9. Paul Pietsch Classic: Opel classics inspire the spectators

• It couldn't be nicer: traveling in timeless Opel vintage cars on dream routes
• Arouse emotions: Participants and spectators celebrate legendary automobiles
• Promo on Tour: Jockel Winkelhock piloting Opel Kadett GT/E Warmbold/Pitz

Opel Kadett GT/E

A dream tour of a special kind came to an end in saturday on the market square in Offenburg. In the most beautiful early summer weather and pleasant temperatures, 128 classic cars started the 9th Paul Pietsch Classic over the past two days . In the anniversary year of "160 years of Opel" , field was led by all-new Opel Astra. 

All-New Opel Astra

Behind them in the field of participants were legendary Opel models such as Kadett GT/E, Commodore A Coupé and Kadett GSi – with prominent drivers on board. British touring car champion and Le Mans winner Joachim Jockel” Winkelhock the scenic route. On day 1, it led through the Kinzig and Elz valleys in the High Black Forest and on the second day over the Bühlerhöhe in the direction of Baden-Baden in the northern Black Forest.

Jockel Winkelhock with Opel Kadett GT/E

“I am a 'repeat offender' out of conviction at the Paul Pietsch Classic. Routes along the picturesque Black Forest towns and little rivers as well as over the lush green hills are a lot of fun. Whole thing is topped when you sit in a rally classic like the Opel GT/E,” enthuses Opel driver Jockel Winkelhock.

Opel Kadett GSi Rallye

Opel Head of Communications Harald Hamprecht, who started in a Rallye Opel Kadett GSi together with Auto Motor and Sport Editor-in-Chief Michael Pfeiffer, adds: “Paul Pietsch Classic is one of the most beautiful vintage car rallies in Germany – in one of our most beautiful regions country. We are honoring Paul Pietsch, the racing driver and one of the founding publishers of Motor Presse Stuttgart. And we are also celebrating 160 years of Opel in the year of the new Astra. Our tradition is very important to us. It is our duty and a matter close to our hearts to look after them.”

Blessed with fantastic routes and wonderful views, the regularity rally was entirely in the tradition of Paul Pietsch, who gave its name and was born in Freiburg. At the same time, the former Grand Prix driver was one of the founders of Motor Presse Stuttgart and regularly made the route from his native Black Forest to the publishing house into old age. Managing director of Motor Presse Stuttgart, Jörg Mannsperger, took the opportunity to drive in a famous Blitz model together with Opel Classic manager Leif Rohwedder. Duo completed the 15 special stages in an Opel Commodore A Coupé known for its particularly smooth-running 2.5-litre straight-six.

Opel Commodore A Coupé