Romeo and Juliet
07/08/2022
The story is well known: Romeo and Juliet are probably the most famous lovers in world literature. The balcony in Verona is still a magical attraction for tourists. Shakespeare has them both commit suicide - the love affair ends tragically as soon as it has begun.
There is another love story, completely without Shakespeare, a balcony in Verona and suicide. But with the central name "Romeo" - not a man but an "Alfa Romeo" and with a happy ending. And there is also a Juliet, whose real name is Iris. The story is about Kurt Schori (who turns 90 at the end of July) and Iris Dubacher.
It happened like this: In 1961, the new executive secretary at the large company where Schori was employed was characterized by her brash manner. For example, when Schori wanted to employ her: "I'm the boss's secretary - not yours. I hope you can do your work yourself?".
Obviously impressed by so much self-confidence, Schori was keen to get to know the young lady better. He managed to persuade her to go on a date. And now the name Romeo, Alfa Romeo to be precise, came into play. His vehicle was actually a normal VW Beetle - but Kurt Schori felt that the Volkswagen was a somewhat inappropriate model for a first date. Without further ado, Schori bought an Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS Coupé from Karl Foitek, the successful racing driver and garage owner from Zurich.
On their date, Iris Dubacher was on the lookout for a VW Beetle and already suspected that she had been stood up by the strapping employee, when there was no VW to be seen far and wide - then he turned up with the Alfa Romeo 1900 CSS. It was immediately clear to her that the man, who actually seemed very self-assured, was "trying to impress with a fancy car", as she recalls with a grin. Well, the campaign was a success, the two became a couple and are still together today.
Schori's answer to the question of why it had to be an Alfa Romeo is short and clear: "I've always loved sporty cars and good design. As a leading sports car company, Alfa Romeo was the obvious choice for me".
And his granddaughter Stefanie Schnüriger, who drives an Alfa Romeo Giulietta herself, adds: "When I look at the importance my grandfather attached to the 1900 Superleggera, it is clear that this model had the greatest emotional significance for him and still does today."
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