“4 days, 12 sports cars, 16 Alpine passes and a helicopter flight as a highlight”

So I got on the phone, called Ernst and a few minutes after a warm “hello”, my personal highlight for a great trip in late summer 2023 was set. From then on, I could look forward to an exhilarating festival of curves over the most beautiful Alpine passes, which would make all our hearts, filled with “gasoline in the blood”, beat faster – 4 days, 12 sports cars, 16 Alpine passes and, as a highlight, a helicopter flight over the simply incomparable scenery of the Dolomites. Now the biggest challenge for 2023 was to wait for the day when it would finally start.

I got to know Ernst when he began to turn his passion for fast and old cars into something new. After originally pursuing a career as a professional racing driver (European Karting Champion 2006, racing and testing experience in Formula BMW and Formula 3), he completed an international business degree. After further stations in business and consulting, he started his first brand “Oldtimer Urlaubsreisen” (www.oldtimer-urlaubsreisen.de) in 2017 and now, voila, since 2022 the second brand with “Sportwagen Erlebnisreisen” (www.sportwagen-erlebnisreisen.de ).

During our phone call, I was spoiled for choice when it came to choosing one of the four trips on offer for 2023. The choices were the season opening on Lake Garda over 7 days with the special treat of an exclusive boat trip with Frauscher sports boats, a tour over 4 days through the Bavarian & Austrian Prealps under the motto “In the footsteps of Ferdinand Porsche & Walter Röhrl”, an eventful 8 days along the Route des Grandes Alpes and Route Napoleon with everything this fantastic scenery has to offer and last but not least my choice of the tour through the Dolomites and around the Grossglockner. What all the tours have in common is that the focus is on experience, sharing and enjoyment, inviting participants to let themselves drift, be inspired and pampered.

What Ernst repeatedly emphasized on the phone was what he places particular value on and what makes his trips what they are, something special, but definitely eventful. In order to actively differentiate himself from other providers in this segment, he focuses on the overall experience of riding, discovering and enjoying. He focuses on small group sizes, which benefits both the overall organization and execution as well as the development of direct interpersonal contacts. His hand-picked daily highlights offer the opportunity to take part in exclusive events/activities that are not always open to the public, and the sociable togetherness comes naturally through groups that are perfectly matched to the personal interests of the participants.

Of course, the whole event will be accompanied by professional photography and video, so that everyone will be able to see their own personal highlights afterwards.

What does a “normal” tour day look like, or what can you expect?

Roughly speaking, the day starts after breakfast with a first one-hour drive to the first program point of the day. This varies depending on the region, but for us it was a visit to a South Tyrolean coffee roastery. This is followed by a short stage to lunch and from there to the next “place of action” – the next special activity of the day in addition to the route. Then it’s a relaxed ride (or another sporty ride, depending on your mood) to your chosen accommodation for the evening and night. So none of the participants will return from such a tour without having got to know the respective region, some of its special features and especially its beauty.

The great thing is that not only one highlight is selected per tour, but there is something special to experience every single day, be it in selected culinary outstanding locations (we were in the 1-star restaurant Malga Panna in the middle of and with a great view of “nowhere”), extraordinary events, such as in our case the helicopter flight around the Sella massif (mega! ) or visits to local artistic, artisanal or commercial specialties – all in all, a great balance of riding fun, experiences and discovering new things, as well as getting to know the other participants and making new friends among like-minded people.

For me, it was four exceptionally enjoyable days with lots of great experiences, the opportunity to meet extremely nice and interesting enthusiasts and the fun of a perfectly organized and orchestrated event. Such undertakings thrive on the love of detailed preparation and execution, the perfect mix of participants and the flexibility and spontaneity to get involved in unexpected new things outside of the planning. The fact that Ernst has a “lucky” knack for this is something that the participants experience on every single day of the tours and is also reflected in the high rate of “repeat offenders”.

If you fancy a ride like this, you can find the program for 2024 here, as well as more information about the brand and the team behind it.

