History 1960s

1960 Österreichische Alpenfahrt (Austria)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1960 Österreichische Alpenfahrt (Austria)

Date: May 27–29, 1960

Start Location: Vienna, Austria

Finish Location: Vienna, Austria (loop route)

Total Distance: ~1,800 km (total route), ~600 km (competitive stages)

Surface: Primarily asphalt with sections of gravel and mountain pass roads

A legendary alpine event dating back to the early 20th century, the 1960 Österreichische Alpenfahrt continued its tradition of brutal elevation changes and narrow, twisty routes. From Vienna through the Austrian Alps and back again, crews faced snow-tipped peaks, foggy descents, and blistering tarmac—an ultimate proving ground for cars and courage alike.

Route

Vienna to Salzburg: Fast opening sections on smooth tarmac set the pace early.
Tyrolean Alps: Harsh elevation shifts and narrow mountain roads tested cooling systems and brakes.
Grossglockner Pass: The crown jewel of the route—ice at the summit, hairpins at the base, and sheer drops along the edge.
Back to Vienna: Closing night sections demanded peak endurance after days of white-knuckle concentration.

The rally carved through the heart of Austria’s mountainous terrain with surgical precision:

From scenic stretches to terrifying climbs, the route left no room for error—only the best-prepared crews would survive unscathed.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Walter Schock & Rolf Moll · Mercedes-Benz 220 SE
2nd Place
Eugen Böhringer & Hermann Socher · Mercedes-Benz 220 SE
3rd Place
Paul Ernst Strähle & Karl Kling · Porsche 356B

Schock and Moll delivered a clinical performance, combining mechanical preservation with strategic aggression to secure a well-earned victory for Mercedes-Benz in the mountains.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Mountain Weather: Sudden snow, fog, and rain required constant tire and pace adjustments.
  • Brake Fade: Long alpine descents punished braking systems—only those with restraint and planning survived.
  • Night Fatigue: Late-stage night sections led to numerous timing errors and mechanical mistakes.

The 1960 Alpenfahrt demanded nerve and navigation in equal measure—rewarding discipline and punishing excess, all under the watchful eye of the Alps.

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