ADAC Heidelberg Historic Classic car rally

The 29th Heidelberg Historic event organized by ADAC Nordbaden will feature 180 classic cars at the starting line the oldest vehicle is 113 years old 

With over 180 classic cars, including 16 particularly rare pre-war vehicles, this year’s Heidelberg Historic organized by ADAC Nordbaden e.V. is once again a very special highlight in the calendar for fans of historic automobiles. The 29th edition of the popular rally will take place from July 3 to 5, 2025, with the start and finish traditionally at the Technik Museum in Sinsheim. The oldest vehicle registered for this year’s traditional event, a Ford Model T Speedster (start number 18), is exactly 113 years old, having been built in 1912. With classic cars built up to 1976 in the regular starting field, the Heidelberg Historic offers a fascinating journey through seven decades of automotive history.

The participants will showcase their rolling treasures over a distance of around 510 kilometers, spread over two daily stages in the idyllic landscapes of northern Baden. Along the route through the Kraichgau, the Kurpfalz with its legendary drive through Heidelberg, the Bauland and Madonnenland regions, and through the Zabergäu to the Odenwald, there will be numerous opportunities to see the classic cars in action. During breaks and checkpoints, they can also be viewed up close. In many places, a supporting program with a presenter who introduces the vehicles individually, as well as refreshments, await those interested. Some of the 17 special stages also offer a good opportunity to experience the classic cars live.

 

With a maximum speed limit of 50 kilometers per hour, the Heidelberg Historic is all about consistency, not speed. The event is advertised by FIVA, the international federation of classic car clubs, as a FIVA Premier Event. On Thursday, July 3, starting at 3 p.m., DEKRA will conduct technical inspections of the vehicles at the Technik Museum Sinsheim. Each vehicle will be checked for road safety and presented to the public by a moderator – even before the official start, classic car enthusiasts will get their money’s worth and can admire the vehicles to their heart’s content.

Heidelberg Historic starts on Friday, July 4, at 8:30 a.m. at the TechnikMuseum in Sinsheim. The 180 vehicles will start here at one-minute intervals. That means a good three hours of pure classic car enjoyment, no matter where you position yourself along the route. Once on their way, several highlights await the drivers of the 180 classic cars on Friday: The checkpoint at the Schlepperfreunde Mühlhausen (from around 1:20 p.m.) is traditionally a popular spot for spectators. Heidelberg, which gives the rally its name, is certainly one of the most attractive stops for spectators, with the cars passing through the old town to the market square at around 2:20 p.m. and exiting via the Old Bridge. This year, there is a new viewing point in Neckargemünd on the market square in the heart of the old town (from around 2:35 p.m.). The marked circuit through Spechbach (from around 3:50 p.m.), with the hairpin bend as the undisputed highlight within the town, offers a real Monte Carlo feeling. The first stage will then end again at the Technik Museum Sinsheim (from around 4:30 p.m.).

After starting the second stage on Saturday at 7 a.m. in Sinsheim, the Heidelberg Historic will take the classic cars to Neckarbischofsheim Town Hall (from around 7:30 a.m.) and, from around 9 a.m., to the checkpoint in the center of Buchen-Oberneudorf. Here, AC Odenwaldring Buchen will offer a SimRacing simulator and activities for the whole family. The checkpoint in Zweiflingen (from around 11:10 a.m.) with refreshments provided by the volunteer fire department is just as popular a destination as the time check and rally break at the Audi Forum in Neckarsulm (from around 12:10 p.m.). In addition to activities for young and old, the Audi Forum also hosts a special exhibition of historic Audi models. Participants in the Heidelberg Historic can expect the traditionally excellent atmosphere at the checkpoint in Stockheim and at the special stage in the nearby vineyards (from around 1:50 p.m.). Here, the Kelter Stockheim support association will provide idyllic hospitality. The 29th Heidelberg Historic will then end at the Technik Museum in Sinsheim with a grand finish in the courtyard, complete with a checkered flag and commentary (from around 3:25 p.m.). The end of the rally is always a highlight for visitors.

The 180 vehicles from over seven decades of automotive history include a Lagonda V12 Le Mans (built in 1938/start number 3). The car was considered the fastest sedan of its time and was regarded by connoisseurs as Walter Owen Bentley’s masterpiece. The Ferrari 250 GTE (built in 1961/start number 127) was the first mass-produced four-seater to stand out for its luxurious features. The elegant, streamlined luxury sports car has already been part of the ADAC Heidelberg Historic field several times.. 

Further information on the Heidelberg Historic, the participating vehicles, and the supporting program can be found at www.heidelberg-historic.de The exact schedule for spectators will also be published there on Thursday afternoon, July 3.