At the anniversary concours in Basel as part of the RAID Auto Passion, held as usual in the run-up to the RAID Suisse-Paris , 62 classic cars from the years 1923 to 1980 presented themselves to the jury led by Ruedi Wenger. The competition was for trophies in three categories: pre-war vehicles, post-war vehicles and sports cars. The diversity of the competing oldies left nothing to be desired, and it was amazing how many rarities and sometimes even unknown rolling treasures fans and the public were able to see this year at this traditional event organized by H. A. Bichsel.
A Hispano-Suiza from Ravensburg
While some of the cars that rolled into the weather-protected Basel Exhibition Hall 2 were already familiar from previous participations - but were no less popular for that - some of these oldies amazed even the great connoisseurs.
One of these rarities was a 1928 Hispano-Suiza H6B with bodywork from the Ravensburg-based coachbuilder Spohn, where most of the most exclusive Maybachs were once fitted.
A mighty Volvo
Hardly ever seen outside of Scandinavia was a mighty Volvo saloon of the type PV 831 from 1954. Apart from the modernized front, it was still in the pre-war style with a huge interior including additional folding seats, but a comparatively small luggage compartment. The PV 800 series was built in over 6000 units and was primarily intended for cabs, but was also regarded as a "manager's van". It was powered by a 90 hp 3670 cc six-cylinder engine. The current owner found this rarity in Sweden.
An unusual Ford Thunderbird
Even the design specialists in Basel were amazed by a one-off that was once built by the coachbuilder Ghia SA in Aigle at the eastern end of Lake Geneva. Among others, it was the legendary designer Giovanni Michelotti, who worked for the Ghia parent company in Italy as well as for the Swiss branch.
The mighty 1956 coupé on display in Basel was based on the two-seater Ford Thunderbird of the time. According to the current owner, it was missing for decades, was briefly in American ownership and was later taken into care in Switzerland. Although it has not been completely restored, it still has largely unique design features, including the unusually long windshield that is bent sideways.
A modern rarity
Although not a one-off, another rarity among the oldies on show in Basel was a Lorenz & Rankl. This German brand existed from 1985 to 1990. Only 15 units of the Silver Falcon model were built, a sports two-seater in classic style and yet somewhat intended as a successor to the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster. Accordingly, it was equipped with a 5-liter V8 from the Stuttgart-based brand.
The Rickenbacker
The big star of the Basel event, however, was the oldest participating car, a 1923 Rickenbacker 23 B Roadster.
This high-legged two-seater was unanimously voted "Best of Show" by the jury, and its story deserves to be recounted in detail elsewhere.
Best classified by category
- Pre-war cars:
1. Bugatti Type 57 Coach Ventoux, 1938
2. MG SA, 1939
3. Hispano-Suiza H6B, 1928 - Post-war cars:
1. Bristol 411, 1970
2. Volvo PV 831, 1954
3. Jaguar Mk V DHC, 1950. - Sports cars:
1. Ford Thunderbird Ghia Aigle, 1956
2. Jaguar E-Type, 1966
3. Ferrari 400 GT, 1978. - Coupe Belmot:
Rover P4 75, 1951 - Prix Automobil Revue:
Hispano-Suiza H6B, 1928 - Coupe du Président:
Ford Thunderbird Ghia Aigle, 1956 - Best of Show:
Rickenbacker 23 B Roadster, 1923