I myself have not yet been able to decide for 2024. Depending on my schedule, it will either be the shorter tour from Bavaria to South Tyrol (I’m particularly keen on the ‘James Bond experience’) or the longer trip to one of my favorite regions (Massif Central – an absolute insider tip!). I still have a little time to decide, but I won’t wait too long – my first inquiry with Ernst revealed that many tours are already fully booked.

Photos: Dominik Pelzer – Sportwagenerlebnisreisen https://www.sportwagen-erlebnisreisen.de

Der Beitrag Enjoy the finest driving and new experiences erschien zuerst auf Secret Classics.

Sunday evening. The bonnet is still warm, the key is pulled out of the ignition with an exhausted but happy sigh and we pause for a moment to reflect on the moments of the last 72 hours. Three days of driving together are behind us, which led us through the picturesque, spruce-lined roads of the Black Forest in the best weather, so that especially the convertible and Targa drivers were allowed to unpack the sun cream again at the beginning of October. The whole thing with an amazing amount of culture and even time to marvel at the view while idling in the hotel’s wellness area.

We accompanied the 8th Mondino Transalpino Tour, where every year friends and strangers who become friends join forces with one goal: to ride, enjoy and create unforgettable memories together. The Mondino Amaro founders know a thing or two about enjoyment. The eponymous aperitif combines Italian joie de vivre with Bavarian Alpine herbs and is also produced organically. In Munich, people have been toasting each other with the refreshing and versatile aperitif for a long time, because “a bit of dolce vita always goes” and Aperol Spritz has become rather hackneyed.

“A little bit of dolce vita always goes” and Aperol Spritz has become rather hackneyed.

The four Mondino founders are united not only by a passion for the Alps and Italy, but also for cars. It’s obvious that they made their first trip across the Alps to Italy, isn’t it? That’s how the Mondino Transalpino Rally was born 8 years ago. From three cars in 2015 to 30 cars today, the Mondino Transalpino Tour has become a highlight of the year for friends and friends of friends of the initiators. But even though many of the participants know each other – the mood and openness of the group resonates that newcomers are also welcome in the Mondino Family. That is what makes the vibe in the community. From Slovenia to Italy, the Mondino guys have already chased their participants over some passes, known or unknown, in past tours. This tour in the Black Forest has shown that we also have incredibly beautiful routes and undiscovered spots within Germany. Because there is a lot to experience there within three days.

We start off at the Unimog Museum in Gaggenau, where the first Unimog (abbreviation for universal motor vehicle) was produced by Mercedes-Benz in 1951. A short tour of the exhibition and a joyful hello later, we are all eager to take the first curves. Equipped with a roadbook, Mondino cap on our heads and rally stickers on the bodywork, we set off on our first stage towards the Schwarzenbach dam.

After a “Mondino Style” lunch with a view of the water, we continue along deserted country roads over narrow bends through small villages with typical dark wooden houses and flower boxes on the windows until our hotel at Schluchsee appears in front of us. In the evening we visit the Rothaus Brewery, where we trace the Tannenzäpfle and its history in the middle of the Upper Black Forest. The 0.33l Tannenzäpfle, which was still considered an unusual and bold bottle size in 1956, has long since established itself as a timeless classic.

After regional Geschnetzelte in cream sauce with spaetzle, we end the day with drinks at the hotel bar in the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten at Schluchsee.

The next day is a direct continuation of the cultural and educational mission of the previous day. In the golden morning mood, we travel along still sleepy forest roads to the Vitra Campus in the south of the Black Forest. Here in Rheinfelden, almost on the border with Switzerland, a family business is making design history. The iconic Vitra chairs are now familiar from every vogue student flat. The campus with its architectural works of art and the travelling exhibition are an absolute satisfaction for the aesthetic eye and inspiration for one’s own living room.

To satisfy our palates as well, we then head to Schliengen to my personal highlight of the tour: the VDP winery Blankenhorn, also family-run. In their modern and bright rooms we enjoy a wine tasting, accompanied by a regional “Vesperbrettle” and a subsequent cellar tour. This gives us a glimpse into the large fermentation vessels in which the 2023 version of the Spätburgunder we have just tasted lies on the mash.

