Sixty years of Formula Vau in Germany – this anniversary is being celebrated by Historische Formel Vau Europa e.V. this year, marking one of the most significant ideas in international junior motorsport. The formula had its origins in the early 1960s in the USA, where the concept of a low-cost single-seater based on near-series Volkswagen technology was developed. The idea was as simple as it was effective: formula racing should become affordable again and young talented drivers should be promoted.

The concept was imported from the USA to Germany, where it was consistently developed further. In 1965, the first official Formula Vau racing series finally got underway, marking the beginning of a success story that spread from Germany throughout Europe. Within a short period of time, Formula Vau established itself as a fixture in motorsport and a real talent factory for ambitious young drivers.

The vehicles were intentionally kept purist: lightweight chassis, air-cooled VW boxer engines, near-series components. But it was precisely this reduction that made them so appealing. If you wanted to be fast, you had to be able to drive – and understand your car. Many vehicles were created in small workshops or garages, built by enthusiasts who brought their own ideas to the track with craftsmanship and passion.

The Hockenheimring played a central role in this from early on. As a traditional race track, it provided an important stage for the young Formula Vau and became a place where drivers, teams, and designers could compete and develop their skills. Hockenheim thus became part of European Formula Vau history – and remains so to this day.

Formula Vau was also characterized by a remarkable variety of manufacturers. Names such as Apal, Fuchs, Beach, Zink, and Austro Vau still stand for pioneering spirit, creativity, and technical independence today. Despite identical basics, each vehicle was unique – an expression of the personality of its builder.

This heritage comes to life at the ADAC Hockenheim Historic. When the historic Formula Vau cars take to the Hockenheimring, American ideas and European racing culture merge into a journey through time on four wheels. The Historische Formel Vau Europa e.V. (Historic Formula Vau Europe Association) is not only making the 60th anniversary visible, but also tangible on the track.

German text: Thomas Cramer // Image copyright: Formula Vau Archive