The history of Gärdesloppet

In 1922 a speed competition for cars was arranged in Sweden for the first time. The first competition took place at Gärdet, Stockholm, and was arranged by KAK. In spite of winter climate, they succeeded in making a 2.600 m track with near summer characteristics.
One of the most difficult curves was where Fältöversten is today. Previous speed competitions took place on straight ice tracks with no more than aboout two cars on the track at the same time - not so interesting for the spectators.
Now the cars were racing each other lap after lap. Of course, this was more exciting for the spectators as well as for the drivers. A great number of spectators arrived on this sunny winter Sunday, allthough there was an international bandy match at the Stockholm Stadion and skijumping at Fiskartorpet taking place at the same time.
No less a person than the King Gustaf V and other members from the Royal family took the opportunity to be present at this first competition - a great success thanks to the generosity of different public authorities. 29 cars - from the smaller European types to the bigger American ones were partticipating in seven different classes.
Most thrilling was the big car class, where of course, the fastest car participating - an unruly Minerva - was driven by the then famous car director Hans Osterman. To attract spectators the race cars had been driving through Stockholm in a motorcade.
Todays follow up of the competitions of the 1920`s, Prins Bertil Memorial  is opened in exactly the same way and has become one of the most attractive events in Stockholm. After the motorcade, the paticipants will gather at Biskopsudden/Djurgården, where a lot of activities will start. The highlight of the day is normally a track race of 2.500 m, where you are not supposed to drive as fast as possible but with as constant a speed as possible.
Here the spectators get to see many classical sports cars. Other popular favourites are the "Concours de Charme" where the participants are wearing clothes that are true to the period. The TT-motorcycles, the final in the Go-Kart Grand Prix for children 7-15 years old, the Classic Boat Racing, Nalen Dixieland Festival as well as the historical fly pass, weather permitting, are all attractive events.

Prins Bertil Memorial
- a unique show of motor and cultural history in exquisite surroundings!

Pictures : Prins Bertil Memorial here!