Cannstatt-Carthago-Classic is an exclusive, touristic classic car rally that will be held for the first time in 2015. The route takes the drivers from the south of Germany to Tunisia and over eight daily stages 2000 kilometers through the north of Africa. Cannstatt-Carthago-Classic combines car and adventure, rally and journey, driving pleasure and friendship, community and enjoyment, the discovery of fantastic landscapes and the experience of foreign cultures.
The premiere of the Cannstatt-Carthago-Classic classic car rally will start on April 25, 2015 at midnight at the Kurpark Bad Cannstatt, just a stone's throw away from the birthplace of the automobile, Gottlieb Daimler's experimental workshop, with a maximum field of 25 vehicles.
Reliving experiences in the form of a classic car rally
The idea for the Cannstatt-Carthago-Classic is based on a personal experience. In 1973, Hans Klement had just obtained his driver's license when he set off from Stuttgart to Africa with his uncle Wilhelm Mütschele. In a Mercedes Strichacht and a Ponton-Mercedes, the two drove towards Morocco. They sold the pontoon in a souk and then spent two weeks traveling through the north of Africa in the Strichacht.
For Hans Klement, the trip was a key experience that encouraged him to set up the Cannstatt-Carthago-Classic classic car rally.
2000 km through North Africa
The prologue of the Cannstatt-Carthago-Classic Rally leads from Bad Cannstatt to the ferry to Genoa. The rally route then runs in a loop of around 2000 kilometers through almost all of Tunisia.
Over eight daily stages, each covering around 250 kilometers, the rally takes in many scenic and cultural highlights between the Mediterranean and the Sahara in Africa's northernmost country. The route is mostly on asphalt, small country and mountain roads.
Around a fifth of the distance traveled in Tunisia is on so-called "pistes carossables". These unpaved but paved roads can be driven on by most classic cars without any special driving skills and without having to be specially prepared. In the oasis of Ksar Ghilane, the rally takes a rest and adventure day at around the halfway point.
The rally will end on May 6, 2015 in Marseille with the arrival of the ferry.
Endurance and empathy required
No special rally knowledge, off-road experience or specific licenses are required to take part in the Cannstatt-Carthago-Classic. All you need is a driver's license, some confidence and stamina, as well as a degree of driving skill and empathy, which is a prerequisite for handling any older car anyway. Driving is done in teams of two, and it is possible to change drivers and co-drivers at any time. Teams of three or four per classic car can also be entered if the entry fee is adjusted accordingly.
For classic cars and youngtimers
Rally participants should have a classic car. It must be at least 25 years old at the time of the start on April 25, 2015 and registered for road traffic. An H registration is not required. Cars with a red 07 number can take part, but must carry a green insurance card.
The vehicles should be in perfect technical condition and thus be able to cover a total distance of around 3500 kilometers without any major problems. Off-road capability or 4x4 is not a prerequisite. The majority of the Cannstatt-Carthago-Classic route runs on asphalt roads; in Tunisia, the rally also uses "pistes carossables", unpaved but paved roads, in sections.
The supply of high-quality fuel is not a problem in Tunisia. In addition to a spare wheel and a spare tire, it is advisable to take vehicle-specific spare parts with you. The cars are parked overnight in secure parking areas at the hotels.
An adventure with a high memorable value
The Cannstatt-Carthago-Classic classic car rally is calculated as a non-profit event. Participation costs 5900 euros per team. 400 euros of this amount will be donated to the Stuttgart Children's and Youth Hospice. The price includes everything except drinks, fuel and, of course, the vehicle.
For this considerable sum, the participants experience a veritable adventure, which is carefully prepared and accompanied by the organization.
Registrations are accepted via the event's website, where you can also find further information about the classic car rally.
