This autumn, the weather has been really kind to the trade fair organizers! Padua, St. Gallen and now Winterthur on November 14/15, 2015 benefited from almost late summer weather conditions, making it possible to visit the classic car fairs and parts markets in old cars. Many did so, which is certainly one reason why the parking spaces reserved for the old cars were soon completely full on Saturday.
Buying and selling classic cars
The Winterthur classic car and parts market is certainly not one of the biggest fairs, but it is certainly pleasant and well-organized. There were no crowds like at other events in the Eulach Hallen in Winterthur and there was always time for a pleasant chat with the stand owners.
There was also a lot to buy, from the 1913 Ford Model T, various Volkswagens and Porsches, to an Audi Quattro or a whole group of Americans in all colors and shapes.
The unique Dellsperger Porsche, which looks like an Enzmann but has real doors and a Porsche engine, was on exclusive display in Winterthur.
Parts and accessories
A so-called "Trunk Sale" was held in front of the halls for the first time.
Parts suppliers willing to sell could simply drive their cars to a reserved area and unpack their trunks there. This concept could certainly be improved; at the first attempt, the offer was limited to just a few sellers, despite the low "stand costs". However, OTM organizer Pierino Keller said in an interview that they wanted to expand this offer, which was very well received, for next year. If necessary, a tent could even be erected to guarantee protection from the weather. In addition, the idea would simply have to become better known.
Of course, there were many more parts to buy in the halls and soon you could see many a happy collector making their way back to their car with a speedometer or exhaust under their arm.
Winterthur does not want to be compared with Veterama or similar large-scale markets, but sometimes it is precisely the limited selection that allows you to find what you are looking for more quickly. This was certainly the opinion of the early visitors on Saturday morning, who didn't want to run the risk of someone snapping up the item they were looking for. The rush in the morning hours was correspondingly large, while the afternoon and Sunday were more relaxed.
Overall, however, there were roughly the same number of visitors on both days and Pierino Keller confirmed an increase over 2014.
Cosiness is the trump card
As a result, there was hardly any hustle and bustle and the visit to the trade fair was an excellent way for visitors to "slow down" and "de-stress".
And so, even in warm weather, visitors were able to enjoy the classic cars parked outside, from Alfa Romeo to Zastava, enjoy the play of chrome on American tail fins or admire a beautifully preserved DKW 3=6.
And if you brought your classic car with you, you could also have it checked by the TCS, a practical service before it is mothballed. Because, according to the latest weather forecasts, the first snow could soon fall in the lowlands ...
