Alexander Linnikov and Anton Minakov took part in the “Victory” retro rally, dedicated to the 8-th anniversary of the Great Victory. This event marked the first stage of the “Heritage” Motorsport Society’s Cup for classic car rallies, bringing together participants from across the country who showcased legendary models of Soviet and foreign automotive history.
This year, 80 crews competed, starting at one-minute intervals. Among them were rare vehicles such as a 1949 Willys Jeepster, a 1966 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint, a 1962 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, and the unique Mercedes-Benz SLR 722 Stirling Moss. One of the day’s standout stars was the iconic GAZ-M-20 “Pobeda,” which started under the symbolic number “1” and was driven by Alexander Linnikov, the founder of L&P.
“This car rolled off the assembly line in the year of Stalin’s death and my mother’s birth. It was a gift to the Linnikov family from friends in honor of the birth of their first son, Yuri, named after his distinguished great-grandfather, Yuri Alexandrovich Vorobyov. Yuri Alexandrovich was a decorated military pilot and World War II veteran who returned home from a perilous combat mission in March 1953,” shared Alexander Linnikov.
Piloting his family heirloom, Alexander Linnikov demonstrated exceptional skill and reverence for history. His performance earned him a silver medal in the overall standings of the “Grand Tour Pro” category, proving that respect for tradition and a passion for automobiles go hand in hand.
A debut was made by Anton Minakov, who presented his 1982 Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine, meticulously restored by his own hands. This luxurious limo, a symbol of American classic design, captivated spectators with its majestic presence. “This car is the result of hundreds of hours of work, my admiration for the era of grand automobiles, and a desire to breathe new life into it,” Anton remarked. The Cadillac confidently navigated the challenging route through Moscow’s backstreets, showcasing that a passion for retro cars, boundless enthusiasm, and the owner’s determination can create an unforgettable story.
