Some cars are more than just sheet metal and technology. They are time capsules. On April 22, 2026, we had the pleasure of welcoming such a piece of history at our Beckingen site – and with it, two people who live and breathe a passion for true engineering.

The Discovery in the Far North
The story of this visit actually began at the end of 2025. Eric and Sylvie Forestier contacted us with an incredible story: they had unearthed a real treasure in a museum in Finland – a Hartge H35-24. Without hesitation, they bought the rare gem and promised to return it to where it all began: Beckingen, to the hall where it was built in 1983.

From the Nürburgring Back to the Source
The promise was kept. Together with a friend and his daughter, Eric and Sylvie rolled into the yard. They still carried the adrenaline of the Nordschleife, where the H35-24 had just proven that it was far from being obsolete.

A Powerhouse That Taught Giants to Fear
One only needs to consider the figures for a moment:

• Heart: The legendary 3.5-liter 24-valve engine from the BMW M1 and the 635 CSi M Coupé.
• Power: 286 hp, catapulting this lightweight to up to 260 km/h.
• Exclusivity: One of only 6 ever built vehicles.

Integrating this massive engine, along with the large 5-speed Getrag manual transmission and the M-Coupé differential, into the compact body was a masterpiece of craftsmanship at the time. In the 80s and 90s, this car was the ultimate adversary for any Porsche or Ferrari.

Goosebump Moments for Rolf and Hendrik
For Rolf and Hendrik, this afternoon was an emotional journey through time. Hearing the sound of this engine in the streets of Beckingen and seeing the enthusiasm in Eric and Sylvie’s eyes brought back memories of tuning’s heyday. It was a meeting of like-minded people – an exchange about technology, history, and the individuals behind the Hartge brand.

Dear Sylvie, dear Eric: Thank you for your visit. Thank you for preserving this heritage and bringing it to the road. You are always welcome back in Beckingen!