meeting of historic vehicles Tatranský Veterán. This year was really special, since on
up to 54 crews from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Germany and Switzerland competed in it. The participants performed
historic vehicles that represented every decade of motoring from the 1920s to the 1980s
last century.
On the track, which measured 136 kilometers, appeared not only domestic brands such as Tatra and Škoda, but also
legendary European brands such as Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, and were not missing
nor American icons like Ford, Chrysler or Cadillac. The oldest vehicle of the event was a Willys Overland from
in 1924, which fascinated the audience with its original condition before renovation and its origin from
Australia.
One of the biggest attractions of this year was the Mercedes-Benz SSK from 1928, a vehicle that was the first
times discovered outside of Germany. This unique car, of which only four pieces have survived, was
last sold in 2004 as the second most expensive vehicle in the world. At the Tatra Veteran
former German racer Bernd Fusting, now an 80-year-old legend of motorsport, was driving.
Another jewel among the vehicles was the Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic from 1935, which with its art-deco
the design attracted the attention of viewers and photographers. There are only three surviving pieces of the vehicle and one of
the well-known fashion designer Ralph Lauren also has them in his collection.
The race track led from Kežmark to the village of Hniezdne, where an exhibition for
the public. The crews then continued along picturesque roads through Červený Kláštor, Lendak, Tatranská
Kotlina, Tatranská Lomnica and Starý Smokovec, until they arrived in Poprad, where they were welcomed in the square
hundreds of enthusiastic fans. The final part of the track led to Kežmark, where the goal of the rally was.
A novelty of this year was the evening parade of vehicles “Competition of Elegance” in the courtyard of the historic
Kežmar Castle. Spectators could enjoy a moderated tour of the most beautiful cars in
submitted by Samuel Vanek (chief editor of Veterán magazine). Jazz trio Paper performed during the program
Moon Trio, and this atmosphere gave the whole event an unforgettable character and enhanced it
elegance.
The event also had an important international dimension. German MP Carlsten Muller, chairman
of the Parliamentary Committee for Automobile History, discussed with representatives of the Slovak party, Fr
possibilities of further cooperation in the preservation of technical cultural monuments and organization
future events. This cooperation opens new perspectives for the development of cultural and historical
values associated with motoring.
According to rally director Marek Môcik, the event was a success despite the unfavorable conditions
the weather. “I am very pleased that all the crews reached their destination safely and that the public showed such support
great interest in historic vehicles. These vehicles are not only technical monuments, but also artistic monuments
with works that remind us of the genius of engineers of the past,” said Môcik after the success
end of the rally.
The Tatranský Veterán 2024 thus went down in history as an event that not only brought to the Slovak
roads the most beautiful and rarest vehicles of the last century, but at the same time deepened the international
ties and raised awareness of the importance of preserving automotive heritage.
Tatranský Veterán is more than just an event for lovers of historic vehicles. It’s a tour
the skill and perseverance of the crews, the beauty and elegance of the old machines and also an opportunity for visitors
get to know the history of motoring.
SOURCES:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_SSK
Photos and videos from the event can be found on our social networks:
https://www.facebook.com/tatranskyveteran
Official video from the event:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B0_oZIpCro