Inspired by the sun’s rays in the cloudless, blue sky and the lively conversations, we walk through shady valleys, over lush, green hills past old farmhouses and cosy grazing cattle back to the hotel. Here we were treated to a four-course meal and rumour has it that the bar in the hotel’s own disco “Vulcano” was taken over by a couple of Mondinos at later hours.

The grande finale of our tour is the Junghans Terrassenbau Museum on the last day of the tour. Here we can learn a lot about the fascinating mechanics of cuckoo clocks. I think it’s an original designer piece for a stylish loft flat and would certainly look good next to the USB record player. Besides, the terraced construction is really cool to look at and is celebrated as one of the most unusual industrial buildings in the world. And all this in the Black Forest!

I think I speak for the majority of the tour participants when I say: who would have thought that the Black Forest has so much to offer and could provide the perfect end to the season. The panorama, the carefully worked out route and the varied programme made this tour a well-rounded experience and left nothing to be desired. Many thanks to Ferdinand Sauerbruch and Olivier Wöhrl for the great organisation! Would you like to discover the route for yourself? You can find route details for the individual days online and in the Scenic App with the following links: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3.

You find more information here: https://www.mondino-transalpino.com and on Instagram instagram.com/mondinoamaro. Photos by Luca Eder (@_lucaeder) from Frameline Gallery (https://www.frameline.gallery)

Der Beitrag La German Vita – the Mondino Transalpino Tour erschien zuerst auf Secret Classics.

Photographer Lorenzo Kikisch woke up extra early on that Sunday to have enough time & space to photograph the rare examples of historic racing cars and the numerous vehicles of local owners in black & white – a review.

Porsche 935 No. 0028

In 1980, Porsche 935 0028 landed in Jacksonsville, Florida. The recipient: Peter Gregg of Brumos Porsche. There, the 935 was given some clever aerodynamic improvements, including the “Moby Dick K4” front end. In November 1980, Peter Gregg entered the car in the Paul Revere Daytona, but struggled to qualify as he developed vision problems following a road traffic accident. Gregg tragically committed suicide two weeks later, leaving 935 No. 0028 as the last car he ever drove.

“One of the wildest air-cooled 911.”

In order for Porsche to enter the competition class of N/GT cars, the Zuffenhausen-based company had to build at least 1000 vehicles of the 993 Carrera RS. In the end, 1104 were produced, plus 227 in the Clubsport version – two of which found their way outside Warehouse Nine at the Port of Long Beach this weekend.

“I love the idea of creating a place where everything from the 356 to the 914 to the 935 is presented like a work of art.”

-Lorenzo Kikisch

On 29 April 2023, the ninth edition of “Luft” will find its way to the San Francisco Bay Area. Over two days, the history of the car manufacturer from Zuffenhausen will be presented almost without a gap. For the first time, water-cooled, modern vehicles also find their way to the event, well at least to the event area. With “Air | Water”, a meeting will take place on the day after “Luft 9” that also offers a space for water-cooled vehicles. From the 356 to the 992 GT3 RS – the trip to California should definitely be worthwhile this weekend!

You can find more information about the event here.

Photos: Lorenzo Kikisch

Lorenzo on Instagram

Der Beitrag Lorenzo meets Luft erschien zuerst auf Secret Classics.

It is below zero degrees on this Saturday morning when we leave the Ospizio Bernina. A few stars still twinkle in the sky and absolute silence surrounds us. The mountains around us seem magical and somehow threatening. But only a short time later, threatening turns into breathtaking when the first engines start in the hall, warm them up and the unfiltered sound of an old Formula 1 car wakes up not only the Alps but also us for good.

As the race cars gradually roll out of the garage, the orange mountain peaks glowing in the morning sun in the background, the familiar smell of petrol and oil immediately hits our nostrils – the bone-chilling cold suddenly faded out. While we stroll past the top-class cars – we are not sure if this is not just a dream – the teams are still checking their cars, measuring the air pressure, adjusting the fine details and mentally preparing for the 5.7 kilometre long track. A short driver briefing, and even before the sun fully appears over the mountains, the motivated drivers start in a convoy to the starting point. Even on the way down a few hundred metres to “La Rösa”, you can guess what fireworks of driving dynamics and deafening noise will be set off here over the next few hours.

