British weather and the British Car Meeting Mollis BCM seem to have an intimate relationship. After last year's meeting had already been "put in a British mood" by rain - to put it charitably - everything pointed to wet weather on the airfield in the Glarus valley floor on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
However, like a typical British long-stroke engine that can be pulled up from the lowest revs without a jolt, this year's BCM also showed stamina and endurance - as did its visitors. After all, there was little to suggest that, after a well-soaked morning, lovers of British driving culture would turn up in Mollis after all, after many a stand - usually quickly occupied - had remained free for even longer.
However, as it dried out after 11:00 a.m., it became apparent that many had simply waited out the downpour to arrive a little later than usual for the big Swiss-German English meeting.
Back to the Rootes
This year, the enthusiasts of the brands from the former Rootes Group, i.e. Humber, Hillman, Singer or Sunbeam - names that disappeared in the course of the takeover by Chrysler in the 1970s and now only evoke distant memories - made a special statement. Remnants of this car company can still be found in the UK at Peugeot, where the Peugeot 206, for example, was produced at the former Rootes headquarters in Ryton Plant near Coventry until 2006.
In Mollis, it was primarily the post-war cars of the former company that formed an impressive display. It is hardly surprising that the sports cars dominated. The classic Sunbeam Alpine formed the largest group in terms of numbers. Cleverly hidden between its four-cylinder sisters, a Tiger, the insane V8 version with a Ford engine of the car, which is just under four meters long, was also lurking here and there.
But a glance through the row of Hillman Minx, Sunbeam Rapier, the mighty Humber Super Snipe or a Talbot Sunbeam Lotus showed that sometimes there are old friends that you simply forget about until you remember them again.
Yes, that's right, the Hillman Imp and its elegant relative, the Sunbeam Stiletto, were also from Rootes. These rear-engined models originate from the Linwood factory built especially for them in Scotland. Unlike some of the cars present in Mollis, this too is long gone.
Everything neatly laid out
However, the British Car Meeting in Mollis really came to life, especially around midday, with bagpipes from the marching band and shortbread, tea and coffee at one of the numerous club stands or at the exhibitors' stands. And the fleet of vehicles became more and more interesting even in the early afternoon. A big plus at the airfield is its clear layout. However, it was a bit of a hike to enjoy the large number of vehicles on display.
It is to be hoped that the visitors made ample use of the prominently placed tubes before their departure and donated their change to the organization.
This year was the 43rd edition of the BCM. For 2025, however, the BCM will move from Glarnerland to Motorworld in Kemptthal for once - due to the Swiss Wrestling and Alpine Festival at Mollis Airfield in August 2025. The organizers are expecting well over 1000 vehicles there again on 31 August 2025. As far as the weather is concerned, however, it is safe to leave expectations open. A BCM functions largely without complaint even in the rain.
