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Mladá Boleslav, 27 August 2014– From the cool North: ŠKODA will be presenting six particularly emotional representatives of the company's 119-year history at this year's Hamburg-Berlin-Klassik. The rarities from Mladá Boleslav show the diversity of ŠKODA's historical models, ranging from a luxury 1930s automobile to the speedy ŠKODA 130 RS racing car.

The 7th Hamburg-Berlin-Klassik leads the 180 participants from the Port of Hamburg to the heart of the German capital over three days (28 to 30 September). It is not without reason that the Hamburg-Berlin-Klassik has been called the most beautiful classic car rally of the North. Under the motto 'Driving at Leisure', the 733 km route leads over beautiful, small country roads – perfect for the automotive legends. For the first time there will be a detour over the German-Polish border to Szczecin this year.

"The Hamburg-Berlin-Classic has become a real cult rally," says Michal Velebný, Head of the restoration workshop at the ŠKODA Museum. "Our vehicles represent an emotional glimpse through the brand's automotive tradition".

At the Hamburg-Berlin-Klassik Rally, the ŠKODA 645, produced in 1931, represents ŠKODA's significance in automotive luxury of the 1920s and 30s. The saloon, which was over five metres long, was presented as another of the brand's luxury models at the Prague Motor Show in 1929. The model name was the result of the number of cylinders and performance: the 2.5 litre six-cylinder in-line engine achieved up to 45 PS (33 kW). The mixed construction of a steel chassis and a wooden body is particularly remarkable. 758 models were built at the time; today, not even half a dozen of these prestigious saloons are known of.

An extremely rare and admirable highlight of the ŠKODA collection is the ŠKODA Popular Sport Coupé 'Little Entente'. The name 'Little Entente' goes back to the vehicle's special use in 1937. At that time, the sporty coupé won a 2400km rally through Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and Romania, which then formed the 'Little Entente' alliance. The vehicle has been a proud member of the ŠKODA Museum collection since 1968. The Norwegian rally legend John Haugland will be behind the wheel at the Hamburg-Berlin Klassik.

The ŠKODA 1101 Cabrio is an important representative of the ŠKODA automotive era after WWII, dating back to 1948. Under the bonnet of the vehicle also known as the Tudor, you can find a 32-hp four-cylinder engine with a 1089 cm3 displacement. The Tudor is a regular participant at European vintage car rallies, and is considered very reliable and robust.

The faithfully restored ŠKODA 440 'Spartak' from 1957 is also likely to captivate the spectators at the Hamburg-Berlin. The distinctive classic is to make its first appearance this season after extensive restoration. The 'Spartak' is powered by a 40-hp engine with 1089 cm3 displacement. In its time, the 'Spartak' was an inexpensive yet modern people's car.

ŠKODA's appearance at the Hamburg-Berlin-Klassik is rounded off with two sporty racers from the 1970s. The ŠKODA 130 RS is an outstanding representative of ŠKODA's 113-year history in motorsport. The seven-time German Rally Champion Matthias Kahle will be driving a model dating back to 1978. The place as Kahle's co-driver was auctioned off to the highest bidder, raising around 4355 euros for 'A Heart for Children'. The sports coupé ŠKODA 110 R from 1978 will also be drawing in the crowds with its athletic and emotional design.

The Hamburg-Berlin Klassik starts on Thursday, 28 August at the Hamburg fish market. The rally is a sporty performance trial event, evaluating uniformity and reliability, meaning that the competition is not necessarily about achieving the highest speeds. The destination for these 180 classics is Berlin where they will cross the finishing line on 30 August after a total of six exciting stages. Automobiles of historical importance built before 1994 have been entered into the rally. Auto Bild Klassik will be hosting the event.

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