Skoda rarities in Ticino
09/21/2018
The classic car scene for the Škoda brand is traditionally based mainly in Germany and, for geopolitical reasons, many Škoda fans can be found in the former GDR in particular. This makes the development of the last ten years all the more pleasing, as more and more members from neighboring countries - the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic - have found their way to the Škoda Club.
Geography, long journeys and, not least, finances meant that the annual meetings were held alternately in the north or south of Germany. At a later date, one meeting each was held in Vienna and Weil/Basel. This year, at the express wish of the board, we organized a Škoda meeting in Ticino at the beginning of September.
After just 20 cars had registered, the initial skepticism disappeared and a year-long preparation phase began. We wanted to offer something special - that's why the program was extended from Lugano to Milan.
We knew that a successful meeting within a reasonable financial framework would not have been possible without the support of sponsors. We found the main sponsor in the Swiss Škoda importer AMAG Schinznach-Bad, who generously supported our meeting in cooperation with AMAG Lugano and Skoda Auto Germany. Our heartfelt thanks go to all of them.
Among the participating cars were real Škoda rarities. In addition to classics such as the Tudor 1101 Cabrio, Tudor Limousine, Octavia and Skoda Coupé R 110, the owner of a unique Skoda Buggy also made the long journey from the Czech Republic to Ticino.
Another feast for the eyes were the numerous Felicia convertibles in cheerful colors.
Our hotel in Vezia, which we moved into on Friday, August 31, offered a pleasant setting in the retro style of the sixties. Although the weather was atypically damp at the start of the meeting, it became sunnier from day to day. On Friday, we drove from the Hotel Vezia to the open-air installation "Swissminiatur", which shows Switzerland in miniature and is well worth seeing.
On Saturday, we were allowed to exhibit our cars in the center of Lugano in Piazza Rezzonico. We took the tractor train and funicular up Monte Brè, from where we enjoyed a wonderful view.
On Sunday, we were included in the program of the wine festival in Bellinzona with our vintage cars. First we were allowed to park in the city center and later we drove through the crowded streets of the city center to great applause and many joyful cheers.
On Monday, we first visited the magnificent Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese. Then we visited the luxury car manufacturer Carrozzeria Superleggera Touring Milano in Rho. Finally, there was Milan Cathedral to marvel at.
In Milan, we were granted permission to exhibit our vehicles in the city center twice, but our permit was revoked three times. The administrative procedure is beyond any Central European's imagination. We had to fill out 24 pages of forms and then take them to several offices - in person, of course! We ended up parking in a guarded underground garage ...
It was nice to hear that the long journey of some participants - between 800 and 1100 km - was definitely worth it. The goal of showing Switzerland from its most beautiful side was certainly achieved!
