The Oldtimer Grand Prix is a fantastic event for classic car fans. I'd say it is a good contender for the best car event in the world, but despite thousands of visitors coming from all over Europe, and several British race teams, it's not well known or publicised to potential visitors in the UK.
I have been about 7 times now. This year my friends Ellis and Steve came along again, and Nick was a first-time visitor.
You'll see from the cars that some seriously wealthy people go to the OGP, but we have never come across snobbery - it's friendly and united by the common love of cars.
The main attraction is 3 days of entertaining action on the track. I don't have a camera, just my phone, so I can't capture much of the racing but I do have a couple of videos which I'll add later. Some photos first:
1. At the circuit
In the old pits area
A great meeting for my friend Ellis (on the right). When he was a mechanic for Macdonald racing in the 1970s, he helped build, race and maintain this Lagonda (it was converted from a saloon chassis). The new owner was very friendly and they both enjoyed chatting about the car - we saw it being pushed hard on the circuit later on
The car is mainly as it was raced 40 years ago. The few modifications include a less aggressive cam profile, new exhaust manifold, accelerator pedal moved from the original central position to the right, and Alfa Romeo anti-tramp bars on the front axle. We're told that the brakes remain as weak as the always were, but that's a 'feature' of racers of this era with rod/cable operated drums all round! The old Lag has been on a dyno recently; it makes 198bhp and LOTS of torque.
The owner has a collection of exotic cars and obviously has the finances for that. But he's a proper petrol-head, interested in our Volvos and Ellis's Morris Minor, and he showed us a photo on his phone of his winter daily driver - a car he's obviously very fond of - a 400,000km Audi 100 bought on ebay for 1 Euro!
Delahaye
Wonderful fleet of 300SL gullwings, driven hard and sideways on the track
Very nice 127, a shame we didn't see this one racing
As usual, BMW put on a good display
We always see M1 racers at the OGP, it was great to see some road-spec cars on display also
E21 2.8 Alpina
Not racing, but it's always good to see a Stratos
This 300SL was a strong contender for my favourite car of the weekend
The pre-war Auto Union racers are amazing. We've not seen one on the track so far, but I keep hoping!
Lots of great period support vehicles at the OGP
Interesting colour choice for a Daytona!
Another great feature of the OGP is freedom to wander around the pit garages and chat to drivers and mechanics
Not every day that one of these drives past while you're sitting having a coffee
A wide variety of machinery on display!
2. The car park
Don't skip this section!
The OGP car parks are better than any car show I have been to on the UK, and that is not a joke or exaggeration. The quantity and quality of interesting cars which turn up is fantastic.
Some car clubs have designated areas, to keep their members' cars together. My photos are just a small selection of the clubs represeneted
Some wonderful CSis and CSLs on display
I really like the old E3 saloons
First time I have seen a 6-series cabriolet
Ever seen this many Z1s together?
3.5 Alpina E30, based on the M3 shell
The Opel club... it's unusual to see just one Manta or Ascona 400 - great to see a big display
I am a big fan of this shape of Commodore, shame they are so rare in the UK
I'd love one of these - the V8 version naturally!
Renault Alpine club well attended
The non-club mixed parking areas are also worth walking round
I love the SM, although this is not the best colour in my view
The E28 Alpina is a turbo
And another very fast Alpina!
Is this where BMW got the idea for that weird bootlid on the 6-series?
I am not a big Capri fan but these three were tasty
Gorgeous coach-built BMW coupe
Good sight-seeing on the roads near the circuit. I don't have photos, but sitting outside in the evening having a beer in Adenau is like watching a mobile car show.
If you're tempted for next year, I thoroughly recommend a visit to OGP!
John