Small cars with big names

Paul Krüger
09/30/2022

Der Mercedes-Benz A 160 F1-Edition im McLaren-Design

What better way to celebrate a Formula 1 title than to decorate the company's smallest passenger car with the name of the world champion? Well, frankly, quite a lot. But of course that doesn't stop a determined marketing department.

At the beginning of November 1998, Mika Häkkinen won his first world championship title in a McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13. Less than a month later, Mercedes-Benz therefore presented the A 160 F1 Edition at the Essen Motor Show, whose black and silver paintwork was based on the Formula 1 racing car and which bore the name of the world champion on the doors. Häkkinen's team colleague and world championship third-placed David Coulthard was also able to enjoy a special model, which was distinguished by its orange exterior mirrors in addition to the name badge. At least the 250 units were given the most powerful engine available in the A-Class at the time, although with 102 hp in combination with a semi-automatic transmission, it hardly evoked any Formula 1 associations.

Der Fiat Seicento Sporting Michael Schumacher Worldchampion Edition von 2001

The gap between the racetrack and the road was only wider with the special model that appeared at the beginning of 2001 in honor of Michael Schumacher's first world championship win for Ferrari: the Fiat Seicento Sporting Michael Schumacher Worldchampion Edition. With 55 hp and a top speed of 150 km/h, it was not even half as fast as Schumacher's Ferrari F1-2000, but at least 1000 Fiat customers were able to enjoy a signature of the world champion on the trunk lid. At the beginning of 2005, it even received a successor: the Fiat Stilo Michael Schumacher, which was produced in 200 units and could at least boast a 170 hp five-cylinder engine.

But not only motorsport successes could result in a special small car model, as the Opel Corsa Steffi Special from 1988 proves. Although this was much more often the case. The next Formula 1 Mercedes for the road did not follow until 2015, again an A-Class. The "Motorsport Edition" in Petronas paintwork was available for all engines - except the A45 AMG. However, it will probably be a few years before the next world champion special model, regardless of brand. Red Bull is not yet building any cars for the road.

Der Opel Corsa Steffi Special von 1988

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When the Beetle annoys in the fast lane

Bruno von Rotz
09/29/2022

Mille Miglia Käfer (© Volkswagen Classic)

The driver in the fast Audi is already preemptively annoyed. He has long since spotted the sign with the diagonal black bar indicating that the 80 km/h limit has been lifted. But now this old Beetle with the oval rear window is standing in his way in the fast lane so that he can use his acceleration skills to finally drive freely. He already has his hand on the blinker lever so that he can activate the headlight flasher at the next opportunity.

But what is that? The Beetle seems to shoot off as if stung by a tarantula, accelerating rapidly to 160 km/h. The Audi driver can hardly keep up, this Beetle accelerates so fast. Surely it can't be just 30 DIN horsepower that's propelling the rear of this Beetle?

Mille Miglia Käfer (© Volkswagen Classic)

Of course, the Audi driver is right, because he is driving behind the Mille Miglia Beetle from Volkswagen Classic. Although the '56 Ovali is not an original, the car has been faithfully modeled on the Beetle in which 26-year-old Paul Ernst Strähle competed in the 1954 edition of the Mille Miglia and upset the Ferrari 375 MM, at least a little.

The four-cylinder engine from the Porsche 356 sits in the rear of the 1956 Beetle. It is said to produce 75 hp, perhaps a few more. In any case, they feel like full-grown racehorses. And with a kerb weight of 760 kg, they are not a difficult task to master.

VW 1100/1600 von 1956 Mille Miglia (© Bruno von Rotz)

Inside, the Beetle has remained true to itself, only the instruments have been modified a little. The speedometer shows up to 200 km/h, to the left of it there is a rev counter with a 7000 rpm maximum display, to the right an oil pressure gauge and an oil temperature display. You're glad of the rev counter, the boxer in the rear revs up eagerly.

