Gärdesloppet Stockholm – 100th Jubilee
When I arrived to Stockholm I had no plans whatsoever to visit any automotive events. My roadtrip from Copenhagen to Warsaw has been supplying me with sufficient amount of octanes so I was just ready to enjoy my fika. If you have some petrolhead friends though, you know how it is…So when Piotr mentioned to me there is some kind of car show in a park nearby I did not need to think twice - we were on our way to Gärdesloppet!
AN EVENT WITH HISTORY
Gärdesloppet is an automotive event organised by the Kungliga Automobil Klubben (KAK – The Royal Automobile Club) and this year celebrating its 100th jubilee. Inaugurated by the same body on February 12th in 1922, it is a high-class motoring event. The detailed history of the happening is fully available and even the archival newspaper announcing the very first edition can be found. An interesting gem!
Functioning as a historical event since 1994, Gärdesloppet’s centenary has been planned around five main points. Firstly, all vehicles produced before 1972 were invited for a parade through Stockholm – from Drottningsholms Slott all the way to the main venue at Djurgården. Then the Concours de Charme took place followed by Prince Bertil Memorial – a regularity rally. Remaining were box-car competition and veteran boats show.
GREAT VARIETY OF AUTOMOBILES
The very first thing that struck me when we arrived at the park is how large the venue was. The event is mostly a family picnic on a large meadow where automotive enthusiasts drive their cars and then celebrate the day with their families. That usually guarantees a great variety of vehicles and this time was no exception.
After a long while wandering around I had a few favourites. Since it’s a Royal event how can I not fall in love with the very many Bentleys and Rolls Roys accompanied by couples in era-matching outfits? Especially that white Bentley S3 from 1963 with Swedish flags was a stunner! Just a few steps away was a car on completely different side of the spectrum – an Amphicar Model 770. Yes, it can also sail like a motorboat!
More than impressive were the very early automobiles on wooden wheels accompanied by gentlemen on penny-farthings – or high-wheelers if you like. Standing next to modern BMW 3.0 CS and Ferrari 400i, it was clear how surreal the leap of technology has been over a few dozen years.
SHORT REGULARITY RALLY
Without a doubt my favourite part of the event was the Prince Bertil Memorial. The regularity rally was split into four classes of Pre-war, Post-war, Classic and KAK Ladies Cup. Teams had to drive three laps of 1600 metres each and of course – the one closest to the perfect time won.
Seeing the vehicles in motion was a great experience. I decided to watch the Classic group on the track to satisfy the need for speed in action. Racers in the likes of ’71 Porsche 911 T, ’66 Fiat 600D, Lotus Cortina or ’68 Alfa Romeo GTA 1300 did not disappoint.
Following the fast runs I had directed myself to the ‘pits’ and took a look at the more vintage races and their stylish pilots. There were surprisingly many Bugattis and MGs but my heart was stolen by the Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 and their lovely crew. Cars aside, a huge smile painted on my face seeing all the happy couples celebrating their common passion. Trust me, there were aplenty!
A FAREWELL LAGONDA
We decided to wrap the day and skip the remaining two part of the programme. We passed by the boat show and headed towards the centre craving some well-deserved kanelbullar. Even on your way out, how can you not stop, if you see an Aston Martin Lagonda on display? The car itself is amazing, but just take a look at the entertainment system for the rear passengers. I have never seen anything like it, have you?
Although well unexpected and impromptu, the 100th anniversary of Gärdesloppet turned out to be a really interesting and greatly diversified event. Countless cars and bikes, heaps of attractions and lovely surroundings made for a day well spent. Tack!
Text & Photos: Adam Pekala ©