Thin air.

Before everyone makes their way to the start and lines up, it is already time for the qualifying heats. Just a moment of silence, and the whole mountain resounds with the unmistakable sound of an old formula racing car, open intake, no muffler, just pure. The echo makes the sound reverberate from the starting point all the way up to us at the finish bend. The driver throws the car into the bend with all his might and charges through it, making you wonder if the mountains aren’t about to collapse. Rarities such as the “Blitzenbenz”, or Bugatti Type35 followed by Porsche 550 Spyder and Lancia Stratos, but the drivers give themselves nothing, taking every centimetre of the pass peppered with hairpins and hairpin bends, even in the training run.

The high altitude air is not only an additional strain for the riders, but also some carburettor engines sometimes stop for short moments – shoot out – but still no reason for the riders to pedal slowly.

The mixture of cars and their ambitious drivers, coupled with the backdrop of the Swiss Alps, makes us lose all touch with reality. When do you see an original 911 RSR from 1974, which incidentally set the fastest time, racing up a mountain pass?

The variation ranges from muscle cars and hotrods to classic sports cars like the 911 ST and Alfa Romeos to modern-day hypercars like the Bugatti Divo. The mix of sound experiences is simply perfect, turbo chattering five cylinders, screeching V6 naturally aspirated, V8 bubbling,… the mix leaves nothing to be desired.

No holding back.

And regardless of the make and especially the value – they drive as fast as they can, no holding back. Some of them even exceed the liability limit, but apart from one incident, which fortunately remains a fender bender, the race proceeds without incident.

The spirit of historic motorsport – it is lived here, by the drivers, the marshals and also the fans spread out along the track at over 2,000 metres. 

The Bernina Gran Turismo, a unique event – and we’ll be back!

Fotos & Text: Andreas Griesbeck – www.instagram.com/carkult_andi

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Everything is still quiet and a little sleepy on this Saturday morning at Schloss Neufahrn, the starting point of the two-day rally. It took place for the last time in 2019, so the anticipation to start again is all the greater. And the wait is finally over as the first participants arrive and the sound of the engines drowns out the chirping of the birds. Little by little, the classic cars trickle into the area, and it becomes clear what a colourful mix is on offer. From pre-war cars from the 1920s to timeless icons like the E-Type or 356 to muscle cars a la Mustang, there is something for every taste. Of course, the time until the drivers’ briefing and the start is still used, some study the road book over a veal sausage and a pretzel, others carry out final checks on their cars, and they are ready to go.

no holding back on the speed

So, shift into gear and put your right foot towards the floor. Although the first stage to the BMW Service Centre in Dingolfing is not timed, this does not stop the drivers from giving a taste of what they and their treasures are capable of. In the midst of all the enthusiasm, some of the drivers forget to pay attention to where they are going, because a rally is driven according to the road book, which means that the co-pilot reads out instructions to the driver on where to go in how many metres. After small snacks at the first stage finish, the rally continues, despite a summer rain, which remains the only one this weekend, with the first special stage. Over country roads, through forests and over meadows the roads wind, inviting to enjoyable driving. But there is no holding back on the speed, which is of course appropriate for racing cars like Jaguars or Aston-Martins. The looks are all the more surprised when suddenly a Messerschmidt cabin scooter literally flies by at country road speed, “tired of life”, as the pilot describes it. After more than three hours on the road, it is time to switch off the engines, let the pulse sink again and end the day with a fine meal and a view over Landshut.

As soon as we fall asleep, the alarm clock rings and it’s time to get going again with the second, more driving-intensive day of the Falkenhausen Classics. The meeting point is the Porsche Centre in Landshut, where we gather some energy over breakfast while the cars are examined by interested spectators, and then we hit the road. But only for a short distance, namely into the old town of Landshut, where all the cars are lined up for the Concours d’ Elegance. The picturesque backdrop of the old town, which is normally a pedestrian zone, provides the perfect setting for the admirable classic cars to simply drift away and be transported back in time. From grandmas and grandpas with their grandchildren to four-legged friends, the pedestrian zone is filled and it’s all about one thing, the fascination of classic cars. No matter where you look, everywhere you look there is a sparkle of enthusiasm in your eyes. And it is precisely this atmosphere, this enthusiasm and accessibility for all, that has made the event so special for 40 years now. Organiser Verena Proebst, who has been carrying on the legacy of her parents, Walter and Hilde Proebst, for over 10 years now and organises the Falkenhausen Classics in their memory with her team, is also keen to make the rally tangible for everyone in the spirit of its founders and to share the enthusiasm with everyone.

