In brief
- A gathering that brought together nearly 240 historic and sports vehicles.
- Alsatian racing driver Patricia Bertapelle served as guest of honour for this edition.
- An authentic pre-war Bugatti that raced on circuit was among the centerpieces.
The presence of this true mechanical legend was the highlight of the event for all automotive history purists. This exceptional vehicle, a direct witness to the early days of circuit racing, single-handedly embodies the golden age of French motor manufacturing, a time when engineering was intimately intertwined with art and high-precision craftsmanship. Admiring such a machine in working order offers a measure of how far road technology has come, while recalling the courage of the drivers who took its wheel to tackle winding and demanding tracks, devoid of any modern assistance.
On Sunday 13 September 2026, the traditional classic car gathering in Brinckheim transformed this municipality in Sundgau into a spectacular open-air museum. Held in the border region, the event attracted numerous car enthusiasts who came to admire models ranging from pre-war Bugattis to the latest generation of McLarens. The village streets and squares came alive at first light, welcoming visitors from all over Alsace, as well as neighbouring countries, drawn by the growing reputation of this ephemeral exhibition. The lush green setting of the municipality offered an ideal backdrop to highlight the timeless lines of these masterpieces of mechanical engineering, creating an atmosphere of conviviality and aesthetic contemplation shared across all generations.
Brinckheim’s privileged geographical location, in the heart of a hilly landscape perfect for Sunday drives, naturally fosters this kind of gathering. For the owners of these exceptional vehicles, the pleasure lies as much in the static display of their treasures as in the journey to get there, taking the winding roads of the Alsatian countryside. This gathering has thus established itself as a cultural and technical crossroads, where the nostalgia of gleaming chrome meets the fascination for contemporary performance, all supported by a popular fervor that has not wavered over the years.
A prestigious patron for the 2026 edition
Patricia Bertapelle, an iconic figure in Alsatian motorsport, brought her patronage to this edition as guest of honour. Her presence delighted motorsport enthusiasts, who were able to converse with the renowned driver. Patricia Bertapelle shared her passion and track experience with the many visitors who turned out in large numbers for the occasion. Throughout the day, she graciously took part in Q&A sessions, touching upon the demands of high-level competition, the rigour required to tame powerful mechanics, and the evolution of women’s roles in the world of motor racing.
Her background as a seasoned driver gives her role as patron unquestionable legitimacy. By sharing her racing anecdotes and technical expertise, she successfully built a bridge between the general public and the sometimes closed world of competition. For the organisers, being able to count on her active involvement was a major asset, enhancing the prestige of the event and highlighting the indelible bond uniting Alsace with motorsport. Her contagious passion inspired many young visitors, fascinated by her tales of racing lines, speed, and technical mastery on the most prestigious tracks.
Alsace, a historic land of innovation and mechanical excellence
Hosting such an event in Brinckheim is part of an industrial and passionate tradition deeply rooted in the Alsatian territory. For over a century, the region has established itself as one of the cradles of the European automotive adventure. It is here that the heart of legendary brands beats, and where exceptional expertise in precision engineering is preserved. Today, this industrial culture translates into a deep-seated attachment among residents for rolling heritage, whether restoring popular models or preserving prestigious machines that have marked the history of transport.
This local sensibility for the automobile explains the remarkable quality of the lineup gathered each year. The region’s collectors do not merely own these vehicles; they bring them to life, maintaining them with the precision of a watchmaker and willingly sharing their history with curious onlookers. The Brinckheim gathering thus echoes this strong regional identity, where respect for mechanical tradition goes hand in hand with a constant admiration for technical progress and elegant lines.
From pre-war circuits to modern supercars
The public was able to contemplate true pillars of the history of locomotion. Among the highlights of the show, a historic Bugatti that once graced pre-war racing circuits captivated onlookers, offering a striking contrast to the presence of contemporary supercars by McLaren. A pre-war competition Bugatti thus proved to be the main attraction of the day for purists of the Molsheim brand. This striking contrast between two major eras of motoring illustrates the speed at which technology has evolved in the space of a century.
On one side, the pre-war Bugatti recalls an era of purely mechanical creation, where every part was crafted by hand and adjusted to the nearest millimetre by highly skilled craftsmen. These race cars, often stripped of superfluous bodywork to save weight, revealed their vital organs: supercharged engines, leaf spring suspensions, and cable-operated brakes. On the other end of the spectrum, modern creations from the British firm McLaren embody the arrival of onboard computing, aeronautical carbon fibre, active aerodynamics, and cutting-edge hybrid powertrains. This unprecedented juxtaposition offered visitors a true history lesson in engineering, revealing how the pursuit of absolute performance has transformed through the ages.
The Sundgau as a showcase for preserving automotive heritage
The choice of Brinckheim to organise this major gathering was no accident. The Sundgau, with its rolling hills, preserved landscapes, and characterful villages, forms an incomparable natural backdrop for the expression of automotive art. Far from anonymous major motorways, the secondary road network in this area allows for the full enjoyment of driving historic vehicles, which demand constant attention and a subtle feel for the road. The passing of these vintage car parades never fails to spark wonder among locals, turning every drive into a festive and memorable procession.
Furthermore, the proximity to the Swiss and German borders fosters a unique cultural blend. Enthusiasts from these three countries share the same high standards regarding the conservation of rolling heritage. Linguistic and technical discussions flow freely around open bonnets, reinforcing the European dimension of the event. The Sundgau thus asserts itself as a cultural bridge, where a shared passion for fine mechanics transcends geographical borders to celebrate a collective industrial history.
The success of the classic car gathering in Brinckheim
With around 240 vehicles on display, this unique event in the Three Borders region confirms its appeal to collectors. The success of the classic car gathering in Brinckheim demonstrates the strong attachment of the local and cross-border public to the preservation of rolling heritage. The enthusiasm generated by this edition reflects a collective awareness of the historical and cultural value of these machines. These cars are not merely obsolete means of transport, but privileged witnesses to the technological, artistic, and societal changes of our time.
The meticulous organization of the day ensured that this steady stream of visitors was welcomed under optimal conditions of safety and comfort. Warm exchanges between owners, proud to showcase the results of hundreds of hours of restoration, and curious visitors, often mesmerised by the meticulousness of the work accomplished, gave this event a particularly appreciated human touch. This success also highlights the dynamism of local associations and volunteers working behind the scenes to make this festive day an undeniable success for the prestige of the municipality and its region.
Key details of the gathering
The 2026 edition of this ephemeral exhibition brought together an exceptional lineup of 240 vehicles, combining the elegance of period bodywork with the power of modern mechanics in the heart of the Sierentz sector. Visitors were able to observe an incredible diversity of models, ranging from popular saloons of the post-war boom to prestigious sports cars, as well as forgotten rarities from the history of motor manufacturing. This richness and variety are the strength of the event, offering every spectator, whether a seasoned expert or a casual enthusiast, something to marvel at and admire aesthetically.
The harmonious layout of the exhibition areas facilitated walking around, allowing visitors to observe from all angles the details of each body, the care given to restoring the leather interiors, and the meticulous cleanliness of the engine compartments. This annual event consolidates its status as an unmissable fixture for southern Alsace, cementing its position as an ambassador for automotive culture and cross-border mechanical heritage in the heart of the Sierentz sector.
