The somewhat different tasks of the co-driver

Daniel Reinhard
09/30/2014

Alvis 4.3 Special 1937 - DTM Demolauf in Zandvoort 2014 (© Daniel Reinhard)

The passenger, in many cases a wife or girlfriend, on other occasions also a good friend. He (or she) sits more or less comfortably alongside and has to offer his hand as soon as there is a fire somewhere.

During the historic demo runs at the DTM weekend in Zandvoort, there were a few very funny situations with these co-drivers. They didn't have to operate stopwatches, watch a tripmaster or read maps. They could simply enjoy the ride or capture the experience for the driver in a picture (picture above).

The next classic seemed to have two passengers on board, or is this an optical illusion?

Alvis Speed 25 von 1936 - DTM Demolauf in Zandvoort 2014 (© Daniel Reinhard)

Some of the passengers were too small to see outside properly.

MG J2 von 1932 - DTM Demolauf in Zandvoort 2014 (© Daniel Reinhard)

Other passengers were probably biting their helmets (or the straps) in excitement ...

Mathis GM Sport von 1925 - DTM Demolauf in Zandvoort 2014 (© Daniel Reinhard)

... or closed their eyes out of fear?

Knox Raceabout von 1911 - DTM Demolauf in Zandvoort 2014 (© Daniel Reinhard)

And here, it seems, the pilot also represented the passenger.

Darmont Etoile de France von 1932 - DTM Demolauf in Zandvoort 2014 (© Daniel Reinhard)

Some of the co-drivers acted like a team artist and helped with the weight distribution in the cockpit.

Rover Wreath Special von 1935 - DTM Demolauf in Zandvoort 2014 (© Daniel Reinhard)

Others made sure that the competition from behind kept their distance.

Rover 14 Sport Special von 1940 - DTM Demolauf in Zandvoort 2014 (© Daniel Reinhard)

It got a bit too much for some of them and they looked for a way out ...

Singer Le Mans 1934 - DTM Demolauf in Zandvoort 2014 (© Daniel Reinhard)

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The left-hand twist on the highway

Bruno von Rotz
09/29/2014

Linksdrall auf der Autobahn im Jahr 1974

It's annoying to see drivers who just don't want to leave the fast lane. However, this is not a new phenomenon.

As early as 1974, Automobil Revue reported that many drivers were turning to the left. The trend had increased with the introduction of the 130 km/h speed limit, as many drivers had a speedometer that was too fast and therefore thought they were driving in the left-hand lane at the legally permitted maximum speed.

Linksdrall auf der Autobahn im Jahr 1974

The photos shown at the time showed drivers driving well below the speed limit in the overtaking lane for long stretches, even though there was space on the right.

The article ended with the sentence: "The overtaking lane is only there for overtaking, and this basic rule already existed before the introduction of 130 km/h, but it is now even more important."

Not everything was better in the past, but some things were the same as they are today ....

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Astonishing similarity

Bruno von Rotz
09/28/2014

VW Passat von 1973 - dreitürig

The VW Passat was presented in 1973. It is attributed to the designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. Six years earlier, the Fiat 125 Executive, which Marcello Gandini had (presumably) designed for Bertone, was on show at the Turin Motor Show.

Fiat 125 Executive von Bertone auf dem Turiner Autosalon 1967

At first glance, the resemblance is striking. However, the Fiat 125 Executive was the continuation of the line of the Jaguar FT Coupé, which was presented at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show.

While Bertone hardly ever built similar cars after that, Giugiaro, who had worked for Bertone until 1965 and was Gandini's predecessor, so to speak, obviously took up certain design lines in his later work.

However, this is not entirely true because, as an attentive reader correctly pointed out to us, the VW Passat is of course a direct descendant of the Audi 80, which in turn received its lines with the support of Bertone or the aforementioned Marcello Gandini. Giugiaro contributed above all to the hatchback, which actually already existed on the Fiat 125 Executive by Gandini.

However, while the Fiat 125 Executive (together with its saloon series sister 125) is largely forgotten today, the VW Passat in its eighth generation can already look back on 41 years of success.

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Daytime running lights on classic cars - consequences must be expected

Bruno von Rotz
09/27/2014

Studebaker Avanti mit LED-Tagfahrlicht (© Rudolf Menzi)

Since January 1, 2014, driving with lights on during the day has been mandatory in Switzerland. Fortunately, an exception has been made for classic cars that were put on the road before January 1, 1970. These may continue to be driven without lights during the day. However, if the lights were really supposed to help road safety, then the "exceptional drivers" would probably have to consider driving with lights after all, so as not to be completely lost in the dark next to the modern vehicles, some of which have very bright daytime running lights.

Modern cars make use of special LED daytime running lights, which require hardly any power and are increasingly becoming a design element of the car. Older vehicles, however, are dependent on the use of dipped headlights, which of course requires significantly more electricity and even results in additional fuel consumption. There is also an increasing risk that the lights will not be switched off when the car is parked, as many vehicles from the 1970s or 1980s did not yet have automatic switch-off devices.

