"Close to the people" would probably be the adjective that best describes the annual classic car meeting O-iO (Oldtimer in Obwalden). The O-iO is a classic car festival that mobilizes an entire village every time it is held. And if the weather also plays along perfectly, as it will on the Whitsun weekend of 27 and 28 May 2023, then organizer Ruedi Müller can hardly get enough of the public.
Over 500 cars and motorcycles
Around 540 cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles had registered and registration was also necessary if you wanted to drive into the village of Sarnen in Obwalden.
The spectrum ranged from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint to the Volkswagen, from convertibles to minibuses. Almost all automobile-producing nations were represented, with Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy and the United States being particularly well represented. But there were also cars from Sweden and Switzerland
As a special feature, participants were able to register a bad weather variant, but only a few actually had to resort to this and if they did, it was not because of the weather, but because the first registered vehicle failed to work.
Diversity and proximity to the people
The O-iO is a brand-independent meeting and so the diversity was not surprising this time either.
In addition to bread-and-butter vehicles such as the VW Beetle or the Opel Rekord, rarities such as the Ferrari 340 America Touring or the BMW 319 convertible were also on display.
The proportion of pre-war classics was also relatively high, and a meeting like the O-iO is particularly suitable for them, as long as the journey is not too long.
The 500 or so vehicles were lined up all over the village, wherever there was space. There were no barriers around the cars, so visitors were able to inspect the classics up close. And it was also very easy to get into conversation with the owners and discuss technical details.
Anyone strolling through the village of Sarnen could actually gain a fairly complete overview of what has been on the roads here over the last 100 years.
Culinary diversity
The good atmosphere was also helped by the wide range of catering options. Whether raclette or grilled sausage, Thai food or a thick steak, everything was possible. Only those who didn't want to miss out on their beloved bratwurst during the main meal times had to be a little patient.
Popular cab rides
The public rides are a highlight every year. O-iO visitors have the opportunity to go on a short tour around Sarnen in one classic car or another and experience an old car even more intensively.
Whether in a vintage bus from the Lucerne transport company, a pre-war classic or a fast sports car, happy faces could be seen everywhere and there is no closer way to bring this mobile cultural asset to the people.
A big trip
At the request of many participants, Ruedi Müller organized a longer ride from Sarnen via Stalden, Glaubenberg, Entlebuch, Schüpfheim, Sörenberg, Giswil and back to Sarnen on 27 May 2023. The tour was 92.4 km long, and each participant could decide for themselves whether they wanted to do the whole ride or just parts of it. There were special attractions along the way.
For some of the old cars, the ride must have been quite a challenge, but this way, passers-by along the route were also able to enjoy the vintage and classic cars driving past. Close to the people, once again.
From Sarnen to Seelisberg
While Saturday took place entirely in Sarnen with the exception of the tour, those participants who had booked both days shifted to Seelisberg on Sunday to spend an entertaining afternoon there with an additional program from the Seelisberg event center. Once again, the sun was shining and some people probably stayed longer than planned.
It should perhaps also be mentioned that Ruedi Müller had an O-iO forest planted specifically to offset CO2 emissions. And some participants drove to the meeting with eFuel.
More impressions of the event and an overview of the participating cars can be found in the extensive picture gallery with over 150 photos.