The old town really comes to life as the participants start their engines and make their way through the people. Goosebumps. The teams, already well-rehearsed by now, set off, side by side, curve by curve, always with an eye on the time and a grin on their faces, albeit a concentrated one. In Mariakirchen, at the Schlossbräu brewery, they stop for lunch, take a deep breath and recharge their batteries before the final stage with the finish at Trausnitz Castle. The afternoon flies by and the first participants already arrive at the medieval castle. What a sight as the Studebaker, built in 1926, drives through the gate, surrounded as always by spectators who are just as happy about the sight as we are.

After almost all participants have arrived – some unfortunately had to surrender due to technical problems – it is already time to announce the winners and let the weekend come to an end with a well-deserved cold drink. It was a treat, see you in 2023!

Photos & Text: Andi Griesbeck

Der Beitrag Through picturesque Bavaria at the Alex v. Falkenhaus Classics. erschien zuerst auf Secret Classics.

Of course, among the relatively common versions were rarities. Thus one found 356 Speedster, 911 Carrera RS 2.7 or 911 (996) Turbo S. The Carrera GT and 918 Spyder supercars were also represented. A real speciality was one of only 200 built 911 (991.2) Turbo S Exclusive Series Convertible, which actually was only available in the USA and Canada originally. Tuning enthusiasts also found what they were looking for. AP Car Design brought along the 911 (964) Turbo, which they currently completely rebuild for Jean Pierre Kraemer (JP Performance), among other cars. DJ La Fuente from the Netherlands arrived in his blue Techart GT Street R. Among the racing cars on display was the Phoenix Team Iron Force including driver Jan-Erik Slooten. Other VIPs walked through the crowd and enjoyed the beautiful weather and the fine cars from Zuffenhausen like all other visitors. On May 1, 2023, the Porsche meeting will enter a new era at the racecourse of Mülheim an der Ruhr.

Images: Katrin Kierse, Matthias Kierse

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A 250 GT Competizione TdF, a 250 Europa, a Dino 246 GTS, a 275 GTB or even a 250 GT/L show the beauty of the early Ferrari years. In contrast, two 308 GTBs at the end of the tour are clearly more modern. Next to 15 completely restored and certified vehicles and a rack with body parts of a 500 Mondial, the special exhibition also shows various exhibits from the factory archive. “Ferrari Forever” is scheduled to run until 17 February 2023. During this time, it is possible that one or more cars will be replaced. The Museo Enzo Ferrari is open daily between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Images: Ferrari

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From 12 March, the new special exhibition “Cars of Film and Television” will be added. In keeping with the name, many cars and motorbikes from Hollywood productions and TV series will come together here. From the Batmobile and the Ghostbusters Cadillac ECTO-1 to the DeLorean from “Back to the Future”. This is the only original film car that was used in all three parts of the BttF film series. Two motorbikes from “Men in Black 3” are on display. Another motorbike is from “Terminator Salvation”. The famous Ford Torino from “Starsky and Hutch” is also exhibited. One of the latest exhibits is the Lexus LC 500 from the 2018 movie “Black Panther”.

Images: Petersen Automotive Museum

Der Beitrag Movie cars in the Petersen Automotive Museum erschien zuerst auf Secret Classics.

