When the engines of bygone decades roar into life at the Nürburgring, it’s time for the Historic Championship ’65 to take centre stage. From 12 to 14 June 2026, one of the most historic racing series will return to the Eifel as part of the ADAC Nürburgring Classic – and with it, one of the most dazzling collections of cars that historic motorsport has to offer.
Ferrari. Jaguar. Cobra. Who can beat that?
The series breathes new life into rare and legendary cars such as the Mercedes 300 SL, Ferrari Testarossa, Jaguar C- and E-Type, Austin Healey, Porsche 356 and 550, Lotus, Cobra, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and many more – not behind glass, but on the tarmac of the Grand Prix circuit.
The series is aimed at GTs and racing cars built between 1947 and 1965, divided into classes based on brake type – drum or disc – and engine capacity. That may sound technical, but it is crucial: for it is precisely this classification that ensures fair duels and close races across the entire field. Look forward to spectacular battles between cars from a bygone era.
From the workshop to the track – the spirit of the 50s and 60s lives on
What makes this era so unique is its diversity of philosophies. Mercedes impressed with its gullwing models and their racing versions, Jaguar revolutionised motorsport with disc brakes, whilst Lotus focused on lightweight construction with small, agile engines. Concepts that could scarcely be more different – and that is precisely why they are so fascinating to see together on the track.
What also defines this era is the spirit of new beginnings: racing drivers who drove their cars to the track themselves, small garages that challenged the big teams – this pioneering spirit can still be felt in every car on the starting grid today.
Tickets for the 2026 race event
The timetable
Qualifying takes place on Friday, 12 June at 2.50 pm. The two races will follow on Saturday, 13 June at 4.10 pm and on Sunday, 14 June at 3.30 pm – both on the Grand Prix circuit. Both races form part of the German Historic Motor Racing Championship (DHAM), in which the Historic Championship '65 competes alongside its sister series, HC '81.
Six decades of motor racing – more alive than ever
Authentic cars, faithful-to-the-original technology and a lovingly maintained line-up make this series a real treat for fans of all ages. If you want to do more than just watch motorsport – if you want to feel it – this is the place for you.
