Brass in the rain - Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014

Name: Martini Double Phaeton 1906
Brand: Martini

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Created on July 3, 2014

Text:

Petra Sagnak

Photos:

Petra Sagnak

126

Petra Sagnak / classiccar-photo.de

Petra Sagnak

126

Petra Sagnak / classiccar-photo.de

199

Leon Buat Monocylindrique (1903) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Magical moments

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - overtaking maneuvers

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - The ride through beautiful avenues

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - The convoy of centenarians

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Generation Meeting

Bild von Partner Porsche AMAG Mai Foto-Galerie 2026

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Entrance to the avenue at Krickenbeck Castle

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Lining up for parking

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Entrance to Dyck Castle

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - rain impression

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Even the Swiss didn't shy away from the long journey

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - The many bends challenge many a rider

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Through meadows and fields

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - The sun makes an appearance after all

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Final return to Krickenbeck Castle in the Martini Double Phaeton from 1906

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Final return to Schloss Krickenbeck

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Fast on the way to the next stop at Gut Birkhof

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Things are picking up speed

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Small "competitions" are contested, but at least the Detroit is electric and therefore green

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Convoy in the olden days

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - A wonderful view

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Petrol talks

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Mirrored

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - left turn

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - lunch break

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Mühlenrast

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Ready to go!

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - water cooling

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Time travelers

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - A short pit stop at the roadside

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Distance warning system Anno 1914

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - When car drivers were still power drivers

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Arriving at Krickenbeck Castle. End of the first day

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Waiting for the master

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - On the journey

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - fuel needs to be refilled

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Champagne reception en route

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Chesterfield seats promise contemporary comfort

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - The roadbook has already been flown over, now it's time to wait

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Defying the cool wind with weatherproof clothing

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - The rain leaves its mark

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Drive & Style

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - More and more vehicles arrive to refuel

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Filling the tank under the seat

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - An unusual sight

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - New fuel for old treasures

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Entry of the Delage

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Arrival for lunch at the Mühlrather Mühle mill

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - He drove his car most of the time with a beaming face...

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - It starts to rain on the magnificent brass

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Happy spirits enjoy the tour

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - People like to take the time for a friendly wave

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Happy people enjoy the ride

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - These three men are well protected

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Gut Birkhof, short break

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Gut Birkhof

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Well equipped

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Manual operations quickly become routine again

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Hans-Jörg Götzl steers the Opel with bravura

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Here, full physical exertion is still required

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Sitting here is surprisingly comfortable, in a 1904 autocar

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Centenarians show themselves in their finest attire

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - The journey continues in the pouring rain

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Children marvel at the special classics in the beautiful village of Liedberg

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Always cheerful and determined behind the wheel - Mr. W.Auge

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Always on the move

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Everyone fights their way through in their own way

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Karlottas Moden presents contemporary fashion

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Small tokens of appreciation

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - A short break for the mechanics

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Small Tankrast

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - A close call...

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Concentrated views

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Krickenbeck Day 2

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Shortly before the finish line

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - A quick stop to top up the oil

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - cooler figure Minerva at the cool water

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Lauschige Wege

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - final arrangements are being made

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Last view of Krickenbeck's spire

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Loving moments between grandson and grandfather

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - left behind

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Madame has taken her place

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - People now prefer to ride closed after all

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Markus Herfort gives final instructions

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - men among themselves

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - brass in the rain

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - With umbrella, charm and bowler hat

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Another short walk between the classics

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - The truck is still on the road, but later it will unfortunately fall by the wayside

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - The field is still quite closed

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - classic car driving is fun

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - organizer Markus Herfort in high spirits

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - speed in all situations

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Rest for man and mobile

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Rolling seniors among themselves

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Schloss Krickenbeck invites you

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - certainly an unforgettable experience

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Many a beauty can be found in reflective panes

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Speedcontrol- Always the paw under the gas pedal pedal

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - participants from the UK ride along in their Pannhard Levassor

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - fantastic routes

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Trort Regen's best mood

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - And off we go

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - And the journey continues

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - And on we go - last section to the finish line

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - And again it rains, shortly before the start in Krickenbeck

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Unbelievable how fast some vehicles could be back then

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - You meet curious and enthusiastic people everywhere along the way

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Rainy prospects

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Many drivers show a contemporary look

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Ruffled by the wind

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - past the golf course

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - W. Eye remains dynamic

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Waiting... - After all, there were railroads 100 years ago too

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - water vapor is released

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - If you lose sight of the path, just follow the tracks...

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Who has more horsepower?

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Who is overtaking whom?