Schalensitze im VW 1100/1600 von 1956 Mille Miglia (© Bruno von Rotz)

Four gears have to suffice, the first is unsynchronized. The gearshift feel and the pedals are pure Beetle, but you sit a little lower and in bucket seats appropriate to the era.

This Beetle is incredible fun, even if it is not the most powerful variant in the stable. Because there is also the Theo Decker 1302, which can also make an impression on Porsche drivers. But that's for another time.

We would like to thank Volkswagen Classic for the opportunity to test drive the now widely known Mille Miglia Beetle.

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Almost forgotten - Lancia Marica

Bruno von Rotz
09/28/2022

Lancia Marica von 1969 im Verkehrshaus Luzern (© Daniel Reinhard)

While researching the Lancia Flaminia GTL , we also came across the Lancia Marica. It was only after the official demise of the Flaminia that Ghia presented an elegant but angular coupé in Turin compared to the Touring version. Like the GT, the Marica study also had a short wheelbase of 252 cm.

Lancia Marica von Ghia, 1969 in Turin

The car was designed by Tom Tjaarda with "its unobtrusive forms" (AR), which "looks dignified both inside and out" (AR) . At the time, the commission probably came directly from Ghia owner Alejandro De Tomaso, who had his eye on Lancia, which was in financial difficulties.

However, the study never materialized; Lancia had long since abandoned the six-cylinder engine in favor of four-cylinder engines and front-wheel drive. And today, unfortunately, Lancia is almost/mostly history.

The Marica coupé, however, has survived and is now part of the Lopresto collection.

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Which one would you like?

Bruno von Rotz
09/27/2022

Porsche 911 Speedster im Vergleich - 911 und 964 (© Broad Arrow Auctions)

You have to take a closer look to see the differences beyond the color scheme. But of course this is a Porsche911 Speedster 1989 and a Porsche 964 Speedster five years younger. Over eighty percent of the parts had been changed during the transition from the G-model to the 964, which also had to be reflected in the Speedster.

Porsche 911 Speedster von 1989 (© Broad Arrow Auctions)

Only rarely do both examples come under the hammer at the same auction, but the two cars will meet at the West Palm Beach auction of the still young company Broad Arrow Auctionson November 18 and 19, 2022.

Porsche 964 Speedster von 1994 (© Broad Arrow Auctions)

Only a relatively small number of both were built, both have low mileage and are probably in good condition. And they were both estimated at the same amount, namely USD 200,000 to 250,000.

This might make the choice difficult for some fans, but is it best to buy both at auction?

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Owners of vintage and classic cars also let others take the wheel (Question of the week)

Bruno von Rotz
09/26/2022

Frage der Woche 217: Lassen Sie auch andere Leute ans Steuer Ihres Klassikers?

A classic (or modern) car is usually a very personal thing. It is loved and cared for, protected and looked after. So it's easy to understand why some classic car owners find it difficult to give up the steering wheel and let other people take the wheel. But is this even true?

We wanted to find out from Zwischengas readers. The " question of the week" was: Do you let other people take the wheel of your classic/youngtimer?

We have rarely had such a clear answer. 78.2 percent are happy to let their family members or even very good colleagues/acquaintances take the wheel of their classic car.

Only 17.6 percent of the 358 respondents always drive their classic themselves.

1.7 percent take a more relaxed view and also let people they know less well take the wheel (1.4 percent) or even let anyone who wants to drive it (0.3 percent).

2.5 percent did not find themselves in any of the answers.

So it is clear that classic car and modern classic car drivers are not egotists and also want other people to share in their enjoyment of their old car.

This is what the answers look like graphically:

Ergebnis der Frage der Woche 217: Lassen Sie auch andere Leute ans Steuer Ihres Klassikers?

We have already posed the next "question of the week" : Demand for classics up to 30 years old greater than for older cars?

And of course you can still read the answers to all previous "Questions of the Week" in the topic channel.

