70 years ago, the Solitude Rally became an international long-distance rally of around 2000 kilometers in length, which was already clearly based on the great model of Monte Carlo with individual pre-start locations such as Ostend, Lyon or Brescia.
The quality of the special stages was increased for the first time by the addition of the Solitude Ring, where five laps had to be completed after a so-called Le Mans start, in which the drivers had to sprint to their cars standing opposite their vehicles after the starting signal. Participants had to have an international driver's license. Substantial entry fees resulted in a European field of participants.
In addition to the Solitude races held in July, the Solitude Rally brought a second major motorsport event to Stuttgart from 1954 to 1960. In 1955, this became the international Solitude Rally with start and finish at the castle. In 1960, rally enthusiasm was high in Germany following Walter Schock's victory in a Mercedes at the Monte Carlo Rally. It was precisely in this year that a cooperation between ADAC Württemberg e. V. and the Automobil Club du Rhône in Lyon was established. The Franco-German joint rally "Stuttgart-Solitude Lyon-Charbonnières" with start or finish at Solitude Castle was held between 1961 and 1972.
Celebrations at the "Home & Garden" lifestyle trade fair
The "Home & Garden" trade fair and classic cars belong together. In 2023, the focus was on the 120th anniversary of the Solitude Race and last year the big Porsche Diesel Tractor Meeting. From August 14 to 17, 2025, memories of the Solitude Rally will be brought back to life.
Visitors to "Home & Garden" can experience the myth of this diverse rally history just outside Stuttgart with over 20 authentic racing cars. The exhibition is complemented by a number of historic service cars. This creates a historic paddock ambience. Guests will also have the opportunity to chat with like-minded people or simply linger in the Solitude Café throughout the duration of the exhibition. And by the way: local hero Eberhard Mahle was the most successful Solitude Rally driver of all time with five first places. His trophies and prizes will be on display in a small exhibition in the Hall of Mirrors in the castle restaurant.
After a photo shoot and a tour of the freshly restored start and finish house, all vehicles will line up in the Schloss Gastronomie parking lot and at the rear wing of the castle on 14 August 2025.
A new feature is voting on all days of the fair: whether on site or from home - all the vehicles on display can be voted for digitally. The votes of the visitors will show which rally car is the highlight of the event.
Finally, on Sunday there will be plenty of classic cars at the castle. Solitude GmbH has invited other classic car enthusiasts.