The search for rare, no longer available spare parts for vintage and classic cars is often an almost endless and nerve-wracking undertaking. This could soon come to an end. An almost endless collection spanning five decades can be found in the halls of the former car recycling company Ernst Egger AG in Grafenried, Bern.
Sorted according to individual categories such as bodywork, engine, gearbox, etc., mostly neatly labeled and stored in corresponding shelves or areas, visitors with an affinity for automobiles will come across an impressive number of used parts from motor vehicles from the distant and recent past.
Spare parts for cars from five decades
From 1942 until the end of the 1980s, vehicles of all makes were carefully slaughtered at the Egger car recycling plant and their usable parts sorted and stored.
The many halls and winding corridors contain countless complete engines, engine parts, gearboxes, starters, alternators, relays, front and rear axles, steering systems, brakes, rims, instruments, switches, headlights, rear lights, bodywork parts such as doors, hoods, trunk lids, small and very small parts - and this list is by no means exhaustive.
Long accessible only to a select few
For decades, practically no one was allowed to enter the well-kept and secretive warehouse until a few years ago, when a new owner took over the property and its contents and made the "catacombs" in Grafenried accessible to the general public.
Demand is high and the sale of the stored treasures is now to be stepped up.
Search and find
However, interested parties must search for and retrieve the desired items on their own. There are neither catalogs nor inventory lists of the available spare parts. Staff are available on site during opening hours to provide information and help with locating and retrieving the desired items.
Inquiries can also be made during the week by text message, WhatsApp or alternatively by e-mail to the mobile number +41 78 238 71 55 and will be answered promptly if possible. However, a visit to the site undoubtedly promises the greatest success. Good shoes, work gloves and a flashlight make the task easier.
The former Ernst Egger AG car recycling plant at Bernstrasse 23, 3308 Grafenried, is now open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until further notice.
