Legendary "Auto Union Type C" race car parades through Riga's streets
During Riga's 825th anniversary celebrations, the legendary 1930s race car "Auto Union Type C" drove through the city's streets from the Riga Motor Museum to the Freedom Monument, watched by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs among others.
As part of Riga's 825th anniversary celebrations on August 15, the Riga Motor Museum, in cooperation with the Riga City Council, gave residents and visitors the chance to see the historic "Auto Union Type C" race car. The event marked the 60th anniversary of the Biķernieki sports complex.
A ceremonial presentation and a parade lap took place at the Biķernieki track, attended by Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, who, like many others present, rushed to film the legendary machine. The car was driven by Audi factory racing driver Dindo Capello, a three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.
Drive through the city
After the presentation at Biķernieki, the "Auto Union" set off on a parade drive from the Riga Motor Museum to the Freedom Monument, passing through Eizenšteina, Šmerļa, Čaka and Tallinas streets, as well as Brīvības and Zemgala avenues, Ieriķu Street and the Zemitāns bridge. The car was on display at the Freedom Monument from noon until 6 p.m.
A historic machine
The "Auto Union Type C", designed by Ferdinand Porsche, is powered by a six-litre, 520-horsepower V16 engine capable of reaching speeds of up to 340 kilometres per hour. In the 1930s, it represented the pinnacle of automotive engineering of its time, winning top-level races.
Riga Motor Museum director Agris Šmits noted that the sound of the Auto Union's V16 engine last echoed through Riga's streets in 1997, making its return after nearly three decades a historic moment that allows a wide audience to witness this unique piece of motorsport heritage in the heart of the city.
