"When it rains at 11:00 a.m., that's the worst case scenario for us," said Christoph Lehmann on September 6, 2015, "because that's when the fewest people come." In fact, significantly fewer vehicles came to the last edition of the Dolder Classics, but the mix was once again exemplary, as with all events on the ice rink above Zurich.
There were pre-war cars next to post-war vehicles, limousines next to sports cars and special bodies next to million-dollar productions. That's how it should be, as long as the cars (or motorcycles) are at least 35 years (or so) old.
In view of the damp weather, there was a little more flexibility on the first Sunday in September, so that one or two youngtimers, including a beautiful TVR Griffith, stood among the old vehicles.
Admired Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
Probably the most admired car on the square was a dark Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing in top condition.
The visitors thanked the owner for bringing his little treasure to the ice rink despite the rain by eagerly gathering around the classy sports car from the 1950s.
But there were also many other rarities on display, such as a Moretti 124 GS from 1967, ...
... a beautiful and original De Tomaso Pantera from 1975 ...
... or a Salmson Cycle Car from the 1920s.
With sausage and Cüpli
Participants also received a Cüpli voucher for the five-franc entry fee, and so despite the chilly weather, champagne was eagerly sampled. And when it got too cold, people reached for a bratwurst to settle their stomachs.
And as soon as it stopped raining again, people strolled through the rows of vehicles and marveled at the elegant and sometimes bizarre cars. This is how it should be!
Next year too
The provisional dates for 2016 are: May 15, June 11/12 (with auction), August 14 and September 11. Further information can always be found on the Dolder Classics website.
