Volkswagen and Autostadt Celebrate 50 Years of Golf and Scirocco at Alpine Hill Climb Event

Volkswagen and Autostadt Celebrate 50 Years of Golf and Scirocco at Alpine Hill Climb Event

(IN BRIEF) Volkswagen Classic and Autostadt will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Volkswagen Golf and Scirocco at the prestigious Edelweiß-Bergpreis Rossfeld Berchtesgaden hill climb race, held in the Alps on September 28 and 29, 2024. They will showcase iconic motorsport models, including the Golf I GTI Group 4 ‘Pierburg’ and the Golf II GTI Group A ‘World Champion,’ as well as Autostadt’s Scirocco Group 2 by Oettinger and a rare Rally Beetle 1302. The event will feature thrilling motorsport action, highlighting the legacy of Volkswagen’s involvement in racing over the decades.

(PRESS RELEASE) WOLFSBURG, 27-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Volkswagen Classic and Autostadt are set to make a grand appearance at the prestigious International Edelweiß-Bergpreis Rossfeld Berchtesgaden, a historic hill climb race held in the heart of the Alps on September 28 and 29, 2024. This year’s event holds special significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the iconic Volkswagen Golf and Scirocco models. To mark the occasion, both teams will showcase some of the most legendary models from these celebrated product lines, offering a thrilling experience for motorsport enthusiasts.

Volkswagen Classic will shine a spotlight on two renowned Golf models: the Golf I GTI Group 4 ‘Pierburg’ and the Golf II GTI Group A ‘World Champion.’ Both vehicles, which made their mark in rally history, will be driven by seasoned motorsport professional and Volkswagen test driver Benny Leuchter. Meanwhile, Autostadt will exhibit a rare and remarkable VW Scirocco Group 2 by Oettinger alongside a powerful 139 PS Rally Beetle 1302, providing fans with a glimpse of automotive greatness from yesteryear.

Golf Motorsport Legends The first of Volkswagen Classic’s stars is the Golf I GTI Group 4 ‘Pierburg,’ a model famous for its role in rallying in the 1980s. Equipped with a modified GTI engine and a distinctive 16-valve cylinder head by Oettinger, this Golf became a top contender in the German Rally Championship. Rebuilt in 2011 with a body faithful to the original, it has since competed in numerous historic racing events, keeping its motorsport legacy alive.

Next up is the Golf II GTI Group A ‘World Champion,’ which became a rallying sensation in the 1986 FIA World Rally Championship. This lightweight, high-performance GTI was the vehicle that propelled drivers Kenneth Eriksson and Peter Diekmann to the World Championship title, cementing the Golf’s place in motorsport history. Restored in 2009, the car continues to make appearances at historic motorsport events, including this year’s hill climb race.

Spotlight on Scirocco and the Rally Beetle Autostadt’s contribution to the event will include the iconic Scirocco Group 2 by Oettinger, a car that once ruled the 1.6-liter class on the racetrack. Known for its dominance in the 1970s, this high-performance version of the Scirocco Series 1 is a standout piece of Volkswagen’s motorsport heritage. With a 170 PS engine, this racer is a symbol of the automaker’s early commitment to motorsport success.

Also joining the line-up is the Rally Beetle 1302, a rare gem from Autostadt’s ZeitHaus collection. Powered by a 139 PS four-cylinder boxer engine, the Rally Beetle could reach top speeds of 170 km/h and was a force to be reckoned with in its era.

Both Volkswagen Classic and Autostadt are excited to participate in the Edelweiß-Bergpreis event, where these historic models will once again take center stage, showcasing the enduring legacy and craftsmanship of Volkswagen’s motorsport pedigree.

For high-resolution images of these iconic vehicles from the 2024 Edelweiß-Bergpreis Rossfeld Berchtesgaden event, stay tuned for updates on September 29 in the Volkswagen Newsroom.

Media Contacts:

Enrico Beltz
Head of Content, Classic Communication & Media Relations
Tel.: +49 (0) 1520 1660658
enrico.beltz@volkswagen.de

Eric Felber
Autostadt GmbH
Head of Communications & Marketing
Tel.: +49 (0)170-6879701
eric.felber@autostadt.de

SOURCE: Volkswagen AG