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Writing and winning - advertising (almost) without words

Paul Krüger
09/25/2022

Werbeanzeige von General Motors Suisse

Let's do what the copywriters at General Motors Suisse did in the 1950s and not waste any more words than necessary. After all, the most important thing - the name of the product - has already been mentioned. What else do you want to know? Model? Engine power? Price? There's really no room for that on an entire newspaper page...

Werbeanzeige von General Motors Suisse

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The luxury of modesty

Paul Krüger
09/24/2022

Ein Opel Corsa Luxus von 1983

Today's small cars vie for the favor of buyers with cruise control, heated leather steering wheel, telephone connection and a concert hall-like loudspeaker installation. Today, such amenities are offered even in the lowest vehicle class - in addition to obvious features such as metallic paintwork, alloy wheels and air conditioning.

40 years ago, the world looked a little different. It was considered a luxury if the windshield wipers had an intermittent function.

Der Innenraum eines Opel Corsa Luxus von 1983

Anyone who ordered an Opel Corsa with luxury equipment in 1982 placed more value on comfort than on speed. Even with the basic 45 hp engine, it was more expensive than a standard 70 hp rocket. On the other hand, the interior was a little more comfortable. For 152 marks more and 25 hp less, you got a center console, two additional heating nozzles and covered wheel arches. Only the Corsa Berlina was even cozier with velour upholstery and grab handles. But it was at least 965 marks more expensive.

Das Hinterrad eines Opel Corsa Luxus von 1983

The word "luxury" was proudly emblazoned on the doors if you had treated yourself to something more than the bare basic equipment. Even the one-liter class was allowed to be a little more prestigious. It didn't even need alloy wheels. Silver-painted steel disc wheels with a gray plastic cap covering not only the center hole but also the entire wheel flange and bolts were enough to set them apart from the common Corsa crowd. But people secretly envied the Berlina drivers with their pentagonal wheel covers on the star-shaped wheels, which came from the big Kadett.

Das Radio "Le Mans" eines Opel Corsa Luxus von 1983

Of course, a radio always cost extra. If the Corsa 1.0 S was enough for you, you usually made do with the basic entertainment electronics: the "Le Mans" model with FM and medium wave reception for 348 marks. At the bottom of the price list was the "Sebring Top" model with stereo cassette player and station search for 1109 marks. But this was something for Berlina customers in the 70 hp league. The money saved was better invested in a brilliant carmine red paint finish to avoid driving around in dull white or mocha brown. Sometimes very little can mean a lot.

Der Schriftzug eines Opel Corsa Luxus von 1983

You can read more about the Opel Corsa A in our highly recommended driving report.

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The prima ballerina

Bruno von Rotz
09/23/2022

Alfa Romeo 8C von 2007 (© AR)

There is hardly a new car on the market these days that could be described as a prima ballerina. When you think of the latest innovations, you tend to think of elephants or at least well-fed cows or rhinoceroses. But 15 years ago, things were different, at least in part.

On October 24, 2007, Automobil Revue announced the production-ready Alfa Romeo 8C under the title "Prima Ballerina". However, the 8C was no longer new at that time, as Alfa Romeo had already presented the elegant sports car, at that time still with a small "c", in Frankfurt in 2003. But four years later, the "8C Competizione 500 Limited Edition" was also available to drive.

You could buy one of the elegant two-seaters for CHF 237,750, but Alfa Romeo was confident that customers would be happy to invest a further CHF 50,000 in additional options. Want some examples? Forged alloy wheels CHF 6935, Bose CD with Bluetooth CHF 4363, navigation CHF 1891, iPod connection CHF 364, fire extinguisher CHF 582, Quadrifoglio logo on the fenders CHF 1164, special tires CHF 5092, red brake calipers CHF 1309, etc.
Matthias Pfannmüller, who was testing the 8C for Automobil Revue in Italy at the time, was delighted after his test drive.

The year 2007 offered even more interesting innovations, such as the Audi R8. "Too bad it's not called Le Mans," wrote AR at the time. The first annual production run was already sold out, it was announced in January 2007, with a base price of CHF 156,300, around 80,000 francs less than the 8C.