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Contemporary Blinker

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Contemporary turning

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Contemporary strolling

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - At the start of the route, the classic cars ride on the roads as a group

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - cohesion between young and old

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - The co-drivers are in great demand when it comes to directions according to the road book

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Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Amazing what forces can still be released, but are also necessary for the start

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Detroit Electric (1915) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Peugeot Type 26 (1899) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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De Dion Bouton Type E Voiturette Vis a'Vis (1900) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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De Dion Bouton Type E Voiturette Vis a'Vis (1901) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Locomobile Type 2 (1900) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Nagond Race (1907) - at the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Opel Darraq (1902) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Panhard Levassor (1902) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Studebaker (1922) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Richard Brasier Type H Tonneau (1903) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Autocar (1904) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Ford Model T (1909) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Buick Model F Tourer (1905) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Renault XB Torpedo (1905) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Martini Double Phaeton (1906) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Mercedes Kettenwagen (1906) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Skpyker Phaeton Tourer (1907) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Spyker Phaeton Tourer (1907) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Clement Bayard (1907) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Opel 10/18 (1907) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Charron 12 hp (1907) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Brennabor Type A (1908) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Delage AC (1910) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Delage (1910) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Alvis Silver Eagle (1932) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Aster Wembley touring car (1925) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Ford Model A (1930) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Pierce Arrow Truck X2 (1913) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Ford T Speedster (1911) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Panhard-Levassor Torpedo (1913) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Opel Torpedo (1914) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Swift Cycle Car Voiturette (1914) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Premier 6-48 Indianapolis Racer (1914) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Locomobile M48 Speed Car (1916) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Minerva NN Aster (1918) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Opel 8/25 (1920) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Packard Tourer (1923) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Minerva AC (1925) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Bentley Open Tourer (1926) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Rollce Royce Phantom 1 (1927) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Ford Model A (1939) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Ford Quadricycle (1896) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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De Dion Bouton (1914) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

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Participants and spectators at the second Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz, which took place at the end of June on the Lower Rhine on the German-Dutch border, were able to look back on the beginnings of over 125 years of automobile history.

Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Entrance to Dyck Castle

Over two days, an unusual group of vehicles set off from Krickenbeck Castle near Nettetal to retrace a historic tour from the early days of the last century.

Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - The convoy of centenarians

Historical roots

The vehicles' journey was a reminder of Crown Prince Wilhelm's visit to Düsseldorf in May 1907. Even then, the son of the German Emperor was enthusiastic about driving the still relatively new means of transportation, the automobile. Both owner and driver were "motorists". Wilhelm drove through Düsseldorf and the Rhineland in a then brand-new Mercedes 70 hp.

The cars of our great-great-grandfathers

Two groups of vehicles with a total of around 50 automobiles from the years 1895 to 1925 set off on the route. A unique automobile museum on wheels showed the history of the automobile from the pioneering days of Bertha Benz and Co.

Impressively, while just under two dozen vehicles took part in the first Rasanz, the number more than doubled for the second edition.

De Dion Bouton Type E Voiturette Vis a'Vis (1900) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

The participating vehicles puffed and hissed and chugged through the countryside at an astonishing speed with their one, two or four-cylinder engines, even though the maximum speed often barely exceeded 40 kilometers per hour.

On display were vehicles that are usually only seen in museums, "but they don't move there; you can't hear them, smell them or see them drive," says organizer Marcus Herfort. "The aim is to show the great-great-grandfathers of our modern-day automobiles in motion, to demonstrate how powerful cars were over 100 years ago." And this goal was achieved.

Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - The sun makes an appearance after all

Early days of the automobile

There has hardly ever been such a density of vehicles from the pioneering years in the whole of Germany. There were 27 vehicles from the period before 1907 alone, another 20 were built between 1908 and 1918, while a few participants brought along almost new-fangled cars with vintages up to 1925.

Peugeot Type 26 (1899) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

The oldest vehicles had model years with a "1" and an "8" in the first position, e.g. a Peugeot Type 26, a representative of the oldest existing car brand in the world. This car is around 115 years old and its relationship to its predecessor, the coach, was still clearly visible.

The gathering of intrepid drivers with their "brass cars" for the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz brought automotive history to life for automobile enthusiasts, onlookers and classic car owners.

The starting field was international: vehicles came from Italy, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France and even from the Channel Island of Guernsey.

Not just driving

It goes without saying that technology that is over a hundred years old can be fragile and, above all, requires much more expertise than modern cars. The Detroit Electric, which was comparatively frugal thanks to its battery electric drive, was perhaps an exception here.

Detroit Electric (1915) - on the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz

Ottomtor vehicles, on the other hand, had to be lubricated and repaired, so constant affection was required. The steam-powered car required completely different skills.

Although many of the old cars have now been converted to electric starters, the hand crank is still there and in some cases is the only way to bring the engine to life.

Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - Final return to Krickenbeck Castle in the Martini Double Phaeton from 1906

Let the owner of the Martini tell us how to start and drive the 1906 car:

"Before starting, the oil level is checked in the sump. If oil comes out of the little tap on the side of the sump, the fluid level is OK.