Dino 308 GT 4 mit LED-Tagfahrlicht (© Bruno von Rotz)

Sports cars with folding headlights are particularly badly affected, as their appearance often suffers and air resistance increases. So it's no wonder that classic car owners are also coming up with the idea of retrofitting their cars with LED daytime running lights, as this eliminates most of the disadvantages mentioned.

However, they are now entering a gray area as far as veteran registration is concerned (special status for classic cars (code 180), which allows several cars to be registered on one license plate and extends the motor vehicle inspection interval to six years). LED auxiliary lamps are not contemporary accessories/additional parts and do not belong on a veteran from the point of view of the road traffic authorities.

An inquiry at the Zurich Road Traffic Office revealed that the retrofitting of LED lights on veteran vehicles is not considered mandatory. If the vehicle owner nevertheless opts for a voluntary retrofit, he would lose the benefits of veteran status, i.e. his vehicle would be treated like a more modern second-hand vehicle, would have to be inspected every two years and could not be redeemed for a veteran license plate.

Other road traffic authorities take a slightly more pragmatic view of this and, when asked, said that veteran status could be maintained if the LED lights could be removed without leaving a trace.

So there is not yet complete agreement between the cantons, but it is hoped that FEDRO or the Association of Road Traffic Offices will soon be able to come to a joint regulation. In fact, there have hardly been any such cases so far, said a spokesman for a road traffic office.

Well, we have already seen a few of these vehicles on the road and there will probably be more and more. Whether new-fangled LED lights really belong on a classic car, if you apply aesthetic and cultural heritage criteria, is a completely different question.

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The right street lamp

Bruno von Rotz
09/26/2014

Strassenlampen-Test im Jahr 1962

How do you choose the right street lamp? You compare them with others. The people of Munich did this in 1962 in a private parking lot to test the lamps for their suitability.

In Switzerland, too, entire streets were equipped with different lights, which could then be switched over longer distances to compare the different lamps.
When was the last time we saw something like this?

By the way, you can find more "pictures (almost) without words" in our specially created themed channel.

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Hats off, Sir Stirling!

Daniel Reinhard
09/25/2014

Stirling Moss mit Ehefrau Suzie und Niki Lauda am GP Singapur 2014 (© Daniel Reinhard)

It's hard to believe who suddenly turned up in the Singapore paddock in the tropical heat: Stirling Moss with his Suzie. Barely 85 years "young" , he accepted the Mercedes invitation and attended the Singapore Night Grand Prix.

Once you have gasoline in your blood, you never lose it. Niki Lauda took his time and showed the Brit everything, even the best-kept secret in the form of the Mercedes turbo engine. "You really have to see how small it is," he says to Stirling. The two take their leave in the direction of the pits. They return around half an hour later. Moss is extremely impressed by today's technology.

Niki Lauda und Stirling Moss am GP Singapur 2014 (© Daniel Reinhard)

But Niki Lauda is surprised by one particular statement from the Brit: "I was always so happy to follow Fangio's car!" (I was always so happy to follow Fangio's car)

Stirling Moss mit Nico Rosberg am GP Singapur 2014 (© Daniel Reinhard)

Today, neither of the two current Mercedes drivers (in the picture Nico Rosberg with Stirling Moss) would say that, even if they realized that the other was clearly the faster driver on a particular track.

Fangio was the exceptional talent par excellence back then. If there had never been a Fangio, Stirling Moss, a multiple world champion, would probably be described as this exceptional talent today. Moss was runner-up in the world championship four times in the years 1955-58. The first three titles were always won by the same other driver: the Argentinian Juan Manuel Fangio!

Personally, I think it's absolutely world class when a driver of Stirling Moss' stature makes such a statement of his own accord! It clearly shows how good Fangio must have been.

Chapeau, Sir Stirling!

P.S. If you want to read more about Formula 1 in the past, take a look at our Formula 1 special.

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Classic pearls of the future - Fiat Multipla

Bruno von Rotz
09/24/2014

Fiat Multipla von 1999 (© Fiat Group)

While some may react with an indignant outcry, others can hardly imagine a practical car from the nineties that deserves the status of a future classic. We are talking about the Fiat Multipla, built from 1999 to 2010, and the first version, which was built until 2004, is particularly iconic.

The fact that supporters and detractors of the car, which was designed with practical aspects in mind, are so divided is primarily due to its styling. Almost vertical side walls, huge glass surfaces, wheels positioned far to the outside and, above all, a front end with an additional sheet metal bulge below the windshield and built-in lights make the Multipla an unmistakable vehicle.

Fiat Multipla von 1999 (© Fiat Group)

While the Museum of Modern Art showed the car in an exhibition, Der Spiegel described it as one of the ten ugliest cars of all time. While the Multipla met with much rejection, especially in Germany, the British were quite enthusiastic about it, not least because of its agile handling.

Sechs Sitze in zwei Reihen im Fiat Multipla von 1999 (© Fiat Group)

The family transporter, which was only 4.1 meters long but almost 1.9 meters wide, was definitely practical, as six people could travel in two rows of individual seats. Of course, the interior was convertible and the large windows provided excellent visibility to the outside.

