It's a small miracle that something like this still exists. Travelers can park their cars for free in Safenwil in well-signposted parking spaces and visiting the Oldtimer Grand Prix Safenwil is just as free.
For decades, this event has been marked in red in the calendar at the beginning of the year, because every year the Oldtimer Grand Prix Safenwil attracts fans of old sheet metal to the central location of Emil Frey AG. It was the 31st time on August 19, 2023 and Peter made sure that it was a really hot day.
The work of many
For an event like the Safenwiler OGP to be possible at all, it requires the active help of many Emil Frey employees and friends who work free of charge. Around three dozen people were involved in securing the 700-metre-long route with ten bends alone. And they did their job well, because when a team driver crashed to the ground, the yellow flags were out in a flash and further disaster was avoided.
Many helpers are also needed to organize the rallies, which were held for the third time in 2023.
And information needs to be provided on site, work explained and vehicles instructed.
Proven program
The focus was of course on the demo rides on the circuit, which also had a somewhat trickier passage to offer with the "little Susten".
Four groups of cars and three groups of motorcycles were allowed to drive four to five laps per Sting, after which they took turns. The Suzuki Cup participants made an appearance over lunchtime.
In addition, the departures of the four star driver groups could be observed and their arrival at the finish line could be followed.
During the breaks, the vehicles could be admired in the paddock or the numerous stands and workshops could be visited. It was impossible to get bored.
Wide range of vehicles
Cars and motorcycles built up to 1975 were admitted, and the variety immediately caught the eye. From the Peugeot 153 B Torpedo from 1915 to the Datsun Cherry 100A from 1975, both former bread-and-butter cars and pithy sports cars took to the circuit.
There were also rarities to admire, such as the GSM Delta, a sports car designed in South Africa and built in England with a plastic body. Less than 100 were produced, one of which was driven on the circuit.
For many spectators, however, the Bugatti Type 59 50B from 1936 was probably the highlight. The blue racer not only impressed with its elegant monoposto shape, but also with its great soundscape.
Visitors were able to enjoy the 60 or so cars and 40 motorcycles around the circuit with all their senses - seeing, hearing, smelling and feeling. You can hardly get closer to the action anywhere else.
There was also plenty on offer for motorcycle fans, with two-wheelers with long-forgotten brand names doing their laps around the 700-meter circuit.
Lots of all-round
In addition to the spectacle on the circuit, it was also possible to gain an insight into the various Emil Frey operations and, above all, the Classic Center. A London bus provided a relaxed shuttle service to the museum, where visitors could enjoy not only the collection but also the current special exhibition on the subject of colors. And there were also plenty of classics to admire in the parking lots.
Food stands and the Classic Center café served fish crispies, tarte flambée, sausages, ice cream, crèpes and many sweets, as well as drinks, which were almost obligatory on this hot day.
With so much on offer, the question remains as to what the organizers will come up with for the 32nd Oldtimer Grand Prix Safenwil on 17 August 2024, when the 100th anniversary of Emil Frey AG can also be celebrated.
The extensive picture gallery with over 150 photos provides more impressions than many words.
