DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

I'd better start by saying that what follows is all a bit samey, pics of a few RS and an RSR or five.... well, more than 50 in fact.

A few dedicated DDKers took up the invite from Club RS de France to join them in Reims last weekend to celebrate the 40th Anniversary in some style. It wasn't exactly a hardship post but we managed.

It was an excellent event, well organised & efficient; with some great driving routes, excellent food and nice surprises along the way. And given the location, more than a little Champagne.

This must be one of the largest gatherings of RS & RSR and many under long term ownership of 20-30 years. Yes, there were some perfect concours cars but nobody seemed too fussy and one of the things that impressed me was that without exception, everyone was there to drive their RS as Porsche intended on road, circuit.... and runway! More of that later.

It was extraordinary to be among so many RS/RSR and owners sharing their enthusiasm & knowledge; as with any event it's the people that really make it. Mike B has been posting some very nice pics on the YPPOTD and here's my record of a very memorable trip.



OK I cheated and started with a sunny shot.... but we arrived on a dry evening with a very wet forecast ahead.

Day 1 started damp and got a lot wetter... armed with a Road Book with a set of Tulip notes and maps we set off to explore Champagne country.



You don't drive very far in that area before coming across War Memorials and Cemeteries, this is Marfaux.

I thought I'd spotted your car in one of Mike's photos, Nigel.

Who else from these parts went / took part?

More photos please!

First stop for Champagne at 10.30...





Early stage of Rose production..

left4dead wrote:I thought I'd spotted your car in one of Mike's photos, Nigel.

Who else from these parts went / took part?

More photos please!

Plenty of pics on the way Steve, you'll soon get bored

I'll leave you to play spot the RS owner!

A rainy lunch stop...

Mitch wrote:

Great pics Nigel.

I'm guessing that must be a DDK'er in the red car (judging by the parking alignment)....

Not all ducktails are 40 years old... a 991 Club Coupe in a flat dark green called Brewster.

Ferry Man wrote:I'm guessing that must be a DDK'er in the red car (judging by the parking alignment)....

Hehe... in fact that was a very lovely Tangerine RSR with a proper history but you're right, us Brits didn't really match up to the required standards of precision parking!

At least Sepia doesn't show the dirt



Our lunch stop was in Hautvillers, home of Dom Perignon and an historic village & Abbey. Many houses have these trades signs outside and we were "tasked" with spotting them from a sheet, I-Spy style, not the highlight of my trip

On to Chateau de Boursault built by Madame Cliquot in 1843 but more than that I can't tell you as the tour was only in French

Day 2 started with wall to wall blue sky and sunshine... ideal for the public event at the old Reims - Gueux circuit. I know many DDKers have parked up in this very atmospheric spot. Well worth stopping off if you're passing Reims to imagine what Fangio, Brabham & Clark experienced in the 50's & 60's. The last race was in '69 and the circuit closed for good in '72.

Great photo's Mitch, especially this one

Mitch wrote: Hehe... in fact that was a very lovely Tangerine RSR with a proper history but you're right, us Brits didn't really match up to the required standards of precision parking!

I learned a lot over the w/e which is easily done when you don't know much... I didn't realise that a handful of early RS were built using 2.4S shells complete with oil flap and ally rear lid over the 2.7 engine. Here's the beautiful RS #13 in Blue Violet Metallic, very rare in '72.

Thanks Dougie, that RSR is magnificent... I'll post some more pics.