FYI: Classic sports cars take a thrilling detour in HEIZR Club’s Dusty Rides, uniting enthusiasts on rugged terrains outside Stuttgart.
Classic sports cars and dirt are an unlikely combo, but HEIZR Club’s Dusty Rides defies that norm in spectacular fashion. Typically, these vintage beauties only come out in ideal weather conditions to avoid the grim realities of road dust and grime. However, HEIZR Club provides an adventurous escape for those unafraid to get their cherished cars a little dirty.
HEIZR Club: Driving Passion for Classic Cars
HEIZR Club, based in Stuttgart, Germany, celebrates collectible classic cars and their next generation of owners. This community of auto aficionados is renowned for hosting inventive events that gather like-minded enthusiasts. Félix Bauermeister and his team have established the Dusty Rides as a unique fixture within this car culture.
The Dusty Rides Experience
In the summer of 2024, the second Dusty Ride event took place in a rugged quarry just outside Stuttgart. Proving true to the adage that "a little dirt never hurts," participants reveled in the unorthodox setting. The event was part of a grander road trip covering a 900-km journey to Oberhof, Thuringia, plus an additional 300-km trek to Stuttgart, making the detour truly worthwhile.
Inclusion of Modern Classics
One highlight of the event was the array of cars—from iconic German classics to luxurious supercars. Tickets were primarily set aside for vehicles over 25 years old. However, a limited number of spots for contemporary classics were also available, allowing rare finds like the Daihatsu Copen to join the excitement. Despite the contrast with grander cars, the Copen’s presence was warmly appreciated.
Unforgettable Backdrops and Unique Encounters
HEIZR Club’s knack for holding events in unusual locations like a quarry provided striking backgrounds that framed the vintage cars beautifully. By the day’s end, even the most pristine cars sported a thin layer of dust, adding to their rugged charm. An especially notable sight was a brand-new Porsche 718 Spyder RS, now dusty from being parked in a high-traffic area at the venue.
Deeper Into Porsche Heritage
Unsurprisingly, Porsche had a significant presence at Dusty Rides. Various models, including vintage 911s, dominated the event, each showcasing subtle cosmetic differences that fascinated attendees. A standout was a Viper Green 911 featuring the distinctive oil flap introduced for better weight distribution in the 1972 models.
One could spot several customized 911s, including a transformed late ’80s G-body 911 reimagined to 1973 Carrera 2.8 RSR specs. Enhancing its race credentials, it featured original RSR engine components, making it more than just an aesthetic clone.
Rally Legends and More
Other rally legends made appearances, catching the eyes of car buffs. A notable example was the Porsche Museum’s Rothmans 959 Paris-Dakar Rally car, which looked perfectly at home covered in dust. Adding to the nostalgia were BMW’s X5 X-Raid and E30 M3 Group A rally cars, alongside a storied Group B Audi Ur-quattro.
Eclectic Lineup
Beyond the heavy hitters, an array of unique and unexpected vehicles also caught attention. This encompassed a rare European-spec MkIV Toyota Supra Turbo and a mid-80s Mitsubishi Cordia Turbo. Late arrivals included two JDM JZX100 Toyotas styled in drift fashion, complete with Work VS-KFs wheels.
Enthusiastic Participation
The HEIZR Club’s Dusty Rides culminated with a gathering of large SUVs and off-road vehicles like Landcruisers, alongside smaller models like a Suzuki Jimny and the immensely cool Fiat Panda 750 pickup, highlighting the diverse automotive passions at the event.
Conclusion
Dusty Rides stands out in the German classic car scene with its laid-back yet thrilling atmosphere. The HEIZR Club’s bold approach to event organization guarantees that participants drive away with unforgettable memories. As the allure of Dusty Rides continues to grow, enthusiasts eagerly await the next daring adventure, even if it means covering miles to get there.
Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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