21. ASC-Classic-Gala Schwetzingen

Internat. Concours d‘Elegance, September 5th. - 7th. 2025

Classic Gala Schwetzingen 2025 – Automotive Rarities in the Palace Gardens

When the baroque gardens of Schwetzingen Palace open their gates, the park transforms into a stage for automotive dreams. In early September 2025, we once again set out – on a journey through time, design, and motorsport history.

The Classic Gala is not just a Concours d’Elegance – it is a celebration for all the senses.

The hum of engines, the gleam of polished paint, the scent of leather and oil – pure fascination.

Between perfectly trimmed hedges and glittering reflecting pools, over 180 classics, rare prototypes, and automotive icons stood side by side. Cars that are usually kept behind museum ropes were suddenly within arm’s reach – ready to tell their stories.

In 2025, the Gala featured not only its traditional awards but also fascinating special exhibitions and anniversaries that celebrated the diversity of automotive history in a spectacular way.

Five Anniversaries Starting with “A”

2025 was a year of major birthdays:

                •             125 years of Adler

                •             125 years of Allgemeiner Schnauferl Club (ASC)

                •             110 years of Aston Martin

                •             75 years of Abarth

                •             70 years of Alpine-Renault

Each brand was honored with its own dedicated special display, captivating fans, historians, and design enthusiasts alike. From elegant pre-war models and striking post-war sports cars to tiny economy cars of the economic miracle era, bespoke creations, and coachbuilt one-offs – the diversity of vehicles on display was simply breathtaking.

Several rounds of judging led to exciting decisions. It was particularly impressive to witness how aesthetics, restoration quality, and automotive history came together to leave visitors in awe.

Alpine in the Spotlight – 70 Years of “Made by Racers”

Among all the anniversaries, Alpine held a very special place. To mark the brand’s 70th birthday, the special exhibition focused entirely on racing, history, and legendary models.

The display “70 Years Alpine ‘Made by Racers’” brought motorsport history to life. Highlights included:

                •             Alpine A210 (1967) – the Le Mans race car that made motorsport history in 1967.

                •             Alpine 1300 S (1969) – German Circuit Racing Champion, presented in flawless concours condition.

Original memorabilia such as driver’s overalls, winner’s wreaths, and trophies added depth and emotion to the display. Every visitor could feel the passion infused into every detail.

Double Victory for alpineLAB – Alpine A110 1300 S & A210

For us, Classic Gala Schwetzingen 2025 was far more than a gathering of like-minded enthusiasts – it was a triumph.

Two Alpine icons, lovingly restored by us at alpineLAB, were each awarded first place in their respective classes:

                •             Alpine A110 1300 S (1969) – the legendary circuit racing champion dazzled not only in the sunlight but also before the jury.

                •             Alpine A210 (1967) – the Le Mans veteran, meticulously returned to its original works condition, mesmerized visitors.

Both cars stood as if they had just stepped out of a time machine. Every panel gap, every shade of paint, every tiny decal spoke of motorsport, passion, and craftsmanship. For us, it was an unforgettable moment to witness how these two witnesses of Alpine history thrilled both visitors and judges alike.

These awards are more than just trophies – they are a confirmation of our philosophy: respect for history, perfection in every detail, and an unbounded passion for Alpine. That is what alpineLAB stands for.

And the best part: this is not the end. Soon, these two legends will once again be seen where they truly belong – on the road, on the track, in the middle of life. Because that is exactly what they were built for.

„La vraie victoire, c’est de continuer à courir.“

- Jean Rédélé-

Two Men – One Passion

Even before the Classic Gala began, we were excited: the entry list promised a veritable firework display of Alpine models, from the delicate A106 to the powerful A310 V6.

 All the more surprising it was when, on the opening day, only a single A610 V6 took its place in the palace gardens.

 When we learned from the organizers under the direction of Mr. Hübner that all participants of the 70 Years of Alpine anniversary had canceled at short notice, it was immediately clear to us: we had to fill the gap.

And a gap of this magnitude deserved to be filled properly.

More than the efforts of alpineLAB, it is thanks above all to one man that Alpine was not only represented in Schwetzingen but truly celebrated:

Jörg Brosowski, author of the legendary Alpine chronicle blau gewinnt (“blue wins”).

With a tent, hay bales, and a charming shop-window mannequin, Jörg created a small world where history came alive. The Alpine bible blau gewinnt was available for browsing, still captivating readers more than ten years after its publication with its unparalleled attention to detail.

A large monitor flickered tirelessly, showing scenes from a time when Alpines flew over rally stages around the world. Between them sparkled trophies, cups, and the original winner’s wreath of his A110 1300 S – a tangible piece of motorsport history.

The A210 brought along its own trophy: the original laurel wreath for its class victory in fuel efficiency at the 1968

24 Hours of Le Mans.

Our stand became a meeting point for enthusiasts who couldn’t get enough of this small but special piece of Alpine culture. But behind it all was more than just a weekend in Schwetzingen – behind it was a friendship and a journey of more than 35 years.

What began as a simple fascination for the A110 grew into a shared mission. Long hours in the workshop, painstaking research in archives, the hunt for rare parts and cars, small setbacks, great successes. Decades of passion culminated in a moment that is almost impossible to put into words. The A210 and the A110 1300 S stood side by side – two cars, two men, one story. Not just displayed, but honored: class winners. For us, it was far more than a trophy. It was proof that friendship, perseverance and unshakable enthusiasm are ultimately rewarded.

A moment when all the doubts, struggles, and sleepless nights suddenly made sense. An instant that will be forever engraved in memory, because it shows that a dream can come true if you hold on to it long enough.

And perhaps the most beautiful part: our journey has only just begun.