To start the engine, use the lever on the steering wheel to give it a little extra spark. As soon as the engine is running, switch to pre-ignition.

Although the gearshift pattern is an H, it is reversed, i.e. reverse gear is at the front left and first gear is behind it. The Martini has a four-speed gearbox, which works perfectly and is easy to shift. At least as long as you know what you're doing. This is because the transmission is naturally unsynchronized in all gears, i.e. an intermediate clutch is used when shifting up and the right amount of intermediate throttle is needed when shifting down for a reasonably quiet gear change.

There is a box with glass tubes on the dashboard. Here you can see how the oil drips. This allows you to check whether the oil level is in order. From time to time you also need to check whether the drive chains are sufficiently lubricated. Depending on this, grease (or spray) them.

The Martini is capable of speeds of around 40 km/h. It can also reach 55 km/h, but then the wheels start to shake and the vibrations in the car become so strong that you will want to reduce the speed again. Over 40 km/h is also not pleasant because there is no windshield or roof. At that time, these two elements were often dispensed with, probably also for cost reasons.

Thanks to four liters of displacement from four cylinders, the Martini had enough torque to tackle inclines with relative ease. Some of the less powerful brass cars fared worse, often failing to make the gradients with passengers on board. As a result, the driver and passengers had to get out and walk alongside the vehicle as it climbed the slope at idle speed.

The Martini proved to be very reliable, starting up immediately without any problems even after a night in the rain. It is also easy to drive, bearing in mind that the cornering speed must not be too high due to the narrow tires and the high centre of gravity.

The foot brake acts directly on the axle between the gearbox and the chain drive in the middle of the vehicle. The handbrake is used for multiple braking or if heavy braking is required. This acts directly and exclusively on the rear wheels."

Not entirely without problems

Unfortunately, some participants had to retire early due to gearbox damage or other problems. In most cases, however, a replacement was available so that the ride could be continued the next day, albeit with younger equipment.

For some of the vehicles, the two 100 km rides on June 28 and 29, 2014 were probably longer than the distance covered in the whole of last year.

In all weathers

The participants in the second Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz had to put up with a lot from the weather. The open-top vehicles in particular had to be well dressed and in a good mood. But they put up a brave fight and consoled themselves with the fact that it wasn't any better 100 years ago.

Impressions of the Kronprinz Wilhelm Rasanz 2014 - speed in all situations

What was particularly pleasing was the often period-appropriate clothing and the fact that young and old could ride together. In some cases, even generations were skipped.

Registered participant vehicles

No.	Vehicle	Year of construction
1	Peugeot Type 26	1899
2	De Dion Bouton Type E Voiturette	1899
3	De Dion Bouton Type E Voiturette	1900
4	De Dion Bouton Type E Voiturette	1901
5	Locomobile type 2	1900
6	Clement Runabout 2 Seater	1902
7	Opel Darracq	1902
8	Panhard Levassor	1902
9	Guerry and Bourguignon	1902
10	Leon Buat Monocylindrique	1903
11	Richard Brasier Type H Tonneau	1903
12	Autocar	1904
13	Maxwell 12 hp Tourabout	1905
14	Buick Model F Tourer	1905
15	Star 70 HP Racer	1905
16	Renault XB Torpedeo	1905
19	Martini Double Phaeton	1906
20	Mercedes tracked car	1906
21	Spyker Phaeton Tourer	1907
22	Duhanot CG	1907
23	Clement Bayard	1907
24	Opel 10/18	1907
25	Charron 12 hp	1907
26	Brennabor Type A	1908
27	Delage AC	1910
28	Delage	1910
29	Buick Tourer	1910
30	Overland Type 42 Tourer	1910
31	Delage	1910
32	Brasier	1911
33	Ford T Speedster	1911
34	Ford T Speedster	1912
35	Panhard-Levassor Torpedo	1913
36	De Dion Bouton	1914
37	Opel Torpedo	1914
38	Swift Cycle Car Voiturette	1914
39	Premier 6-48 Indianapolis Racer	1914
40	Maxwell 25 Tourer	1915
41	Locomobile M48 Speed Car	1916
42	Minerva NN Aster	1918
43	Opel 8/25	1920
44	Packard Tourer	1923
45	Minerva AC Open Tourer	1925
46	Bentley Open Tourer	1926
47	Rolls Royce Phantom I	1927
48	Ford Model A	1930
49	Mercedes 10-40-65	1924
50	Clement	1902
51	Renault BZ Phaeton	1909
52	Le Zebre Type A	1911
53	Mercer Runabaout	1914
54	Renault Type D	1901
55	Ford Quadricycle (Recreation 2010)	1896
	Detroit Electric	1915