It could hardly have been better. The fifth Oldtimer Grand Prix Brugger Schachen since the first edition in 2013 benefited from summery weather conditions on June 29, 2024. Scattered wafts of mist disappeared before the engines started at 09:00, while the feared rainfall held off until the evening.
Compact circuit
At 15-minute intervals, the eleven groups of vehicles were sent out onto a small circuit that is normally used as a cycle race track. Groups of around 20 cars or motorcycles took part.
A total of around 200 vehicles were at the start, on average probably over 50 years old. More than two thirds of the vehicles had four wheels, motorcycles/carriages were represented by over 50 vehicles.
Diversity on the circuit
The fast cadence made it possible to send the groups of vehicles onto the circuit three times between 09:00 and 17:00. Depending on the speed of the pace car, some of the cars and motorcycles managed over ten laps.
This was particularly entertaining for the large number of spectators, as the variety on offer was constantly changing.
At the microphone, Elio Crestani explained what was on show and encouraged the audience to applaud: "Clapping is CO2-free ..."
Everyday cars and exotics
Starting fields 1 and 2 combined former everyday cars and street-legal rarities.
An Opel Commodore met the VW Beetle and the humpback Volvo, but also a Lancia Stratos, a Ferrari 365 GTB/4 "Daytona" or the GSM Flamingo, which is probably unknown to most people in this country.
While the Porsche 356 or the Mini are often seen at classic car events, a Bertone Racer or a Hillman Imp are more exotic.
Racing cars from different eras
The starting fields 5, 7 and 8 were more racing-oriented, as they brought together sports and racing cars from 1915 to almost modern times.
The spectrum ranged from the American La France from 1915 to the Audi Formula TDI from 1996, an attempt to run formula racing with diesel power that was not used at the time.
There were some gems in these two starting fields in particular, such as the Cegga-Maserati Formula 1 racing car or the Maserati 4CM from 1937.
The 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in Nascar trim provided an impressive sound backdrop, while a Porsche 550 RS Spyder and the Austin-Healey and Triumph sports cars added a splash of color.
Also on two and three wheels
The motorcycle sector was also well represented with over 50 vehicles, whether on two or three wheels (sidecars).
The latter in particular made a spirited effort in the bends and the "Blampi" ensured better grip.
Granturismo
Two other starting fields were then on the road in a more traveling style, here several people were allowed to ride along and a helmet was not necessary. The FABAM group (friends of old sheet metal of all makes) was on the road with a wide selection of everyday and sports cars.
And before the lunch break, a pack of cars from AMAG Classic set off on the circuit to showcase the breadth of their own activities, from Audi Sport Quattro to VW Beetle.
In the afternoon, a military parade also set off in field green, with mobile historical means of transportation.
Festival atmosphere
While the Swiss national costume festival was taking place in Zurich, combustion engines were being celebrated in Brugger Schachen. Everything from one to twelve cylinders was on display and visitors were able to practise guessing the correct engine type based on the running sounds.
And, of course, food and drink was also provided and in the paddock the drivers could be asked about the special features of their vehicle at any time.
Mobile cultural assets moved in a species-appropriate, intensive and approachable way, hopefully such events can continue to take place for a long time to come!
An extensive picture gallery shows many of the vehicles on the circuit.
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