The first edition of this year's Older Classics changed a few things on May 8, 2022. The most noticeable change for the participants was the relocation of the access road from the north to the south end of the area, which caused some confusion and just as many turning maneuvers. From there, the "promenade" in the valley was not filled up as before, but first the large parking lot in the south. Only when the space was full were classic cars allowed to line up in the lane.
For many classic car owners who had arrived punctually at 9:00 a.m., a typical element of the Older Classics was therefore missing: namely the slow driving through the long lane and the spectators on the way to a parking space. Conversely, the guests on the terraces of the restaurants and bistros in the valley were treated to a significantly reduced parade of classic cars, as the majority of the cars had already "branched off" early. The cheerful "see-and-be-seen" was therefore limited to the last arrivals.
But once you had parked your car, you were presented with a familiar picture: classics from 1915 to 1995; Italian small cars, English roadsters and American limousines; sometimes completely true to the original, sometimes more, sometimes less stylishly modified.
This variety makes the Older Classics always interesting, even in the summer months. From edition to edition, it is always possible to observe random clusters of a particular type.
Last Sunday, a conspicuously large number of BMW three-seaters from the E30 series came to Kemptthal, from the normal 325 and convertibles to Alpina B6s and several M3s.
Alfa Romeo Giulia and the hip-swinging coupés from Opel - Rekord C and Commodore A - were also represented several times.
The rare Bertone Volvo 262 C coupé was also represented three times.
There were also pairs of Fiat Ritmo 125 TC Abarth, Jaguar E-Type Coupés from the first series and the 1956 Ford Thunderbird.
Among the rarities of the day were a Porsche 356 B Hardtop and the only surviving Fiat Panda Tennis, a special Swiss model from 1985 based on the Panda 34.
Another new feature was the raised "sponsors' platform", where several commercial exhibitors promoted their businesses and displayed some rare pieces such as a four-door Volvo Amazon or an early Porsche 356 Cabriolet with an articulated windshield.
Opinions about the new access concept differed among the participants. While some were pleased that they could now get to their parking space much more quickly and with less strain on the clutch, others were disappointed about the lack of bathing in the crowd. The next Older Classics will take place on June 12, 2022. Perhaps there will be a bratwurst again then. The fact that the relocated entrance is now known should at least reduce the involuntary gymkhana interludes at the north gate a little.
