Louis Vuitton Classic Boheme Run
From 5th to 10th September 2006, the Louis Vuitton Classic Boheme Run wended its way through the historic heart of Europe from Budapest via Vienna to Prague. This landmark event, for which the owners of 50 exceptionally rare classic cars came from all five continents, celebrated not only the golden age of the automobile, but also the power of travel to break down barriers by symbolically linking the three capitals, now reunited within the European Union.
Under cloudless early autumn skies, the 500-mile itinerary took participants through the region’s ancient oak forests and picturesque towns and villages, whose residents turned out to offer encouragement and admiration in equal measure. Among the highlights were a preliminary training session at the world-famous Hungaroring Formula One circuit in Budapest and a ball in Vienna’s magnificent Hofburg Palace, while more intimate but no less memorable moments included lunch on the lawns of the Baroque Esterhazy Palace in Fertöd, a falconry display at the Renaissance castle of Rosenburg, and tea on the crenellated ramparts of Orlik Castle.
Notwithstanding the inevitable mechanical surprises and repairs along the way, the epic five-day journey ended in style with a parade at the gates of Prague Castle, where Yves Carcelle, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, Christian Philippsen, Chief Judge and Selection Committee Director, and René Metge, Race Marshal, presented prizes to the valiant winners.
Looking back on the Louis Vuitton Classic Boheme Run, Yves Carcelle commented: “Since the advent of motor travel, the history of Louis Vuitton has been closely linked with that of the automobile. For the past 20 years, Louis Vuitton has paid tribute to that heritage with the organization of classic car events. The spirit of travel and the passion of the owners of these exceptional cars are values we are proud to share.”
Louis Vuitton Classic Boheme Run 2006 results by category:
The Pioneers Class Trophy - Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 1933
Open Air Journeys Class Trophy - Aston Martin Le Mans Special 1933
Style and Performance Class Trophy - Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental 1933
The Art of Travelling Class Trophy - Alvis TC 108 1957
Grand Touring Class Trophy - Pegaso Z-102 1955
Le Mans Legends Class Trophy - Aston Martin DB4 GT 1961
Ferrarissima! Class Trophy - Ferrari 250 GT 1956
The Moser Trophy for the Unbreakable Car
Mercedes 28/95 1914
The Moët & Chandon Silver Trophy for the Most Sparkling Car
Talbot-Lago T 150-C-55 1937
The Louis Vuitton Classic Grand Prix
Aston Martin Le Mans Special 1933
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1. Bentley 4 ½ Litre, 1928
2. Ferrari 250 GT, 1958
3. Lancia Flaminia Super Sport, 1968
4. Mercedes 60 CV, 1903
5. Opel Sport, 1914
6. Mercedes-Benz SSK, 1928