Berenberg Bank presents revival of the Elephant Race of 1930

Nürburgring. It had to take 80 years before it was possible for a legendary race from the early days of racing to take place as a revival on one of the major European race tracks.

In the course of the world-famous 24 hours of Le Mans in the year 1930, two global brands put up a grim fight for victory, with Bentley and Mercedes starting a race to win the long-distance contest.

The gentlemen drivers on the side of Bentley were the so-called Bentley Boys. Starting for the brand with the star was successful Rudolf Caracciola in a Mercedes Benz SS – a so-called White Elephant.

At the ADAC Eifel Race on the Nürburgring, the Elephant Race on 19 June 2010 after 80 years celebrated a more than terrific revival which attracted a lot of media attention. A new Elephant Race was initiated on the Grand Prix course of the Eifel race track with the support of Berenberg Bank.

The five Mercedes-Benz compressor cars were headed by Le Mans legend Jochen Mass in a museum SSK. The number of ten Bentleys, most of which had arrived on their own axes – a point of honour for the gentlemen drivers and Bentley Boys of today, seemed almost overwhelming. But also Lagondas, Bugattis and the fast Aston Martin Le Mans models were present. The starting field was abuzz with the rarest and legendary racing cars of pre-war times, for which today prices of several million euros are paid – if they come on the market at all.

The Elephant Race was started in style with a Le Mans start. The drivers quickly sprinted to the pre-war racing cars. Disbelieving looks from the ranks of spectators, a feeling of goosebumps and tough historic racing followed in the course of the 45 minutes of racing on the Grand Prix course.

Bentley and Mercedes-Benz took turns at the top. Revving up the screaming compressor, Jochen Mass forced the white SSK from the factory collection in Untertürkheim past the Bentleys. These counterattacked in the chicanes and curves. Frequent changes at the top kept the excitement level high on the ranks of spectators. On the start/finish straight of the Eifel course, the rivals from the old days achieved up to 135 mph in today’s revival. A driver’s tour de force given vehicle weights of up to two metric tonnes.

Bentley Speed Six models in the sports version have a cubic capacity of 402 cubic inches and achieve 160 to 180 hp, the Blower Bentley with a Roots compressor has up to 250 hp. With added compressor, the S cars from the house of Mercedes-Benz even have up to almost 300 hp. Jochen Mass about the SSK: “Of course, car builders at the time were in part handicapped where materials are concerned. But given the state of technology at the time, the car is excellent and today it is still pleasant to drive, but naturally differently from modern cars.”

After a driving time of 45 minutes, Michael Rudnig in his bulky Bentley with the awe-inspiring name of “Mother Gun” crossed the finishing line and relegated Mercedes-Benz driver Thomas Kern and Bentley legend Stanley Mann (UK) to second and third place.

All teams gathered for the award ceremony and the conclusion of the day amidst the racing cars in the historic paddock from the year the Nürburgring was opened, next to the old pit complex and the wooden speaker tower. The host for the teams and organiser of the contemporary award ceremony with laurel wreaths and a cup for the winner was Berenberg Bank. It was the first time that the private bank got involved in historic racing.

Berenberg Bank was established in 1590 and is Germany’s oldest private bank. It was a partner in developing the idea of the historic race and the sporty rivalry of the brands. “Racing with historic vehicles is fascinating and goes perfectly with a private bank rich in tradition – for we likewise rate the maintenance and conservation of values highly”, says Berenberg Director of Communications Karsten Wehmeier.

A dozen historic car drivers have formed a group named "1590 Berenberg Bank Classic Team". In the season 2012 they will be present and numerous top-class events both nationally and internationally. Find out more in this video: