Standing on the side of a narrow country road on a foggy Saturday morning in September, the scene accentuated by the sounds of air-cooled flat-fours echoing through the hills, I couldn’t help but think about something Top Gear’s James May once said: “It’s more fun driving a slow car fast, than a fast car slow.”
But what about the time when fast cars weren’t really attainable? I’m talking about the 1950s to late 1960s, an era where laptops didn’t exist, let alone ECU ‘pops ‘n bangs’ tunes. This is what Ardennen Rennen: The Gentleman Racers Reunion is all about.
The entire event is a throwback inspired by ‘60s car culture and rallying, but most of all by ‘old speed’ styling, a term coined in the 1990s that refers to modified, air-cooled Volkswagen and Porsche builds for not only day-to-day use, but also spirited driving and/or rallying.
It’s a flashback to simpler times, a get-together of like-minded people who aren’t afraid to put extra miles on the clocks of their prized German classic cars over the course of a fun-packed weekend.
The picturesque Ardennes region of southeast Belgium has been home to the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps and rallying since the 1920s. It screams automotive history and motorsports, making it the perfect backdrop for the Ardennen Rennen.
Saturday at the event begins with a technical inspection, followed by a 140km (87mi) pre-prologue to set the grid for Sunday. It ends with a classy 1960s-themed dinner with the opportunity for entrants to take home the ‘Best Dressed’ trophy. Period-correct dress – gentlemen racer, mechanic, mod rocker, Chanel girl, rockabilly girl, tennis couple, etc. – is highly recommended.
Sunday is filled with a 450km (280mi) drive through hills, fairytale-like towns, and forestry roads. Each driver and co-driver must navigate the route using an old-school paper road book with dot and arrow instructions, all while being timed on overall consistency.
Strict regulations regarding Volkswagen and Porsche model eligibility and modifications are in place, but it’s to keep the event as pure ‘old speed’ as possible. You won’t find slammed cars competing, nor those with aftermarket wheels. Meanwhile, engine upgrades are limited to era-correct parts – think Okrasa, Denzel, Judson, and Pepco.
This Ardennen Rennen has become a favorite of mine, and I hope the photos convey just how special it is. The only downside is the two-year wait between events. Roll on September 25-26, 2027!
For anyone interested, you can check out the Ardennen Rennen 2025 official after-movie here.