The Maserati Granturismowas also new at the time and was allowed to undergo the complete test procedure straight away. 0-100 km/h was measured in 5.4 seconds and the top speed was 285 km/h according to the factory. It took 36.5 meters to brake from 100 to 0 and 16.5 liters were enough for 100 brisk kilometers.

Incidentally, the retro-trimmed Fiat 500( with front engine/front-wheel drive) was also new in 2007 and the Tesla Roadsterwas also still a newcomer at the time. AR wrote at the time: "The car fans from Silicon Valley who are causing a sensation with their Lotus Elise converted to electric drive may be dreamers who are using their internet millions to buy themselves a toy, but Tesla is planning nothing less than a revolution in car manufacturing for the coming years".

However, 2007 was also a year of looking back. 60 years of Saab, for example, were celebrated and documented, but also 60 years of Ferrari. Makes sense, because we are currently celebrating 75 years of Ferrari, but hardly anyone has thought about 75 years of Saab.

It is definitely worth taking a look at the recently digitized 2007 issue of Automobil Revue . You're always surprised how much you can forget in just 15 years.

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On the road like the postman in the VW Type 147 'Fridolin'

Bruno von Rotz
09/22/2022

Thanks to Volkswagen Classic, we recently had the opportunity to take a test drive in the VW 'Fridolin'. The Type 147 was developed in the 1960s on behalf of the German Federal Post Office and assembled at Westfalia using various components from other VW models. The German Federal Post Office and the Swiss Post Office (PTT) bought a large proportion of the 6139 vehicles produced between 1964 and 1974, whose special features were the sliding side doors.

The originally defined requirements called for a loading space of at least two cubic meters, which had to be accessible from the interior, the aforementioned sliding doors and a payload of 400 kg.

Volkswagen succeeded in meeting these requirements with the 'Fridolin' without any problems. The suspension, engine and gearbox were taken from the VW 1200 and married to the chassis of the Karmann-Ghia. Other parts came from the VW Transporter, partially adapted.

When you sit down in the 'Fridolin', the proximity to the Beetle is immediately apparent. The upright pedals, gearshift and central speedometer are immediately reminiscent of the Volkswagen from Wolfsburg. However, the speedometer, which reaches up to 160 km/h, is somewhat surprising.

The 34 hp were just enough for a top speed of 100 km/h. However, the just over 1200 examples for the PTT had the more powerful 1.3-liter engine with 44 hp and disc brakes at the front, but the PTT 'Fridolin' still struggled on inclines.

The aerodynamics of the Post vehicle, which offered a generous feeling of space, were probably not ideal due to its large cross-sectional area. But the car was never intended to be a highway sweeper. On country roads and especially in urban areas, the yellow-grey Post-Volkswagen is fast enough and reasonably easy to drive.

It feels a bit like a minivan, only the sliding doors are rather unusual. In some cases, the rear-view mirrors were mounted on the A-pillar so that you could drive with the doors open. This saved the postal worker time when he had to empty a letterbox or deliver a parcel.

It is somewhat surprising, however, that the steering wheel is fitted on the left, as the Swiss Post, for example, had right-hand drive VW Beetles to make it safer to get out at the side of the road.

We would like to thank Volkswagen Classic for the opportunity to take a test drive.

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A slightly different view of the 11th classic car meeting in Vaduz

Daniel Reinhard, Fotos Stefan Rogger
09/21/2022

We don't want to withhold an insight into a small but not unimportant classic car meeting from our readers.

The 11th classic car meeting took place on August 28, 2022 in Vaduz in the "Ländle" (Principality of Liechtenstein) and was attended by an old colleague who attended the monastery school with us.

Stefan Rogger, who has been a popular artist in Central Switzerland for years, once said at one of his openings: "Adults have to learn again to see things around them the way children see them."

I believe he has succeeded in doing this quite well with some of the pictures from Vaduz.

We don't want to withhold these from our readers ...

... and make them smile too.

In any case, we were very pleased with the photos.

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