“Taking part in the Sachsen Classic is not only a tradition for us but also a matter close to our hearts. We strive to enrich the starting field every year with attractive models from our history. This year will be no exception with the quintet of cars we have selected,” says Andrea Frydlová, Head of the ŠKODA Museum in Mladá Boleslav, adding, “We are delighted that the participants will also be able to enjoy the exciting route in the Czech Republic, which will take them directly to Mladá Boleslav for the very first time in the history of the race. Saturday’s stage in particular – themed ‘120 years of ŠKODA Motorsport’ – pays tribute to the momentous anniversary we are celebrating this year.”
On Thursday, 19 August, a ŠKODA FELICIA from 1962 will head for the starting ramp with its distinctive turquoise paintwork. The convertible is one of the most beautiful vehicles in Czech automotive history. The ŠKODA 1100 MBX De Luxe from 1969 is also a testament to the skill of the engineers and designers of the time. The body of the two-door variant of the popular ‘MB’ lacks the upper parts of the B-pillars, which is why the interior appears unusually airy with the windows down. This rare model is now a sought-after and valuable classic car. The other three vehicles will make the hearts of motorsport fans beat faster: The two ŠKODA 110 R models are characterised by their sporty coupé bodywork with an elegant touch. The model, which was a big sales hit, also served as the technical basis for the famous rally and racing cars ŠKODA 180 RS, 200 RS and the ŠKODA 130 RS, which gained fame as the ‘Porsche of the East’. The unmistakable and ear-catching highlight among the participants is the ŠKODA 1100 OHC Roadster from 1957 with a top speed of 200 kilometres per hour. The open-top racing car, which is usually on display at the ŠKODA Museum, is one of only two ever produced. ŠKODA began developing the racing car in spring 1956 with the aim of taking part again – after 1950 – in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Due to the political situation, however, the purpose-built car never made it to the start of the legendary race. The quintet of vehicles from the ŠKODA Classic team introduced here will be joined on the starting list by five other ŠKODA vehicles, driven by their private owners as well as teams of journalists.
The ‘Sachsen Classic’ starts on Thursday, 19 August, one minute after noon in Zwickau, Germany. The drivers can look forward to a 110-kilometre “warm-up” stage, which will take them to the famous Sachsenring racetrack, among other places. Covering 254 kilometres, Friday will be a real test for both the machines and their crews when they cross the finish line in Dresden after demanding climbs in the Erzgebirge mountains.
The longest stage (321 km) begins in Dresden on Saturday, 21 August, one minute after seven in the morning, under the banner of ‘120 years of ŠKODA Motorsport’. It will take place mainly on Czech soil, and the first vehicles are expected in Mladá Boleslav as early as 11:00. After stopping at the ŠKODA factory site, the participants will drive from the company’s museum back to Dresden, where the award ceremony awaits them.
The fact that the Sachsen Classic is making its first stop in Mladá Boleslav represents a unique opportunity for all fans of automotive history. Watching the more than 150 classic cars that will arrive in front of the ŠKODA Museum on Saturday, 21 August between 11:50 and 14:00 can be combined with a visit to the museum, where the impressive new exhibition ‘In the spirit of electromobility’ can also be seen alongside the permanent exhibition. Among other things, the presentation explores the history, present and future of electromobility.