With over 180 classic cars, including 16 particularly rare pre-war vehicles, this year's Heidelberg Historic organized by ADAC Nordbaden e.V. is once again a very special highlight in the calendar for fans of historic automobiles. The 29th edition of the popular rally will take place from July 3 to 5, 2025,
The start and finish point is traditionally the Technik Museum in Sinsheim. The oldest vehicle registered for this year's traditional event, a Ford Model T Speedster (starting number 18), is exactly 113 years old, having been built in 1912. With classic cars built up to 1976 in the regular starting field, the Heidelberg Historic offers a fascinating journey through seven decades of automotive history.
On around 510 kilometers, spread over two daily stages in the idyllic landscapes of northern Baden, the participants present their rolling treasures. Along the route through the Kraichgau, the Kurpfalz with the legendary drive through Heidelberg, the Bauland and the Madonnenland as well as through the Zabergäu to the Odenwald, there are numerous opportunities to see the classic cars in action. They can also be inspected up close during the breaks and drive-through checks. In many places, a supporting program with a presenter who introduces the vehicles individually, as well as refreshments, awaits those interested. Some of the 17 special stages are also a good opportunity to experience the classic cars live.
With a maximum average speed of 50 kilometers per hour, the Heidelberg Historic is about uniformity, not speed. The event is organized by the FIVA, the world association of classic car clubs, as a FIVA Premier Event. On Thursday, July 3, from 3 p.m., the technical inspection of the vehicles will be carried out by DEKRA at the Technik Museum Sinsheim. Each vehicle will be checked for road safety and presented to the public by a presenter.
The Heidelberg Historic starts on Friday, July 4, at 8:30 a.m. at the Technik Museum in Sinsheim. The 180 vehicles will start here every minute. Once on the route, several highlights await the drivers of the 180 classic cars on Friday: The drive-through checkpoint at the Mühlhausen tractor enthusiasts (from approx. 13:20) is traditionally a popular meeting point for spectators. Heidelberg, which lends its name to the rally, is certainly one of the most attractive places for spectators with the drive-through from around 14:20 through the old town to the market square and the exit over the Old Bridge. There is a new spectator point this year in Neckargemünd on the market square in the heart of the old town (from approx. 14:35). The marked circuit through Spechbach (from approx. 15:50) offers a real Monte Carlo feeling, with the hairpin bend as the undisputed highlight within the town. The first stage will then end again at the Technik Museum Sinsheim (from approx. 16:30).
After the start of the second stage on Saturday at 7 a.m. in Sinsheim, the Heidelberg Historic will take the classic cars to Neckarbischofsheim town hall (from approx. 7:30 a.m.) and from approx. 9 a.m. to the drive-through checkpoint in the center of Buchen-Oberneudorf. Here, the AC Odenwaldring Buchen offers a SimRacing simulator and activities for the whole family. The drive-through checkpoint in Zweiflingen (from approx. 11:10 a.m.) with refreshments provided by the volunteer fire department is just as popular as the time check and rally break at the Audi Forum in Neckarsulm (from approx. 12:10 p.m.). In addition to activities for young and old, a special exhibition of historic Audi models awaits at the Audi Forum. The participants of the Heidelberg Historic can expect a traditionally great atmosphere at the drive-through checkpoint in Stockheim and at the special stage in the nearby vineyards (from approx. 13:50). Here, the Stockheim Wine Press Association will be organizing idyllic refreshments. The 29th Heidelberg Historic will then end at the Technik Museum in Sinsheim with the grand finish in the courtyard, including the chequered flag and presentation (from approx. 15:25).
The 180 vehicles from over seven decades of automotive history include a Lagonda V12 Le Mans (built in 1938/start number 3). The car was considered the fastest saloon of its time and was regarded by connoisseurs as Walter Owen Bentley's masterpiece. The Ferrari 250 GTE (built in 1961/start number 127) was the first series-produced four-seater to stand out with its luxurious interior. The elegant, streamlined luxury sports car has been part of the ADAC Heidelberg Historic field on several occasions.
Further information on the Heidelberg Historic, the participating vehicles and the supporting program can be found on the event website. The exact schedule for spectators will also be published there from Thursday afternoon, July 3.
