The first time is always special, and a classic and modern classic car meeting is no different. On August 29, 2021, cars and motorcycles from past decades came together for the first time at Gasthaus Albisgütli, above Zurich in the direction of Üetliberg.
Conveniently located
The location with ample parking is perfect for a classic car gathering. Not only are the neighbors used to some noise from the local shooting range, but most visitors also have no problems getting there.
On August 29, 2021, the old cars and a few motorcycles arrived steadily and regularly from 08:30 (official door opening 09:00), so that hardly any columns formed and every participant could be greeted personally.
Many visitors despite wet weather
Only the weather didn't quite cooperate as hoped on the first occasion. It drizzled a little from time to time without getting the surroundings really wet. The rain radar was also not to be trusted, more than 18 degrees were not to be expected.
However, the classic car enthusiasts were not deterred and arrived in large numbers. Perhaps some of them left their convertibles or pre-war sports cars in the dry garage, but there was still no lack of variety at the event.
In total, around 300 to 400 cars and a few dozen motorcycles from a wide variety of manufacturers are likely to have found their way to the Albisgütli inn over the course of the day.
Two, three and four wheels
The meeting is deliberately called "Albisgütli Classics - Cars & Bikes", as motorcycles are also welcome.
Although there were fewer of them than cars, the wonderful-sounding Indians and other shiny chrome two-wheeled classics were still a delight. A Messerschmitt defended the honor of the cabin scooters.
And the rest of the visitors arrived on four wheels, often with the top down despite the rain clouds.
From bread-and-butter cars to super sports cars
Despite the large number of vehicles, there was never a dull moment. With the exception of the VW Beetle, there were hardly more than two or three examples of any model. Variety was the key.
Above all, there were many bread-and-butter cars from the past on display, such as the Fiat 500, 600 and 850 models, the Opel Rekord, the Ford Escort and the Audi 60.
At the other end of the spectrum, a Lamborghini Diablo SV or a Ferrari Testarossa caught the eye.
And between these two extremes, there was plenty of room for a large selection of popular classics from the Alfa Romeo GTV to the VW Karmann-Ghia.
Attractive ambience
Of course, the organizers were not content with simply providing parking spaces. There were plenty of food and drink stalls and in the vicinity of the inn.
Newly arriving vehicles were photographed and the results could be received on paper within a short time.
Service providers such as Oldierama and Autohalle explained their services at stands.
The special show of the invited AC Cobra Club perhaps received too little attention, as the vehicles were badly hidden and unfavorably lit.
Cars in the spotlight
As always, however, the stars were the cars of the past. And some classics had a secret to reveal. For example, two inscriptions on a 1969 Jaguar XJ6 Series 1 indicated that something unusual was going on under its hood.
"V8" was written on the flank and two "2.8 liters" inscriptions were found at the rear.
And this was not cheating, because the Jaguar was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 from America.
Ventilation is provided by air vents in the style of the Jensen Interceptor and exhalation is facilitated by a twin-flow exhaust system with a good flow rate.
But you had to take a closer look to recognize the differences ... or simply talk to the proud owner.
There was no shortage of rarities. When was the last time you saw a Sunbeam Rapier Fastback Coupé?
The Ford Consul Capri Coupé or the Vauxhall VX4/90 from the sixties are also rare.
A look at the picture gallery reveals many more forgotten automobiles from the past.
Incidentally, the Albisgütli meeting is to take place regularly in the future; the dates will be announced on the event website .
