Top five... Competition cars at Frankfurt

The 2015 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show is not just about shiny new passenger cars. On some stands the occasional competition racer is displayed as well, although sometimes they are well hidden, for reasons unknown. Here’s a random selection that we spotted.

1913 Opel: Grand Prix racer:

This 1913 Opel GP racer was powered by a 12.3-litre 4-cylinder, developing 260hp, quite considerable more than 100 years ago. This Opel enjoyed occasional Grand Prix success, and was campaigned competitively until 1920.

1966 ZARP 1300 Formula V:

Using affordable and dependable VW Beetle running gear, Formula V grew up in the 1960s, with its popularity in Germany being huge, although this accessible but slow motor sport discipline also grew a large following around the globe, especially in the USA, Benelux and Scandinavia. This rare 1966 ZARP is typical of the Formula V breed in period, powered by its 1300cc Volkswagen engine, developing 80 bhp.

2016 Hyundai i20 WRC:

Hyundai has enjoyed moderate success with its current i20 WRC, including a few podium positions and victory in last year’s Rally Germany. Hyundai will turn to its latest i20 model as the basis for its 2016 campaign. Based on the prototype just unveiled at Frankfurt, its prospects seem promising, and we look forward to seeing it tackling the Goodwood forest stage at next summer’s Festival of Speed.

Mick Schumacher’s 2015 Abarth Formula 4 (pics 9546):

Powered by the same 1.4-litre engine that catapults the lively little production Abarth 500 along at a brisk pace, this is young Mike Schumacher’s 2015 season Abarth Formula 4 racer, in which he was taken one win, and is currently placed fifth in the ADAC Formula 4 Championship. Sixteen-year-old Mick is the son of seven-time Formula 1 Champion Michael Schumacher.

2015 Renault E.Dams Formula E:

This Renault E.Dams is the winner of the first 100 percent electric FIA Formula E Championship, driven by Nelson Piquet Jr. Amongst Renault’s competitors for the 2015 Formula E season will be fellow French brand DS Automobiles, which is revealing its own Formula E racer for the first time today at Frankfurt.

Photography by Gary Axon