Eifelrundfahrt1922

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Letter to the editor

17.07.2022 100 years of the Eifelrundfahrt 1922

Almost to the day ― on 15.7.2022 the Eifelrundfahrt started in Nideggen for the first time on a 33 km long road course with 86 bends and 265 m difference in altitude ― also known as the Targa Florio of the Eifel. In 1927, the Nürburgring was inaugurated with what was now the fifth Eifel race. The MSC Burgring Nideggen Eifel Classic e.V. in the DMV celebrated this event with a big revival around Nideggen at the old track.

In perfect imperial weather, the numerous spectators were offered a lot: The oldest car of the 57 vehicles that started was a Ford T from 1911, the longest journey was made by a team from Brittany with a Riley from 1935. Other highlights included 2 Bugattis, a Chrysler Imperial, a Lagonda and a very rare Neander motorbike. Special attention was also paid to the replica of the winning car of local hero Gustav Münz by club member Georg Becker. Unfortunately, this car, which had just been completed, dropped out in the second round. After the welcome by patron Prof. Mario Theissen (who, according to his own statement, was "only" responsible for the good weather) and a review of the history of the Eifelrundfahrt by Mayor Marco Schmunkamp, the vehicles started at the Zülpicher Tor for a total of 3 laps on a modified historical route. The spectators in Nideggen and along the entire route applauded this kaleidoscope of pre-war mobility.

Fritz von Opel, grandson of the company founder Adam Opel, took part in two classes at the first race in 1922. In the early morning hours, he started with a light 150 cc racing motorcycle, and in the morning with an 8 hp racing car. The racing motorbike is still preserved in the Opel Classic collection today - the sports machine, consistently trimmed for lightweight construction, can be viewed in its original condition in the old town of Nideggen on 17.7.2022.

Unfortunately, the Opel 8 PS from 1922 no longer exists, but Opel will bring two other automotive highlights to Nideggen: a Grand Prix racing car from 1914 and the all-electric Opel Corsa-e Rally Concept from 2019. In addition, Georg Becker will present a replica of a Ford Model T racing car in which local hero Gustav Münz once competed in the Eifel. Numerous other exhibits, for example a prototype of the Streetscooter, which the Zinkhütter Hof is making available on loan and as a "showcase" for old trophies, round off the exhibition and provide information about current mobility offers.

To accompany the audience and participants on their journey back in time to the Golden Twenties, the band "Peters Hot Four" set the mood for the Roaring Twenties with swing between the gates of Nideggen. Many participants and spectators presented themselves in period clothing. The award ceremony took place on the market square in Nideggen - the MSC Burgring will probably follow the repeatedly expressed wish of participants and spectators for a repeat of the event.

The club would like to thank all sponsors, helpers, participants and spectators for their support during this journey back in time to the year 1922.

The MSC Burgring Nideggen Eifel Classic e.V. in the DMV is concerned with the preservation of motor-vehicle cultural assets, in particular the preservation and maintenance of historically significant milestones in motorbike, automobile and racing history. Conviviality and the exchange of sporting and technical experiences as well as an active club life are very important to us. This includes, in particular, the reappraisal and presentation of the "Eifel Round Trip" around Nideggen from 1922 to 1926, which was important for motor sports and can also be seen as the initial spark for the construction of the Nürburgring.

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