For the third time in 2022, the "Albisgütli Classic Cars & Bikes" meeting took place in Zurich on August 14. As always, it was well organized and free of charge for participants. A particularly large number of classic car drivers responded to the call in beautiful summer weather, only very few of whom were likely to have had a lack of sleep due to the "Street Parade" that had taken place the day before.
We set off at around nine o'clock in the morning and a steady stream of two- to four-wheeled classics fought their way up the hill towards Uetliberg before turning left at the Albisgütli restaurant. After about two hours, the available parking spaces were almost completely exhausted, after which it was simply a case of finding a space when another participant had already set off on their journey home (or on to the next classic car meeting in Kemptthal).
Meeting in the meeting
The Jensen Club, which had organized a "hybrid" meeting in Kemptthal for the last two years, integrated the gathering of hybrid cars into the Albisgütli event this time. In this context, small-series sports cars and limousines with large-series engines - usually American V8 units - were considered hybrid vehicles.
Above all, Facel-Vega, Jensen, Iso Rivolta, Bristol and De Tomaso are well-known brands that combined European design with American engines. But the manufacturers Intermeccanica, TVR, Monteverdi, Gilbern, Marcos and others also did similar things.
Surprisingly, the "exhibition" inside the Albisgütli building contained two Monteverdi Sierra (at the time based on the Dodge Aspen / Plymouth Volare) and two TVRs. They were joined by a Bristol 410, an AC 428, an Intermeccanica Italia and other specialties, offering visitors a wide range of "hybrid" cars.
There were other special cars on display outside the hall, including another Intermeccanica Italia, a Facel-Vega Excellence and a De Tomaso Pantera. Overall, the parade of hybrid sports cars was certainly smaller than in the past two years, but some of these cars were simply spread out among the other cars at the meeting.
The rare Volvo
There was no shortage of rarities at the Albisgütli on August 14. A Volvo PV 831 from 1954 is certainly one of the absolute rarities, at least in this country. At the time, the car was geared more towards the Americans, so it's no wonder that a six-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 3.67 liters and 90 hp is doing its job under the hood.
That was enough for 110 km/h, which was reached after engaging the third gear on the steering wheel. This meant that seven people could travel comfortably and quickly.
The DKW F12 Roadster is hardly less rare today, as it was only built for a relatively short time and was already more expensive as a convertible than the saloon. One example found its way to Albisgütli.
Although 11,000 examples of the Fiat 508 Balilla were built by NSU alone in the 1930s, only a few of these practical and reliable saloons are likely to have survived. Nevertheless, one of these vehicles could be admired in Zurich.
Motorcycle and moped fans will have been amazed by the appearance of a Herkules K50 Prio from 1964. Although the small motorcycle is not suitable for top speeds, it looks elegant and much more than it is.
Well-represented pre-war cars
In contrast to many other meetings, the pre-war and early post-war years were well represented at the Albisgütli parking lot.
There were several pre-war MGs to admire, pre-war cars from Lagonda and Aston Martin were also present and, of course, the popular post-war sports cars from MG (TC, TD, TF) were not missing.
It was also nice to be able to admire not only sports cars, but also limousines from times long past, e.g. a Peugeot 201, a Morris Ten Four or an MG YA.
Opulence from the USA
American cars were very well represented on August 14, 2022. Whether it was pre-war models from Ford or the famous sports cars from Chevrolet, they appeared in all colors and shapes.
A Buick Riviera or a Chrysler Newport Custom, as well as a Studebaker Avanti, could also be admired somewhat off the beaten track.
And if you took a closer look, you could spot a 1959 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer Convertible in the shade down by the trees.
Not too many of these cars were built back then, because with a price starting at USD 3422, the Dodge was aimed at the well-heeled.
Serge E. H. Meyer's example stood there as if it had just rolled off the production line. But it was actually even better, because the owner had meticulously left nothing to chance during the restoration and had improved a number of things that the manufacturer had solved suboptimally at the time.
The interior had to be completely recreated, Meyer used a photo as a template and CAD tools to guide the upholsterer correctly. The right-hand exterior mirror was modified so that it now allows a better view to the rear and can also be adjusted from the inside. The rear seat bench was positioned at a slight angle because it looked better that way. As a result, the convertible roof had to be redesigned.
Meyer invested a lot of enthusiasm, energy and creativity in his Dodge, so he was delighted when his car was admired.
With its 5.9-liter V8, the Dodge drives almost silently, with a Torqueflite automatic changing gears. Power steering, electric windows and many other electric aids ensured that Meyer didn't overexert himself on his drive home.
Speaking of Dodge, it should perhaps also be mentioned that a Swiss-assembled Dart from the AMAG Classic collection was also on site.
Women's power
Looking through the camera lens, it was noticeable that many of the cars arriving were driven by women.
Statistically, 10% is unlikely to have been exceeded, but it was a great pleasure to see not only grey-haired men, but also cheerful ladies and young chauffeurs at the wheel of 50-year-old and older cars, as well as on the saddle of old motorcycles.
Keep up the good work!
Anyway, on September 18, 2022, there will be another chance to meet up with like-minded people in the Albisbgütli parking lot. If you've never been, you should definitely do it.
P.S. As always at such meetings, it is not easy to correctly identify photographed cars (please note the 150 photos in the picture gallery ) . The one or other year of construction, even the type can be wrong at times, we are happy to correct the information, a comment or an email is sufficient.
