Town hall rally in Wernigerode: vintage car fans celebrate historic cars!

Town hall rally in Wernigerode: vintage car fans celebrate historic cars!

A shadow of nostalgia hangs over the Wernigerode town hall, where the 14th town hall rally starts next weekend. All starting places are fully booked, which means a packed program for classic car lovers and onlookers. Not only can you admire stylish vehicles, but also the stories behind them.

One of the most exciting stories is that of Karl-Heinz Erlebach. The 80-year-old master mechanic brings his 97-year-old Chrysler with him to Wernigerode. The flashing chrome radiator grille from 1928 is not only a real eye-catcher, but also a witness to the numerous trips that Erlebach took with his faithful companion. He particularly remembers a trip to Bulgaria in 1982 in a caravan.

Classic car participants and route

The rally, organized by the MC Wernigeröder vintage car enthusiasts, also attracts participants from the Nordwall Classic Garage Stendal, who have four vintage cars in their luggage. Teams like Gerhold/Gerhold in a Mercedes and Groth/Wendt in their VW Beetle will also compete. A total of 73 vehicles are available on the market square to whiz through the picturesque landscape.

• Start: Markt vor dem Wernigeröder Rathaus
• Strecke: Durch Osterwieck, Stapelburg, Ilsenburg, zum „Schützenhaus“ in Drübeck und zurück
• Nachmittagsrunde: Über Benzingerode, Blankenburg, Hüttenrode, Rübeland und Drei Annen Hohne

The participants can look forward to exciting tasks at the checkpoints, and the gala evening on Saturday will certainly be the scene of exciting petrol discussions, not least with the Herre family in Silstedt. Mayor Tobias Kascha (SPD) emphasizes the advertising effect of the event for the city, and we can look forward to the award ceremony on Sunday morning.

Insights into the automobile myth

Karl-Heinz Erlebach was already fascinated by the world of vintage cars at the age of 23, inspired by the novel “Three Comrades” by Erich Maria Remarque. His Chrysler has covered a total of 70,000 kilometers with a maximum output of 40 hp and a top speed of 70 km/h. The car was overhauled and repainted especially for the rally, but is still struggling with starting problems. Erlebach hopes that the engine will run reliably until the rally. “The Sparrowhawk”, a car built in 1913 that he found in 1972, is another of the mechanic’s projects that has been roadworthy again since 2019.

The next town hall rally is already planned for two years from now, and all those who share the charm and passion for classic cars are already looking forward to the 15th edition in Wernigerode. A visit to this charming city will always be worthwhile - whether as a participant or spectator.

For more information about the event and the participants, those interested can take a look at the article MDR and People's voice throw.