On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Bakar will host the first edition of the oldtimer rally called the Adriatic Tour. This unique gathering of oldtimer enthusiasts will attract participants from Croatia, Austria, Italy, and Slovenia, and the organizer, the Auto-moto oldtimer club "Stari kotači" from Sveta Nedelja, has prepared a series of attractive activities for participants and visitors. The event starts at 10:30 AM, and participants will begin their journey through the beautiful landscapes of the Croatian coast and its hinterland.

Among the registered participants is an impressive number of 45 classic cars, including rare specimens like the MG TF 1500 from 1955, whose appearance will surely evoke excitement among the attendees. Drivers will have the opportunity to showcase their precious models, from classic MG A cars from 1956 to Ford F-100, and many other vehicles produced between the 1960s and 1980s. Besides the fascinating vehicles, special emphasis is placed on enjoying the ride through unique areas while respecting all traffic rules.

Detailed route and stages

The rally begins in front of the Tourist Board office in Bakar, where registrations and vehicle verifications will take place from 8 to 10 AM. After all participants register, the rally will start with participants departing at minute intervals, and their adventure will begin with a drive through the picturesque hinterland of Fužine. The first stage takes them through Lič, where participants will enjoy a short break with coffee and cake, providing them with an opportunity to briefly relax and enjoy the region's natural beauty.

The route then leads to the historic town of Senj and nearby St. Juraj, where a lunch break will be organized. A special attraction will be a visit to the historic Nehaj fortress, a symbol of Senj, which offers a beautiful view of the Adriatic Sea. After lunch, participants will return to the road, driving along the Adriatic highway towards the final destination – Novi Vinodolski, where the rally will conclude. It is expected that participants will reach the finish line around 5 PM, where a distribution of awards, prizes, and acknowledgments will be organized.

The role of the rally in preserving oldtimer culture

The Adriatic Tour is not of a competitive nature but focuses on enjoying the drive through stunning landscapes and promoting the importance of preserving classic cars. This event provides an excellent opportunity for oldtimer owners and enthusiasts to connect, share experiences, and contribute to the preservation of automotive heritage. The event organizer, the club "Stari kotači," has been actively working for nearly 30 years on preserving and promoting classic vehicles, and this is yet another step in their mission.

The international dimension of the rally is particularly interesting, as owners of oldtimers from neighboring countries, such as Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, as well as from various parts of Croatia, including Zagreb, Zadar, Pula, Rovinj, Umag, Kutina, Rijeka, and Delnice, will participate. Such gatherings enable the exchange of experiences, connecting lovers of historic automobiles and promoting this important segment of cultural heritage, not only locally but also internationally.

Impact on the local community and tourism

In addition to promoting the love of classic cars, the Adriatic Tour also plays an important role in promoting local tourist destinations, such as Bakar, Fužine, Senj, and Novi Vinodolski. This region, known for its rich history and beautiful natural scenery, provides a perfect backdrop for such an event. The rally is sure to attract a large number of visitors, contributing to the development of tourism and economic growth of local communities.

The cooperation between Bakar and Sveta Nedelja, two cities that have nurtured friendly relations for many years, will also be highlighted through this event. The organizers proudly emphasize the importance of such events in strengthening local ties and promoting regional heritage.

For more information about the rally and detailed program, visit the official event website.