The first Legends Grand Prix at the Salzburgring is approaching: from October 3 to 5, 2025, around 50 historic vehicles - from the 1920s to the 1990s - will be on display on the track and as part of special exhibitions.
The interest among classic car enthusiasts is great, as the first entries confirm. "The response to the announcement of the Legends Grand Prix proves that this type of event has been missing in Europe until now," says "mastermind" Achim Althammer.
In addition to the historic racing and sports cars from eight decades, some of which are unique, the concept of a family-friendly event is inspiring participants and visitors alike.
Porsche icons at the start
A Porsche 356 B Carrera GS/GT "Dreikantschaber" (1963), a 908/02 Spyder from the late 1960s/early1970s, the Le Mans-winning car from 1987 - the Porsche 962 C "Rothmans" - and, looking ahead, a 997 GT3 R Hybrid as a concept car.
Austrian racing driver Klaus Bachler has been named as a prominent "chauffeur". Porsche's static contribution to the exhibition will include a Type 804 Formula 1 from 1962.
The Opel "Jumbo"
A rarely seen "tidbit" comes from Opel's racing history: The legendary "Jumbo", the Steinmetz Commodore from the 1970s, which was considered a true "monster" - no wonder with a six-liter eight-cylinder engine from Chevrolet (from the Opel Diplomat at the time) with over 400 hp and a weight of just under 1020 kilograms.
The Opel was nicknamed "Jumbo" after the Boeing 747 because of its "snowplow" front end, striking fenders and rear wing. Rüsselsheim tuner Klaus Steinmetz gave the "Jumbo" a top speed of over 300 km/h with acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.
The car was driven by Peter Hoffmann in the Superstock class of the Interserie in 1974. However, this class was already discontinued in 1975. Oliver Steinmetz is preserving the company's history, has resurrected the "Jumbo" with the help of the mechanics of the time and is showing it driving for the first time at the Legends Grand Prix at the Salzburgring.
Special topic: Niki Lauda's first world championship title 50 years ago
As this year marks the 50th anniversary of Niki Lauda's first Formula 1 championship title, a bust of Lauda will be unveiled in Niki's home town of the 1970s and 1980s in the run-up to the Legends Grand Prix in collaboration with the municipality of Hof.
At the Legends Grand Prix, various original cars of the three-time world champion, who died in 2019, will be presented to the public. The highlight will be the Ferrari 312 T from 1975.
Many other rarities and legends
The Porsche 962 C from Lechner Racing, the double champion Mazda RX-3, a Gräf & Stift SR4 as the oldest car on the grid and 100 years old and a BMW M3 in DTM trim can also be experienced. And these are just a few examples.
The complete program and further information can be found on the website of the Legends Grand Prix Salzburgring.
