Legendary Auto Union Type C race car to parade through Riga during city's anniversary celebrations
To mark Riga's 825th anniversary on August 15, 2026, the Riga Motor Museum and Riga City Council will host a rare parade drive of the historic Auto Union Type C race car through the city, followed by a public display near the Freedom Monument.
As part of Riga's 825th anniversary celebrations on August 15, 2026, a rare piece of motorsport history will appear on the capital's streets: the legendary pre-war Auto Union Type C race car. The event is organized by the Riga Motor Museum together with Riga City Council.
Designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the Auto Union Type C is a 1930s race car powered by a 6-liter, 520-horsepower V16 engine capable of reaching speeds up to 340 km/h. In its time, it secured notable victories in top-level motorsport competitions. The car was brought to Latvia from Germany, provided by Audi Tradition, Audi's historic vehicle department. Riga Motor Museum director Agris Šmits noted that the engine's sound was last heard in Riga in 1997, making its return to the city streets a historic moment.
Event schedule
The car is first scheduled to complete a parade lap at the Biķernieki racing complex, which is marking its 60th anniversary this year. Between 10:30 and 11:30, it will then be driven from the Riga Motor Museum to the Freedom Monument. The route passes through several city streets, including Brīvības gatve, the Zemitāns bridge and A. Čaka Street. The car will be piloted by Audi factory racing driver Dindo Capello, a three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
From 12:00 to 18:00, the car will be on public display near the Freedom Monument, where visitors will be able to photograph it and meet the driver in person. Organizers note that timing may change due to weather or technical reasons.
The Type C is a contemporary of the Auto Union Type C/D permanently exhibited at the Riga Motor Museum, a car saved from being scrapped during the Soviet occupation by Viktors Kulbergs and on display at the museum since 1997. Izīda Gerkena, Baltic head of Möller Auto, linked the event to Audi's motorsport heritage and its present-day achievements, including participation in Formula 1.
