After days of bad weather forecasts, the Sunday of August 31, 2025 surprised everyone with glorious sunshine - in other words, completely un-British weather. But this was not the only unusual thing about the 44th British Car Meeting, because for once the event was not held in Mollis in the canton of Glarus, but at Motorworld in Kemptthal in the canton of Zurich.
The reason for the change of scene was the "Eidgenössische Schwing- und ¨Älplerfest", which took place on the same date at the airport in Mollis. The British cars had to make way, but they are set to return to the foot of the Kerenzerberg in 2026.
This does not detract from the success of the meeting in Kemptthal; after all, the just over 1,000 cars that were counted probably set a new record for a car meeting at Motorworld Zurich.
In narrow lanes
The site of the former Maggi factory in Kemptthal is somewhat narrower than the large airport site in Mollis, so Olivier Borgeaud was a little concerned as to whether the available parking spaces would be sufficient for the typical number of cars at a BCM.
Thanks to perfect organization and radio-linked signposts, however, it was possible to park all the cars more or less visibly on the Motorworld site. This was helped by the fact that, even more than usual in Mollis, there was a constant coming and going due to the central location.
And because the venue was also better located for the midlands for once, this year's BCM also saw many British cars that are not normally seen in Mollis.
Colorful variety
It is well known that the British car industry was the liveliest and most productive after the Second World War, at least in Europe. This resulted in a diversity that is still a joy to behold today. In Kemptthal, visitors were able to admire cars from a wide range of brands, only a few of which have unfortunately made it into the modern era.
But because the BCM is not just a classic car event, there were also younger cars among the participants, although they did not dominate the action.
Of course, there was a large selection, especially among the popular classic car brands Triumph, MG, Austin-Healey and Jaguar; there was hardly a model from the last 70 years that was not represented.
Exotics and specialties
Between all the MGAs, MGBs, Triumph TR3/TR4/TR6s and Austin-Healeys, there were also vehicles that are rarely seen.
Examples include a Healey Abbott convertible from 1952 and a Jowett Javellin with a boxer engine from 1949/1950.
The various Vauxhall saloons and early Austin and Morris models also caught the eye.
Also rare is the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus of the early 1980s, a compact saloon with a hatchback and Lotus 16-valve engine, once built in small numbers as a homologation vehicle for winning the World Rally Championship.
The Alvis TD 21 with special Graber bodywork from Switzerland was also on show twice.
Plenty of space for socializing
Once the participants had found a parking space for their little treasure, they could begin to walk around the grounds, talk shop with other drivers and somehow find refreshments between the historic and modern buildings.
What was particularly appreciated by the early arrivals was the opportunity to sit by the roadside drinking a coffee and watching all the newly arriving vehicles. And of course there was also a lot of greeting and hugging. In general, the atmosphere was cheerful and lively, which of course was partly due to the late summer weather.
For and against
When talking to the participants on site, there were many votes in favor of continuing the meeting in Kemptthal. Of course, Motorworld Zurich is easy to reach and the local industry also appreciates the business that such a large meeting generates.
For BCM organizer Olivier Borgeaud, however, Kemptthal is not an equivalent alternative to Mollis, despite the shady buildings, because the space is too limited. For example, there was no room for a centrally presented guest brand/guest club, and some of the usual exhibitors were also unable to attend. At the best of times, the BCM attracts around 1400 cars, a volume that could hardly be managed at Motorworld.
It is therefore clear to the Swiss TR Club that the 45th BCM will be held in Mollis again in 2026, where the club infrastructure will once again be available for catering and additional attractions.
