A trade fair organizer couldn't wish for better weather. The forecast for October 30, 2016 was dry and a little foggy, so it was clear that the classic car owners would once again combine their visit to the trade fair in St. Gallen with a drive.
They were not actually supposed to be allowed onto the grounds of the Olmahallen until 09:00, but the police contacted Peter and Renate Hürlimann around an hour earlier and asked them to open the gates after all, as otherwise there was a risk of a huge traffic jam of classic cars. So the waiting classic cars were allowed to enter earlier. By around 08:30, the arena was already packed and the cars, which were at least thirty years old, had to be diverted to the surrounding parking lots.
Even the Hürlimanns had probably not expected so many people to arrive so early. But they were naturally delighted with the great interest in their classic car show. Many visitors also traveled from Germany and Austria and many a classic car enthusiast did not shy away from the journey from the distant canton of Valais.
Start in the fog
The early visitors still had to make their way through some dense fog, but it was not until around noon that the sun appeared and provided additional splashes of color with its rays, but above all also more warmth when queuing in front of the sausage stand - after all, an Olma bratwurst is almost obligatory in St. Gallen - or when looking at the many beautiful classic cars in the arena between the halls.
Two halls, great variety
The two halls were also well filled in 2016, with dealers, restorers, parts sellers, literature specialists, accessory suppliers, etc., taking turns on several levels to show what they have to offer. For visitors, the tour was a varied journey through eras and subject areas.
At one stand you could admire a Ford Model T, at the next a VW 1600 or an Alvis Graber, almost hidden behind other cars a Renault 15, which today is probably rarer than many a Ferrari.
In between, there were spare parts or a Wankel engine on display. Or you could have the pre-war Maserati 8CM explained to you by Kurt Hasler, who was promoting next year's Solitude Revival.
Abarth as multiple trade fair star
The Abarth Club's special Abarth show had already been announced in advance. On display were Edi Wyss' Fiat-Abarth 1000, a 1000 TC and a Fiat 124 Abarth Group 4 rally car and its modern descendant.
But that was not all. Anyone who wanted to know what an Abarth feels like on the racetrack could try out a simulator.
Abarth vehicles were also on display at Liga (Scorpione SS, 124 Abarth) and in front of the halls in the Arena.
Sympathy fair
What Peter and Renate Hürlimann put together every year for one day in the fall rightly receives a sympathy bonus. Hardly any other trade fair has such a cheerful and collegial atmosphere.
The focus here is on good conversations and relaxed chats with colleagues, and even the exhibitors enjoy interacting with the public. The primary focus is not on monumental stand construction, but rather on the quality of the exhibits on display.
It is also fitting that one of the biggest attractions is the classic cars that visitors bring with them to the arena.
Large crowds of visitors
The organizers estimate around 5500 visitors, and the crowds were certainly impressive. At certain times, it was almost impossible for newly arriving classic cars to get through the arena and the hordes of spectators did not make it any easier to leave.
There was also a bustling crowd in the halls and the people at the stands had their hands full answering visitors' questions in the appropriate depth.
"We don't do much selling here, what's important to us is the contact with customers and interested parties," said one of the exhibitors, who was visibly satisfied with the number of visitors.
