Over 500 classic cars in Obwalden
06/10/2014
The O iO, the classic car meeting in Obwalden, is a major automotive event of a kind that probably only exists once. Organized by the enterprising Ruedi Müller and his team, the two-day event attracts a wide range of vehicles to the center of Switzerland every year. And the weather is usually kind to the meeting, as was the case last Whitsun weekend.
535 registered vehicles, 1552 adults and 174 children - that's a really big crowd and not easy for the organization to handle. There were hundreds of emails and special requests to answer and when the glorious midsummer weather was announced for the 2014 edition, there were also many late registrations, meaning that start numbers even had to be reprinted.
As always, the participants gathered in Sarnen on Saturday, offering the numerous visitors the opportunity to admire the extensive range of classic cars, from the Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing to the Ford A and VW Beetle.
From Sarnen, the route continued along country roads via Stansstad, Stans and Beckenried to the Seelisberg event center, where the participants gathered for an aperitif and were able to enjoy the field of around 500 old cars in concentrated form.
On Sunday, fine weather greeted the 400 or so registered classic car drivers for the drive from Sarnen over the Brünig to Meiringen and Brienz. The glistening Lake Brienz with its lakeside promenades, packed full of classic cars, was almost reminiscent of the south of France, and the high temperatures did the rest.
And there were also breakdowns. A Ford T broke down on the Brünig, a VW bus with jammed brakes at the top of the pass, and the high temperatures also claimed their victims under the historic sheet metal.
"We'll be back" was a frequently heard farewell phrase ... and an incentive for Ruedi Müller and his team to invite everyone to Obwalden again next year.