Durchsichtszeichnung des Fiat Multipla von 1999 (© Fiat Group)

As a special feature, the Multipla was available with different engine concepts. In addition to petrol and diesel engines, natural gas was also available. The body was mounted on a sturdy steel frame, which made the actually compact car quite heavy with an unladen weight of at least 1.3 tons.

The engines produced between 90 and 120 hp, which allowed a top speed of up to 178 km/h. The extensive facelift in 2004 softened the look and brought the unusual model into line with other cars, but did not detract from its practical benefits.

Fiat Multipla von 1999 (© Fiat Group)

Is all this enough to make the Multipla a future classic? Examples such as the 2 CV or the VW Bus show that an ugly duckling can certainly become a proud swan ...

Further more or less controversial classic pearls can be found in the dedicated topic channel on Zwischengas.

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With knock-proof gasoline to the racing car championship title

Bruno von Rotz
09/23/2014

Charles Vögele im Formelwagen im Jahr 1965

Why are such advertising texts no longer used? Exactly 50 years ago, BP published an almost full-page advertisement in Automobil Revue No. 41/1964 and let the Swiss racing car champion Charles Vögele speak/think:

"...the hairpin bend... now! Fifth, fourth, third, second, first gear ... pull through, accelerate fully again and change gear ... No shifting errors! - that would cost you victory on this short uphill stretch ... good, now the sharp right-hand bend ... third gear, full ... lots of spectators today ... don't get distracted..."

And the advertising text continued:

"Charles Vögele at the hill climb, the Swiss racing car champion in action.... Thousands of enthusiasts rush from all parts of the country to see the battle on the mountain: Mitholz-Kandersteg, St.Ursanne-Les Rangiers. Sierre-Montana, Schauinsland, Marchairuz. The mountain riders are sprinters - not a tenth of a second is wasted.
Nowhere are victory and defeat as close together as on the mountain.
The clock is the enemy.and it does not forgive mistakes. Charles Vögele demands the utmost from his machine. He needs the knock resistance of the petrol. He must be able to count on the fact that even boiling hot oil will still lubricate. BP guarantees him both."

There are a handful of points to get nostalgic about here ....

BP Vögele Werbung 1964

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Beaulieu - gigantic English parts paradise

Bruno Mazzotti
09/22/2014

With over 2,000 stands, the annual Beaulieu Autojumble in September is unique in Europe and always worth a visit. The showground is located at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, near Portsmouth and Southampton. A number of awnings and row stands are available for exhibitors to hire, but the majority of exhibitors arrive with their own infrastructure. This includes everything from vans and horse trailers to mobile homes, from simple canvas structures to modern exhibition tents. Tea kettles, frying pans and rechauds are also "vital" for the mostly British exhibitors and their famous breakfasts.

Some participants spend the night on the grounds and as you stroll through the rows of stands in the early morning, you can hear it sizzling and smell it, the breakfast bacon.

The atmosphere is very special and "very British". And so are the goods on offer, from new spare parts to rusty "battle parts", from tools, equipment, cars, motorcycles, automobilia, literature and art to clothing of British provenance. This year, even a single-engine high-wing aircraft was offered and sold!

On the Saturday of each Jumble Weekend, Bonhams holds an auction in the big tent featuring cars, motorcycles, bicycles, automobilia and even helmets and gloves from famous racing greats. And the bids are high, even for nasty-looking restoration objects. On the forecourt of the National Museum, vendors offer their vintage cars and motorcycles for sale, and many an object from this source has ended up in Switzerland.

The visitors are predominantly British, but the variety of languages shows that many enthusiasts come from all over the world.

On Sunday, the carboot sales scene complements the action on a fenced-in meadow at the top of the exhibition area. These exhibitors arrive early in the morning in their vehicles and sell their goods practically from the trunk of their cars, hence the name "carboot sale".

Food and drink is also well catered for, with everything from fish and chips to hamburgers and Chinese woks, from English tea to Virgin Coke and pints of beer. Bureaux de change and ATMs provide the necessary cash for shoppers and logistical transportation tasks can also be solved on the spot.

There has been a saying about this car jumble for years - at least in relation to British cars - which goes: "If you can't find it in Beaulieu it doesn't exist!" (if you can't find it in Beaulieu, then it doesn't exist...)

Even if you're not looking for anything and don't need to replace anything, this event is certainly worth a trip from time to time.

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Better original than tuning

Bruno von Rotz
09/22/2014

Poll 16 - Tuning - Teaser

Although the vote of Zwischengas readers was not absolutely clear, the majority do not believe that tuning leads to an increase in the value of classic cars.
However, the 44% who are convinced of the opposite show that it depends very much on what and how something was done. And where you draw the line.
Some readers correctly remarked that the question could therefore not be answered so "black and white".

Poll 16 - Tuning

Perhaps it is simply too early to make a final judgment, as many tuning objects will only achieve true collector status in five or 10 years' time ....

For all those who also want to take part in our question of the week " Old tires for old vehicles? ", we refer you to our new survey.

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