10 Vintage Rides Racing up Pikes Peak This Weekend

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is known for its sheer vertical challenge, thin air, and modern electric hypercars shattering records. But beneath the headline-grabbing times lies the soul of the event: the vintage and historic classes. This weekend, as dozens of entrants tackle the 12.42-mile, 156-turn ascent to the 14,115-foot summit, our eyes are fixed on ten classic machines that prove old-school engineering still has plenty of fight left in it.

Here are the 10 vintage rides we’re watching closely this weekend.

1. 1939 Ford Special Coupe

A staple of the early hill climb era, this streamlined Ford coupe represents the ingenuity of pre-war American hot rodding. With its chopped roofline and exposed exhaust headers, it’s a raw, visceral experience for driver and spectator alike. Watch for its distinctive rumble as it navigates the lower sections before the altitude begins to sap its naturally aspirated V8 power.

2. 1965 Porsche 911 Carrera

Before it became a global icon, the 911 was proving itself on mountains. This early short-wheelbase model, with its air-cooled flat-six singing behind the driver, is a masterclass in balance. Its lightweight chassis and rear-engine layout make it surprisingly agile on Pikes Peak’s tighter corners, though managing traction on the gravel-to-tarmac transition remains a delicate dance.

3. 1970 Datsun 510

Affectionately known as the "Poor Man’s BMW," the Datsun 510 has a cult following in historic racing. This blue-and-white sedan, stripped of all unnecessary weight and fitted with a high-revving twin-cam engine, is a favorite among privateers. Its simplicity and reliability often allow it to outlast more complex machinery in the thin air.

4. 1984 Audi Quattro A2

The car that changed rallying forever. This Group B-era legend, with its iconic boxy shape and turbocharged five-cylinder howl, is a crowd favorite. The Quattro’s all-wheel-drive system provides a significant advantage in the variable conditions often found on the mountain, allowing it to carry immense speed through the mid-section’s sweeping bends.

5. 1973 Mazda RX-3

A rare sight outside of Japan, this rotary-powered coupe brings a unique mechanical symphony to the hill. The high-revving Wankel engine loves the altitude less than piston engines do, but its compact size and light weight make it nimble. It’s a testament to Mazda’s early commitment to performance engineering.

6. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

American muscle meets mountain madness. This first-generation Camaro, painted in Hugger Orange, is a brute-force competitor. With a large-displacement V8, it dominates the lower elevations where oxygen is plentiful. The challenge for the driver is managing the car’s weight and braking heat as the climb progresses and the air thins.

7. 1982 Toyota Celica Twincam Turbo

A homologation special from Toyota’s rallying heyday, this Celica features a distinctive wide-body kit and a turbocharged engine that struggles with boost lag at high altitude. However, its robust chassis and proven rally pedigree make it a consistent performer. Watch for its aggressive stance and the distinctive sound of its turbo spooling up between corners.

8. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe Replica

While not an original, this meticulously crafted replica of the legendary "Silver Arrow" captures the elegance and speed of 1950s sports car racing. Its long hood and sleek lines cut through the mountain air, and its inline-eight engine produces a smooth, powerful note that echoes off the canyon walls. It’s a rolling piece of art that competes with grace.

9. 1977 Porsche 934 Turbo

A bridge between the street-legal 911 and the full-blown 935 race car, the 934 features massive fender flares and a turbocharged engine that delivers explosive power. Its aerodynamic efficiency helps it maintain momentum on the long straights, while its racing suspension handles the bumps and crests with confidence.

10. 1968 Mini Cooper S

Don’t let the size fool you. This tiny British icon, with its go-kart-like handling and rev-happy engine, is a giant killer on tight sections. While it lacks the straight-line speed of the V8s and turbos, its ability to dart through hairpins and chicanes lets it make up time where larger cars must slow significantly. It’s a fan favorite for its sheer pluck and charm.

Vintage Matters at Pikes Peak

These cars aren’t just participating; they are preserving the heritage of motorsport. Each vehicle carries a story of innovation, passion, and endurance. As they climb toward the clouds, they remind us that racing isn’t just about the latest technology it’s about the connection between driver, machine, and the road.

For fans attending or watching via livestream, keep an eye on these ten classics. They may not break the overall record, but they will undoubtedly steal the heart of the event.