Lenzerheide Motor Classics 2025: A Powerful Demonstration of What Classic Cars Are Capable Of

From June 13 to 15, the twelfth edition of the Lenzerheide Motor Classics took place. At this motorsport festival filled with races and show runs, spectators get up close to the vehicles and experience the raw power of these classic machines. streetwheelz1 was in the paddock and on the track to report impressions.

Just a half-hour ride by PostAuto from Chur, the Lenzerheide-Valbella plateau (1500 m above sea level) lies idyllically nestled in the Grisons Alps. The Swiss holiday destination is a favorite for fans of active vacations. During the warmer months, many mountain bikers use the cable car to ride up to the Parpaner Rothorn. Sailing boats glide across Lake Heidsee.

In this scenic setting lies the heart of the event. Spectators find food stalls and tents on the parking area. A pedestrian bridge leads directly across the track to the paddock, housed in long tents. A major bonus is that, with the necessary respect, visitors can closely observe all the preparations and inspect the vehicles up close. Engines roar to life from time to time as they’re tested or warmed up. Mechanics are busy tinkering. Some engine bays are opened, revealing the heart of the machine. In some Formula cars, even the full body panels are removed. Truly rare insights and impressions await here.

The circuit around the forest is 2,450 meters long and full of curves. Especially the sharp right-hand bend near the start line proved tricky during Saturday’s first race. A Ford Anglia 10SE (1959–1968) lost control and made contact with the guardrail. Fortunately, the driver was able to walk away without injury, although the car required recovery by the fire brigade due to significant damage to the bodywork.

It was that same tricky corner where several other classics briefly lifted their wheels. But that’s exactly what makes the race so spectacular. Standing directly behind the barriers as the cars roar past, the sound is deafening. You feel the force, the vibration, the rush of air. It’s both awe-inspiring and thrilling. One can only imagine what it feels like to drive. In the paddock, a conversation went something like this: «Good luck!» wished a friend to a driver. The driver replied casually, «Thanks, but it’s not about time.» But that didn’t show on the track. From a spectator’s perspective, it looked like they were pushing the limits. Their precision and control with these powerful machines was impressive.

This event proves one thing beyond doubt: classic cars are no slowpokes.
They can be brutish, loud, and push boundaries. These machines don’t just carry history, care, and attention to detail — they also pack serious horsepower.

Not only did the Formula cars like the Chevron B19 (ca. 1971–1972) show this, but many other iconic classics from motorsport history as well, including: Ford Escort (ca. 1968–1975), Toyota AE86 (1983–1987), Alpine A110 (1962–1977), Porsche 911 (ca. 1964–1973), Alfa Romeo 155 (1992–1998), Ferrari 208 GT4 (1975–1980), Mercedes-Benz SSK (1928–1932), Jaguar XK120 Roadster (1948–1954), Porsche 914 (1969–1976).

One question remains: What exactly is a classic? While the official definition places «oldtimers» at 30+ years and «youngtimers» between 20–29, the lines blur. It’s all a matter of perspective. After all, every car of today is a classic of tomorrow. Once a car is no longer manufactured, it becomes part of history. So it was fitting that several newer models joined the mix: a Porsche trio drew attention — a neon-colored 911 GT3 RS (since 2022), a 911 GT3 Cup (991.2, 2017–2020), and a 911 GT3 Cup (997, approx. 2006–2012). Other crowd favorites included a KTM X-Bow (since 2016), a Corvette ZR1 (2009–2013), and a Ferrari Italia (2009–2015). If you’ve only ever seen Lamborghinis cruising calmly through Zurich, it was a thrill to finally see one unleashed. A golden Lamborghini Aventador SVJ (2018–2021) delivered that experience.

An absolute highlight was the dynamic performance of a Nissan 350Z (2002–2009) and a BMW M2 (2015–2021): Together, they performed a spectacular drifting ballet. Screeching, growling, roaring — in perfect sync they carved elegant tire marks into the asphalt, sweeping arcs that resembled geometry class sketches.

Lenzerheide Motor Classics is definitely a high-action event — with extreme sound, the smell of fuel and burnt rubber, squealing tires, and roaring engines. Passion for great machines knows no age.

About Lenzerheide Motor Classics:

Lenzerheide Motor Classics has been held annually since 2011 and features the highest closed circuit in Europe. Around 250 vehicles took part in the event.

The program spanned three days. On Friday evening at 6 pm, a parade led the vehicles from the paddock into Lenzerheide. Saturday and Sunday were all about racing, with several categories on track:
«Small but Fierce,» «GT & Touring Cars,» «Motorcycles,» «Formula & Open Sports Cars,» «Wild and Wonderful» and a local oldtimer group with regional garages.

Website: https://www.lenzerheidemotorclassics.ch

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