Sabi Phagura heads to Austria to marvel at the sight of classic and rare vehicles and experiences the thrilling atmosphere of the renowned Arlberg Classic Car Rally in Austria.
It’s an event to thrill even a classic car connoisseur. The Arlberg Classic Car Rally has been held in Lech Zurs am Arlberg in Austria since 2010. Promoted with the slogan ‘Driving with friends through heavenly Alpine scenery’, this year’s 10th anniversary was again a testament to the art of automotive engineering travelling along with the backdrop of an alpine setting.
As I sat chauffeur driven in our classic blue VW Beetle queuing up at the starting line alongside legendary vintage cars, I felt every inch a real contender. This was as serious as it got, as the prologue kicked off this year’s 10th anniversary of the Arlberg Classic Rally in Lech.
So, in true style, we set off on a short stage out into the dreamy rustic alpine valleys. Without the pressure of time or any hurrying, we travelled along Lech Canyon (specifically closed for the purpose), a fabulous route which is unusable for most of the winter due to the avalanche risk. We were cheered on by enthusiastic spectators and fellow participants alike.
The three-day rally has been welcoming vintage automobiles manufactured before the year 1975. From sleek Jaguars to posh Bentleys and beautifully classic BMWs and Beetles, there are numerous cars to check out. In fact, no less than 100 participants took their prized automobiles to the road this year, covering stunning roads around the Arlberg, Tirol’s Lech Valley and in the forest of Bregenz in Vorarlberg.
Covering 600 kilometres, car enthusiasts tackle three different routes in as many days, heading into Inntal, Zugspitze, Appenzeller Land and Bodensee. The rally is a must for classic car fans, but being a spectator is just as enjoyable and the atmosphere is simply electric. The emphasis is on the joy of driving just as much as the competition itself.
The snow-covered peaks around Lech may remind us of the past winter, but the blossoming alpine meadows in late spring give way to a whole host of outdoor activities to take part in. This fascinating landscape can be explored in a number of ways, including on foot, by pedal power, by a kayak and boat, and of course, by cable car. To get around with ease, I would recommend making the Lech Card your travelling companion. Costing as little as 22 Euros for two days and 35 for seven, it gives you access to an array of summer activities in the surrounding areas.