VOLKSWAGEN AND AUTOSTADT SHOWED SOME COOL THINGS AT THE EDELWEIß-BERGPREIS HILL CLIMB.
The International Edelweiß-Bergpreis Rossfeld Berchtesgaden, held against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps, promised to be a motorsport enthusiast's dream come true this past weekend. Volkswagen Classic and the Autostadt were set to commemorate two monumental milestones in automotive history - celebrating 50 years of the iconic Volkswagen Golf and the Scirocco - by bringing some of the most legendary models to the starting line. For those lucky enough to witness this event firsthand, classic motorsport magic was on full display, as rare, race-proven Volkswagens tore through the mountains, bringing back the glory days of rally racing. Volkswagen marked this anniversary with two standout models: the Golf I GTI Group 4 ‘Pierburg’ and the Golf II GTI Group A ‘World Champion’, both piloted by renowned motorsport professional and Volkswagen test driver Benny Leuchter. The Autostadt also joined in the celebration, showcasing the famed VW Scirocco Group 2 by Oettinger, along with a rare 102 kW Rally Beetle 1302.
Golf I GTI Group 4 ‘Pierburg’ – A Rally Icon Reborn
The Golf I GTI ‘Pierburg’ is a legend in its own right, named after its main sponsor, Pierburg. This rally beast was originally equipped with a highly tuned two-valve GTI engine, but its performance took a leap forward in 1981 when a 16v Oettinger cylinder head, compliant with Group 4 regulations, was fitted. With this upgrade, the Golf tore up rally stages, driven by Per Eklund and Hans Sylvan, who collected top results in Germany's fiercely competitive rally scene. The car, meticulously rebuilt in 2011, was brought back to life with its original crew for a victorious rally return in San Marino.
Golf II GTI Group A ‘World Champion’ – Volkswagen’s Rally Masterpiece
Another star of the show, the Golf II GTI Group A ‘World Champion’, is a historic symbol of Volkswagen’s rally dominance. In 1986, it was this very car, piloted by Kenneth Eriksson and co-driver Peter Diekmann, that claimed victory in the inaugural World Rally Championship for Group A vehicles. Lightened to just 880 kg and producing 130 kW, the Golf II was a technical masterpiece of its time. Having undergone a painstaking restoration in 2009, this legend continues to shine in historic racing events, and its appearance at the Edelweiß-Bergpreis sparked excitement among rally fans.
Volkswagen Rally Beetle 1302 – A Rally Rarity
Joining this collection of legendary Volkswagens is the Rally Beetle 1302 from 1970, a rare gem that packs 102 kW from its rear-mounted four-cylinder boxer engine. Known for its nimble handling, thanks to its independent wheel suspension and torsion bar setup, this Beetle achieved a top speed of 170 km/h. Part of the Autostadt ZeitHaus collection, this car is as iconic as it is unique, and its presence at the Edelweiß-Bergpreis was a thrill for fans of VW’s rally heritage.
Take a look at the YouTube video from the aforementioned event, but back in 2022. This is one stellar hill climb and we'll be looking out for footage from the 2024 instalment so we can see these classic VWs in action: EDELWEISS-BERGPREIS ROSSFELD 2022 / MOTORSPORT HISTORIC TIME TRAVEL & WALTER RÖHRL PORSCHE 935 | PRIMO 34004 RACINGVIDEOS
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