The rain forecast had actually predicted dry conditions, at least until 3 p.m., but the weather gods didn't really want to stick to that. In any case, the morning was already damp and probably persuaded some potential Older Classics visitors to either sleep in or bring their "other" car to Kemptthal.
Convertibles were the exception rather than the rule on May 14, 2023 at Motorworld between Zurich and Winterthur. Instead, there was an interesting selection of former everyday cars, from the early Audi 80, BMW 3 Series E30 and Peugeot 404 to the Toyota Corolla. A Ford Escort Turnier also drove in, as well as several Mercedes-Benz W123s. Surprisingly, VW Beetles were rather scarce, which shows that they are now also among the particularly cherished classics.
Special pairings
The Kaiser Deluxe and its successor, the Kaiser Manhattan, are among the most interesting American cars of the early 1950s in terms of design.
The fact that two of these vehicles were parked side by side was certainly one of the highlights of the first Older Classics meeting of 2023.
The two cars were restored by the same enthusiast; it took around 30 years for the green Manhattan from 1952, which was assembled in Rotterdam for the European market at the time, to look the way it did in Kemptthal.
The two first-generation Ford Capri cars that had found their way to the former Maggi factory together also made an interesting pairing.
Rainy chrome
American cars were well represented on May 14, 2023.
Whether Ford or Buick from the pre-war era or Thunderbird, GTO or Monte Carlo from the 1950s to 1970s, there was plenty to see for US car fans.
Exotic
Only around 20,000 Jowett Javelins were built between 1947 and 1954, the first completely redesigned car from England after the Second World War. Gerald Palmer was responsible for the design. In terms of technology, they broke new ground, as evidenced by the water-cooled four-cylinder boxer engine.
The Jowett even achieved sporting success, but car production was discontinued in 1954. There are said to be three Jowett Javelins in Switzerland, one of which was in Kemptthal.
It is hardly ever more common to see a genuine Alfa Romeo Alfasud Cup car in this country, i.e. a car that competed for victories in the one-make championship of the 1970s. The green car that came to the Older Classics was even one of the fastest cars in the series and has now found its way to Switzerland.
Variety and a hot cup of coffee
Fewer cars may have found their way to Kemptthal on May 14, 2023 than at other Older Classics events in the past, although Mother's Day certainly played a part.
Nevertheless, there was plenty to see and discuss, including the presentation of the new Swiss AC Cobra, even if it is perhaps aimed less at classic car enthusiasts than simply at performance-hungry sports car fans.
And if it got too wet or cold, you could always buy a hot cappuccino ...
