Unveiling #MCT39 – Man, Machine and the Ultimate Challenge!

Unveiling #MCT39 – Man, Machine and the Ultimate Challenge!

Some time ago, we announced the launch of the #MCT39 project—our most ambitious challenge yet under the banner of “Śniadanie & Gablota.” The #MCT39 is about people, dreams, adventure, and passion! In just a few days, the New Year will arrive, marking the start of the EIGHTH(!) season of “Śniadanie & Gablota”! That’s countless hours spent not only with you during our Sunday gatherings but also within our close-knit circle as friends and organizers. Together, we’ve traveled extensively, shared countless conversations, made plans, and exchanged experiences and dreams. Despite our differences, one belief unites us: adventures and challenges fuel growth, and standing still is not an option. This mindset led us to circle Poland twice, send Lego bricks into the stratosphere, and now embark on our most daring venture yet.

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For some time now, “Śniadanie & Gablota” has been hosting events under the “Śniadanie & Gablota Classic” brand. This series, launched in 2022 in partnership with Youngtimer Warsaw, was created to meet your demand for events celebrating classic motoring. Our love for classic cars is no secret. It’s reflected in our journeys to iconic destinations like Le Mans, Goodwood, and St. Moritz. Along the way, we’ve encountered incredible enthusiasts—people like Jerzy Reczek, Bartosz Balicki from Classic Group, Jan Potocki, Marian Stoch, and Tomek “JAGMAN” Zieliński—who have profoundly shaped our understanding of classic motoring. They’ve shown us that historic cars are not static museum pieces but machines craving challenges and adventures, much like us!

The Most Beautiful and Challenging

The legendary Monte Carlo Rally is not only one of the oldest rallies in the history of motoring but also one of the most beautiful and challenging during its pre-war history. Back then, the format was quite different from what we know today, focusing mainly on human and machine endurance. The RMC was essentially a “star rally” to Monte Carlo, where competitors chose a starting point in Europe, such as Tallinn, Athens, or Warsaw, and had to reach the capital of the Principality of Monaco within a set timeframe. Along the way, at control points, drivers collected stamps to confirm they had completed each section. Local automobile clubs were often tasked with organizing the checkpoints, lodging for weary drivers, and clearing access roads. The rally took place in January, meaning it was held in harsh conditions. Teams faced piercing frost, snow-covered mountains, extreme fatigue, and bumpy pre-war roads across Europe. The more kilometers covered, the more points earned, increasing the chances of victory. In Monaco, drivers faced a few skill challenges, resembling today’s Monte Carlo Rally, followed by the grand finale: an awards ceremony and an opulent banquet!

The last of its kind

On January 17, 1939, the 18th and final pre-war Monte Carlo Rally began. A total of 128 teams set off toward the French Riviera, including five representing Poland. From Tallinn, covering a route of 3,793 kilometers, the following teams started: E. Bellen and S. Pronaszko in a Ford V8 (#25), S. Zagórna and Lange in a Chevrolet Master Sedan (#66), L. Borowik and M. Wierzba in a Lancia Aprilia (#106), T. Marek and W. Pajewski in an Opel Olympia (#122). Another Polish team, A. Mazurek and Count J. Lubieński, started from Athens in a Chevrolet Master Sedan (#77). Polish drivers had been successfully competing in the Monte Carlo Rally since its early years.

E. Bellen and S. Pronaszko in front of the Polish Automobile Club headquarters. Participants of the 1939 Monte Carlo Rally passing through Warsaw (source: NAC).

What does #MCT39 mean?

Tadeusz Marek, Witold Pajewski, and their Opel Olympia started the 1939 Monte Carlo Rally with number #122. They achieved an impressive 5th place in Class II and 32nd place overall. Marek, one of the top rally drivers of interwar Poland, was also a brilliant engineer involved with State Engineering Works and Lilpop, Rau, and Loewenstein factories. After the war, he designed engines for Aston Martin. Pajewski was a member of the Polish Automobile Club and actively contributed to the development of motoring in Poland. The Olympia was a modest yet practical car designed as a “vehicle for the people.” With project #MCT39, we aim to keep the legacy of Polish drivers in the Monte Carlo Rally alive. That’s why we’re embarking on the Monte Carlo Tribute 1939.

W. Pajewski and T. Marek with their Opel Olympia at the finish line of the 1939 Monte Carlo Rally (source: Wikimedia).

Monte Carlo Tribute 1939 – 2025

Not long ago, we acquired a unique Opel Olympia, showcased on December 20 during the official launch of project #MCT39 at the Motor Museum in Oława. This car is very similar to the one driven by team #122 in the 1939 Monte Carlo Rally. We’ll share many more stories about this car and other exciting tales. The goal of the Monte Carlo Tribute 1939 project is not only to honor the rich pre-war Polish motoring culture but also to embrace the challenge. In the second half of next year, we’ll take our Olympia on a journey along the historic route, exactly as it was in 1939, following in the tire tracks of team #122—T. Marek, W. Pajewski, and their Olympia. Are you ready for the adventure?

Our Opel Olympia from 1939 (photo: caroseryjni.pl).

Stay Tuned with #MCT39!

If you’d like to join the adventure or become a Partner of the Monte Carlo Tribute 1939, don’t hesitate to contact our team at kontakt@sniadaniegablota.pl!