. However, a minimum age of 24 years and at least 4 years of driving experience are required. The StVO also applies on the closed track. Each participant is responsible for complying with them.
The closed-off 1.2 km track is a triangular course with sharp bends and various chicanes that test the pilots' skills. The course leads from the Garage du Pont via the elegant Menzelstrasse into the Schanenallee with its beautiful villas and stately trees along the Jungfernsee back to the Garage du Pont, where the start and finish arches and the pit lane are located. After a warm-up, 24 laps are driven here on Sunday in different classes with mandatory driver changes without timekeeping.
Many exceptional vehicles have already been entered, including a Porsche 904 GTS, Mercedes-Benz SSK, one of the 12 Alfa Romeo TZ2s built and a Siata 500 Supertesta.
Also expected is a Bizzarrini P538, a very special vehicle.
Concours du Pont
In the "Parc de l'Automobile Historie", the most elegant classic cars will compete in the Concours du Pont. An expert jury headed by prominent figures will evaluate them and award prizes in various classes. The most beautiful classics will be chosen on Saturday, August 27.
The Concours du Pont is open to classic cars built up to 1976. The more unusual and rare the participating vehicles are, the more interesting they are for the media and visitors. A selected jury under prominent leadership evaluates the participating vehicles according to elegance, design, originality, condition, history, character and not according to official FIVA criteria. The participating vehicles will compete in the following classes:
- The Art of Coachwork Design
- Grace & Pace of Grand Touring
- Legendary Sportcars
A commemorative prize will be awarded for the winner in each class (Best of Class) and the overall winner (Best of Show).
There are also beautiful boats from Bösch, Riva, etc. to see in the water.
Participation...
Registration for the 24 laps of the Garage du Pont and the Concours du Pont is possible on the website until August 19, 2016. The entry fee is 650 euros for the Tour du Pont and 350 euros for the Concours. Entry for spectators is free of charge.
All important details about the event can be found on the website.
