The first issue of the Swiss classic car magazine "Swiss Classics" was published in early 2004. It was created on a whim, but the magazine went its own way and is being published for the 40th time with the anniversary issue. Hats off!
The 14 favorite articles
In the 40th issue, the editorial team looks back on the 39 issues produced and presents 14 articles that were chosen as the "favorites from 10 years". These include topics such as the Enzmann 506 (from the first issue), Dodge Frua, Migros sales cars, the Volvo Amazon 123 GT, Montage Suisse, Citroën 2 CV, Nash Ambassor, Chevy Styleline, Studebaker Champion Starliner, Monteverdi, Pontiac, Talbot-Lago T15 Worblaufen, environmental zones and Jaguar XK 120.
Unfortunately, the old articles cannot be read in full, but it is possible to order earlier magazines.
Times have changed since 2004
The "Top 10 2004" and the "Top 10 Lost" were compiled under the title "Times have changed". For the Top 10 2004, ten potential classics that were available to buy in 2004 were listed, including the BMW Z8, Peugeot 406 Coupé and the Renault Clio V6.
The list of "disappeared" cars is informative and interesting. It shows 10 cars that were seen in large numbers on Swiss roads in 2004 , but which can hardly be bought today. For example, the number of Ford Sierra vehicles in Switzerland in 2003 was an impressive 16,388; according to Auto Mark Siegenthaler, there are currently just seven examples for sale, all Cosworth-powered sports models, which accounted for just 0.2% of production at the time.
Other "rarities" mentioned are the Alfa Romeo 164, Citroën BX, Mazda 121, Fiat Uno, Nissan Sunny, Opel Kadett E, Peugeot 205, Renault R19 and Mitsubishi Lancer. For none of the examples did Siegenthal find more than 20 vehicles on the market.
Of course, these lists are a gimmick and they were not compiled with scientific meticulousness, but they are all entertaining.
Now on newsstands
Number 40-4/2013/2014 of Swiss Classics is148 pages long and costs CHF 9, EUR 7 (Germany) or EUR 7.20 (Austria) at newsagents. From 2014, it will be published six times instead of four, so there is no end in sight to this success story.
We, the makers of Zwischengas, would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Markus Rühle and his crew on the tenth birthday of the baby "Swiss Classics", which will soon be a teenager.
Further information on Swiss Classics can also be found on the magazine's website.
