{"id":6283,"date":"2019-07-20T10:00:06","date_gmt":"2019-07-20T08:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oldtimer-veranstaltung.de\/service\/?p=6283"},"modified":"2025-12-30T10:28:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T09:28:15","slug":"prewar-racing-at-its-best-the-vintage-revival-at-monthlery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oldtimer-veranstaltung.de\/service\/prewar-racing-at-its-best-the-vintage-revival-at-monthlery\/","title":{"rendered":"Prewar racing at its best – the Vintage Revival at Monthl\u00e9ry"},"content":{"rendered":"

On the continent there are few occasions to actually race prewar cars and motorcycles like in the old days. Of course, there a quite a number of events in France and Germany where visitors can enjoy veteran and vintage vehicles on public roads or specially prepared \u201erace\u201c tracks. For example, in France there is the Grand Prix R\u00e9tro d\u2019Yvois<\/span> held annually on the circuit in the town of Carignan near the Belgian border. German enthusiasts can choose among events as diverse as the \u201cClassic Days<\/a>\u201d at Schloss Dyck the \u201eKronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz<\/span>\u201c run near Duesseldorf, the \u201cHerkomer Konkurrenz<\/span>\u201d in Bavaria, and the \u201cVintage Race Days\u201d at the race course in Rastede (http:\/\/www.vintageracedays.de) in Lower Saxony. Last but not least, the \u201eGro\u00dfglockner Grand-Prix<\/span>\u201c has been revived, recently. In addition to that, there are lots of events for pre-war motorcycles that are more about driving than just meeting and presenting shiny two-wheeled treasures. A nice example is the annual \u201cboard track race\u201d event held on a tiny oval course in Darmstadt near Frankfurt\/Main (Germany). <\/p>\n

\"Harley<\/a>
Harley Fahrer Velodrom Darmstadt \u00a9 Fotoquelle und Bildrechte: Michael Schlenger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Unique driving experience at Monthl\u00e9ry<\/h3>\n

While all these events are highly enjoyable and provide much authentic atmosphere, they are hardly races in the proper meaning of the word. Occasions where pre-war motoring enthusiasts vehicles can be watched driven flat-out like at the Goodwood Revival Meeting (https:\/\/grrc.goodwood.com\/section\/goodwood-revival\/#ITxdh1z7dhLGUh3v.97) in England are uncommon on the European continent. One of the few – and certainly most stunning – exceptions is the annual \u201cVintage Revival\u201d ) held at the historic racing circuit of Monthl\u00e9ry a few miles south of Paris. The unique character of this event is due to the fact that it provides the only opportunity in the world to drive on a historic race course with high-banked curves. <\/p>\n

Journey back to pre-war times<\/h3>\n

\"Carosserie<\/a>
Carosserie Firma Kruck vor 1914 \u00a9 Fotoquelle und Bildrechte: Sammlung Michael Schlenger<\/figcaption><\/figure>The Vintage Revival at Monthl\u00e9ry (VRM) is strictly for prewar vehicles, only. Any marque and any type of vehicle \u2013 be it in \u201coily rag\u201d condition or completely re-built \u2013 is welcome. On the occasion of the VRM held in May 2015, a total of 350 cars, motorcycles, and three-wheelers gathered at the race track. For the visitor, this is probably the best opportunity at all to experience the variety of manufacturers and technical concepts before WWII outside of a museum or a private collection. At Monthl\u00e9ry, even die-hard enthusiasts will encounter vehicles they haven\u2019t even heard about. Of course, the bulk of cars are from French manufacturers which were at the forefront of development at least until the First World War. Unfortunately, prewar cars from Germany were strongly under-represented. This is a pity, as there were once hundreds of German manufacturers and plenty of vehicles have stood the tests of time, but too often remain entombed in private collections. Despite some encouraging initiatives, the veteran car scene in Germany is currently failing to get the attention it deserves. Just hoarding the treasures from the early days of motoring is not enough when it comes to impart the rich tradition of the German automotive industry. <\/p>\n

Prewar racing atmosphere at Monthl\u00e9ry<\/h3>\n

Probably one of the greatest events for prewar cars with the opportunity to watch these jewels thunder along on an original race track is the annual Vintage Revival at Monthl\u00e9ry. There is nothing quite like it in the world and this explains why so many veteran and vintage car and motorcycle enthusiasts from all across Europe meet there. The official teaser film already gives you an idea of the almost unbelievable variety of rare and sometimes unique prewar vehicles that constitute the particular appearance of the meeting.<\/p>\n