The first meeting of the Older Classics benefited from the best conditions. Beautiful weather, little local competition and classic car drivers who were happy to be able to meet up again after the long winter. As usual, the event was well organized. After 15 years of experience, you can expect this from Christoph Lehmann. However, a handover is underway in 2024, as Stefan Fischer will be responsible for the Older Classics as well as the ZCCA and ACCA Concours from next year.
Over 700 cars
The site opened at 09:00 and the first visitors arrived early. By the evening, 711 vehicles had been admitted. Together with the visitors who parked outside, around 3000 people must have enjoyed the old cars.
As always, the vehicles were guided onto the site at the upper entrance. The additional parking spaces had to be used early on because there was no more room for more classic cars to the left and right of the "main road".
Car spotting of a different kind
Of course, there are also Instagrammers and YouTubers at Older Classics who aim their cell phone cameras at objects, but primarily the cars passing by are still observed in the traditional way and, if necessary, discussed. And there was plenty to see. And above all, there was plenty to choose from: whether you were interested in young classic cars like a BMW M3 or pre-war classics like a Hudson 8 from the 1930s - there was something for everyone. The first E30 M3 in particular was present in conspicuous numbers.
And of course some of the cars also caught the reporters' attention, such as the Aero 30 from the 1930s with a two-stroke engine, the Ford Taunus GLX 2300 S with a vinyl roof or the Goggomobil.
In general, bread-and-butter cars were well represented, but the super classics were not missing either. There was a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL and a whole pack of Ferrari sports cars. Large cars from the USA parked peacefully next to a Trofeo Alfasud TI once driven by Ronnie Peterson.
And, of course, there were also plenty of vehicles on display that you once lusted after as a youngster, such as a Ford Capri Mk III, an Alfa Romeo Montreal or a Marcos GT.
Eating, drinking and ...
Anyone who got thirsty or hungry from all the looking and discussing could choose from a considerable selection of catering options. Whether coffee, beer, bratwurst or more sophisticated cuisine - there was something for everyone. There was also the opportunity to visit the event's sponsors. One of them is Citroën Switzerland, which can look back on a hundred years.
In any case, meeting old acquaintances and friends was one of the main reasons why the many visitors from half of Switzerland gathered in Kemptthal between Zurich and Winterthur.
Satisfied
Christoph Lehmann was very satisfied with the first Older Classics of 2024. What once began as Dolder Classics at the Dolder ob Zürich moved to Motorworld Kemptthal a few years ago. When asked about his personal favorites of the day, Christoph mentions the extremely rare Marcos Mantis and the "Glaserati" (BMW-Glas 3000 V8). But with over 700 vehicles, it's not easy to keep track. On further reflection, he would certainly have thought of many more cars.
