With a bread and butter car to the Rally of Sympathy (South Tyrol Classic Schenna)
07/14/2016
According to many opinions, one of the most beautiful events for classic cars is the Südtirol Classic in Schenna, the sunny balcony of Merano, which is now being held for the 31st time. Despite the many cars worth seeing from previous years, we dare to register with our Volvo P 210 Duett, which is used daily as a company car.
We are actually accepted! After two weeks, however, we were disillusioned: rejected because of the advertising on the company car. After a few discussions, however, we were accepted and allowed to take part.
In contrast to our Volvo, the 140 impressive automobiles with 18 pre-war cars are a great selection. Very nice people at the first get-together under the vines make the start of the three-day pre-glow from Monday to Wednesday easier for us.
Unfortunately, after a problem-free journey on our own wheels, we break down on the first day with low fuel pressure. The rally's own service team installs an electric fuel pump and off we go again.
The problem recurs on the second day and another more powerful fuel pump is installed. Now the carburetor is getting too much fuel and the car is smoking heavily. At the lunch stop, there is a big discussion about the smelly Volvo. During the break, the service team with master classic car mechanic Hans readjusts the carburetor and lo and behold, it is now clean again. Nevertheless, this unprecedented series of defects is embarrassing, and the looks on the faces of some of the luxury car drivers speak volumes.
The actual rally starts on Thursday and lo and behold: twice my intrepid driver receives spontaneous praise from competitors for her speedy drive with the 68 hp station wagon. The car now runs like clockwork. At the award ceremony, we come second in the class of 37 cars and 12th overall out of 140 starters.
Of course, everyone knows us by now and the organizers spontaneously invite us to come back next year. We will, because the rally really is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable events we have ever driven. And bread and butter cars are also very well received by the many spectators and are always photographed.
The only downer is the ambition of some teams. Despite the organizer's request to only use age-appropriate watches, some electronic aids were used. This has become a problem at many events, which is a pity but probably unstoppable.
P.S. On the way back to Ulm, we break down again with no fuel pressure. We activate the original fuel pump and clean the float chamber. But the reason is now found: small particles are coming out of the fuel hose and clogging the carburetor and the electric fuel pump despite the fine filter. Apparently a reaction of lead additive and modern fuel!
