Mission Monte Carlo 2026 – A Project Gathers Momentum!

Mission Monte Carlo – We have already reported in two previous articles on the new project involving Dr. Robert Krickl and his vintage car, the "Avis," and the planned tour to Monte Carlo is now gaining momentum:

"Postponed does not mean cancelled: We are keeping our word and settling a national debt." This refers to the attempt unfortunately thwarted by weather conditions in 1926 to participate in the Monte Carlo Rally with an Austrian car for the first time.

The "Avis" Car Brand – Made in Austria

Having known each other for a long time, we will refer to him simply as Robert; for him, the project is about far more than just nostalgia for an industry that is fortunately undergoing change (though China is currently far ahead). Robert also wants to demonstrate that, "despite unfavorable external circumstances, one can make a difference in the world." One of his goals is to bring the achievements of forgotten pioneers in the automotive world back into the public consciousness, thereby highlighting future development prospects: "We will carry the Austrian flag out into the world and show that one can rightly be proud of technology 'Made in Austria'." This comes at a time when criticism of the European automotive industry is rightly intense after all, how much longer will we cling to environmentally damaging internal combustion engines? Global trends have long since pointed the way to the future. That is precisely why Robert is aiming to reach a broad public, and not just within Austria.

Milestones in Tour Preparation: Vehicle Blessing

With the restoration of the Avis complete, a vehicle blessing is also scheduled to take place. This is a ritual still widely practiced in Austria—within both the Catholic and Orthodox churches whereby vehicles are blessed to invoke God’s protection and well-being for the people who use them. The blessing is administered by a priest or deacon using the prayer found in the *Book of Blessings* (Benedictional), often accompanied by the sprinkling of the vehicles with holy water. During the ceremony, vehicles may be placed under the protection of a patron saint; Saint Christopher, for instance, is a frequently chosen patron for vehicles.

Robert participated in Austria’s most traditional mobility blessing event with his "Avis" for "MissionMonteCarlo26": The car blessing ceremony in St. Christophen has been a pilgrimage site for motorists since 1928 the first and oldest of its kind in the country. The 98th edition of the blessing was celebrated in 2026, with Abbot Dr. Pius Maurer from Lilienfeld Abbey specifically performing the blessing for vintage vehicles. The team and their vehicle reverently received the blessing for the journey and were on hand to answer the many questions posed by the large crowd in attendance. "It was a wonderful event organized by the Neulengbach municipal authorities; we extend our heartfelt thanks to the clergy and the local organizers, and we will always look back on it fondly," said Robert.

Avis – From the itinerary to the execution of Mission Monte Carlo

In our preliminary discussions, Robert outlined the following schedule and nature of the trip: As things stand, the journey will begin in St. Pölten in late August (calendar week 35), heading first to Vienna and then Brunn to cover these historic locations. The route then proceeds south, covering approximately 200 km per day with at least two public stops daily. We would be delighted if people came by to see us and fellow vintage car enthusiasts are, of course, warmly welcome! While there are no plans for others to ride along between stops, it is not prohibited. Key waypoints on the route will definitely include the Red Bull Ring (Austria’s motorsport hub) and Villach (where, in 1926, the mission had to be abandoned due to snow). Next, the journey continues to Italy I cannot say too much about that yet, as discussions are still ongoing. In Monaco, there will be an official reception hosted by the ACM (during weeks 36–37).

Step by step—the flyers are ready, too!

The flyers for "MissionMonteCarlo26" have now been printed and will be distributed at the vehicle's public appearances from this point on. They provide not only brief information about what the viewer has just seen and a link to the project website (connecting to the various channels where regular updates are posted), but are also designed to create historical value: the front features a multilingual section where one can record when and where the vintage car was spotted (and where the card was received). This not only helps with personal recollection but also serves as a historical record that could offer valuable insights into our era in the future.

A preliminary schedule for the "Mission Monte-Carlo 26" stops in Austria during August 2026 is also now available:

(Subject to change; visit www.avis-werke.at for the latest updates):

25 Aug. 09:30 – 10:30 St. Pölten: Museum Niederösterreich (Kulturbezirk 5)

13:00 – 14:00 Vienna: Auhof-Center (Albert-Schweitzer-Gasse 6, Car Park 5)

26 Aug. 08:00 – 08:30 Brunn am Gebirge: Raytech (Johann Steinböck-Straße 12)

09:30 – 10:30 Wr. Neustadt: Familie Fehrs Oldtimer Museum (Stadionstraße 36a)
11:30 – 12:30 Gloggnitz: Dr. Karl Renner-Platz
13:00 – 14:00 Semmering: Hochstraße 1
16:00 – 18:00 Niklasdorf: Zottler Mietwagen und Transporte (Brücklfeld 49)

27 Aug. 10:15 – 11:15 am Unzmarkt-Frauenburg: Simon Hafnerplatz 2

12:15 – 1:15 pm Friesach: tba
2:30 – 3:30 pm Klagenfurt: Forecourt at Kramergasse
4:45 – 6:00 pm Villach: Birner Villach (Kärntner Straße 21-23)

August 28–30 Red Bull Ring Classics Spielberg: Red Bull Ring Classics (Red Bull Ring Straße 1) 

Barring any capricious weather like that experienced back in 1926, the "Mission Monte Carlo" attempt should succeed in 2026 exactly 100 years after the first try and Robert and his team are already looking forward to a strong turnout at the scheduled events.

We will keep you updated.

Please read as well:

Avis Aircraft and Automobile Works – A Project by R. Krickl

Avis Type 3 – Robert’s Preparations for the Tour to Monte Carlo