The classic car scene has changed massively in recent years. With the discovery of the classic car as an investment, a new class has virtually emerged. O iO was, is and will remain a popular festival and makes a major contribution to anchoring classic cars in the population. We will need this support in the future.
The extremely popular passenger rides and the joy of classic cars on the roadside
Most of those who come to the O iO in their classic cars take passengers for a drive in Sarnen and the surrounding area. This includes, for example, the driver of a 1937 Cord 812 S/C Phaeton, which was already parked in front of the Villa d'Este. These passenger rides, every Saturday from 13:45 - 14:45, are the absolute highlight for the thousands of visitors.
This excerpt from an email from the President of the Mustang Club Switzerland, René Suter, regarding O iO 2014 shows that this was successful: "What I personally also liked very much was the acceptance of classic cars in the region. On the drive to Seelisberg, it felt like being part of the Tour des Suisse entourage. I was very impressed by such great enthusiasm from the population."
Fashion from many decades
Sarnen on Saturday, May 23 and Engelberg on Whit Sunday, May 24 will become time capsules at the O iO. More and more participants, as well as spectators, are dressing nostalgically. The range is very broad, as a glance at the start list shows. Vehicles from 1884 onwards are listed there.
The O iO Tross
O iO Tross members, recognizable by their O iO badges, are the 460 classic cars that are currently traveling to the event, plus representatives of the authorities and sponsors. So far there are 1,390 people, including 130 kids. There will be even more participants and classic cars. Most of them will join the excursions. The destination on Saturday, May 23 is Stöckalp. It is reached on a little-known side road via Flüeli Ranft. An aperitif awaits everyone there, just like in Sarnen in the morning at the weekly market.
The excursion destination on Whit Sunday, May 24, is Engelberg. There are several routes to choose from. In two places in the Engelberg Valley, participants can use side roads through beautiful areas that are otherwise closed to traffic.
General information
Almost everything that once drove on our roads can be seen at the O iO, as a glance at the online start list with many photos shows.
Sarnen and Engelberg are largely closed to normal traffic when O iO is there. O iO is free of charge for visitors. Participants with classic cars pay a contribution towards expenses: CHF 105 for Saturday / Sunday and CHF 70 for Saturday and CHF 55 for Sunday. The complete program can be found at www.O-iO.ch. The relevant information is specially summarized for spectators: www.o-io.ch/Zuschauer.
