The competence center Fahreinheit in historic Grüningen is up and running. The various services relating to valuable and cherished classic vehicles are now united under one roof. This multi-storey Minergie building was realized according to the latest architectural principles by Christ Johann Collenberg and Marcel Wieduwilt.
The services offered by the Competence Center Driving Unit include automotive engineering, bodywork, spray shop, preparation and maintenance as well as a car hotel for over 160 vehicles. This makes the driving unit unique in this composition. The services offered can be used individually, but as a whole they offer tangible added value for owners of veteran vehicles. The core of the competence center is the two-storey car hotel, which is designed to store these special automobiles carefully and thus preserve their value.
In particular, the focus is on offering valet parking for the practical and carefree storage and use of classic cars. Protection, safety, support and service are a daily reality at the Competence Center Driving Unit.
Founder and co-owner Christ Johann Collenberg in conversation:
Where does your love of motorized vehicles come from?
From my childhood. We didn't have a car or motorcycle at home - only bicycles. My father gave me my first motorcycle for my 14th birthday. I then bought my first 125 and discovered Switzerland on it - that was pure freedom for me. When I was 20, I bought my first car.
How do you explain your fascination with it to outsiders?
For me, unrestricted mobility means living freedom.
Have you always enjoyed engines?
Oh yes, at first I was fascinated by motorcycle engines, then by motorcycles and only later by cars. Interestingly, I didn't have any access to related professions when I was choosing my career and opted for a banking apprenticeship.
How experienced are you with wrenches and spark plug sockets?
Unfortunately, I don't have the in-depth basic knowledge to screw things together myself, but I can do smaller jobs myself without any problems.
Do you own any classic cars yourself?
My wife and I own a few classic cars. I bought my first classic car from my parents-in-law 20 years ago.
Are you a collector or do you see your classic cars as an investment?
Both. I now have a small collection myself. For me, however, it is primarily a collection of historic vehicles that are simply fun to drive or maintain.
Who came up with the idea for the 'Fahreinheit' project and concept?
Many years ago, we were eating asparagus in Flaach with friends and discussing alternative investment opportunities in investment properties. An industrial building converted into a car hotel seemed lucrative to us at the time. However, it soon became clear that the challenge was to find an ideally accessible property in the Zurich/Pfannenstiel/upper Lake Zurich catchment area.
Why did you choose Grüningen?
In spring 2019, we struck gold in our search for a suitable plot of land; we quickly came to an agreement with the owner and her representatives.
In Roland Portmann, you and Marcel were able to secure an expert in classic cars as the main tenant. Would the project have been realized without him?
As is so often the case in life, one thing led to another and we are very happy that it worked out the way it did. We look forward to a long and successful partnership and collaboration.
Will you often be seen in Grüningen?
Yes, definitely. I'm looking forward to many encounters and conversations. The driving unit offers classic car clubs and associations, among others, the opportunity to meet there regularly and host events, seminars and training courses.
Speaking of which vehicle do you prefer to drive?
That depends on many situational factors: Alone or accompanied, closed or open, sporty or elegant, quiet or flashy - I like it varied and adapted to the respective mood.
And which vehicle is missing from your collection?
If I ask my dear wife - none. But as so often happens in life, there's always a new one in the garage. I focus on cars of European origin from 1950 to 1980, although there is also a pre-war veteran from the USA in my garage.
Further information can be found on the website of the Competence Center Driving Unit.