In 1958, Daimler-Benz AG took over 88 percent of the company shares. From 1962 onwards, Volkswagen had intentions to buy Auto Union. Two years later, Daimler and VW reached a commercial agreement. Mercedes-Benz retained the plants in Düsseldorf and Spain. In 1969, Neckarsulmer Motorenwerke AG (NSU) was added to Auto Union, creating Audi NSU Auto Union AG. The brand name Audi had been used again since 1966. At the moment, the special exhibition “The Fifth Ring” at the company’s headquarters in Ingolstadt in the Audi Museum Mobile commemorates the brand history of NSU, which goes back to 1873. In addition to a knitting maching and a bicycle, this exhibition also shows 23 motorcycles and 11 cars from NSU all the way to the legendary Ro 80. Parallel to the launch of this special exhibition, Audi released their new Audi Tradition app, which can also be used as a virtual museum guide from home. It is available free of charge for iOS and Android devices.

Images: Audi

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Hall 1

In order to walk chronologically according to hall numbering, you have to enter the fair in Essen through the South Entrance. Here it starts with the Classic Salon, which brings together various classic car and sports car dealers. In addition, the Technikmuseum Sinsheim and Technikmuseum Speyer (technology museums in Germany) are showing some interesting exhibits. In the middle of the hall, as always, is the cube of SIHA, the exhibition organization of Techno Classica, which will (hopefully) start up again in March 2022. Around this cube this time are some sports cars from Ford as well as two Jaguar E-Types, a KTM X-Bow GT4 and a Koenigsegg Regera.

Hall 2

The Classic Salon continues in the adjacent Hall 2. Here you will also find various suppliers of clothing, accessories, model cars and spare parts. At the junction of the two halls, ADAC shows classic vehicles from the roadside assistance service. The main part, on the other hand, is filled by Chrome Cars from Jena with various special exhibitions. Among other things, the classic car dealer and collector is highlighting the sports car brand Lotus and numerous original movie cars. In addition to the Eleanor from “Gone in 60 Seconds”, it is probably mainly the cars from the “Fast’n’Furious” films that cause big eyes among the visitors here. Right next to them are other movie cars on a separate stand, including the Blues Brothers police car. In addition, the main theme of the Essen Motor Show – car tuning – is already spilling over into certain parts of the halls.

Hall 3

In order to get to the main hall of Messe Essen, this year one had to use the entrances via Hall 1 or 2 or directly the West Entrance. It isn’t possible to walk via the connecting Galeria as usual, because Hall 3 isn’t completely occupied for the first time. Nevertheless, as always, it offers a great cross-section of tuning companies, car brands and major parts suppliers such as Recaro, Sandtler, BBS and KW. Car manufacturers represented include Hyundai, Genesis (for the first time at a German auto show), Toyota and Lexus (via dealer Lackas), and Mercedes-Benz (via the Mercedes-Benz FanWorld). The rear part of the hall is traditionally taken over by ADAC with current racing cars from the 2021 season and a rollover simulator. Further forward in the hall, there is a special exhibition of classic racing cars from touring car and sports car racing series.

Hall 5

Hall 4, where a large drift and event area has traditionally been set up for many years, will remain closed in 2021, as will basement Hall 1A. This meant that the special exhibition “Tuning Experience” had to move by force and was given access to Hall 5 for this purpose. While on the one hand this enhances the private tuning project vehicles because you no longer have to descend into the basement, at the same time it takes away a bit of the family character that was previously given by the lower hall height. In our picture gallery we focus mainly on the refined classic cars that were found among the exhibits.

Halls 6, 7 and 8

Since 2019, Halls 6, 7 and 8 belong to the tuning companies. In addition to classic houses such as Brabus, AC Schnitzer or MTM, it is mainly younger companies that know how to pick up the audience with interesting projects. First and foremost, of course, JP Performance, HowDeep and Arlows. A tour of these halls reveals classic cars, modern supercars and wildly modified vehicles in abundance. In the middle of Hall 6, the German Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) also displays a self-propelled howitzer, which can also be viewed from the inside on request. At least on the preview day, one could still observe empty stands at some corners, which underlined the “Limited Edition” character of the Essen Motor Show 2021 in their own way.

Visit still possible until Sunday

The current Essen Motor Show is still running until Sunday, Dec. 5. It is important to mention that there are no tickets available at the entrances on site this year. Every visitor has to order his or her individualized ticket online in advance. In this way, the fair organization reduces the number of visitors per day to the level permitted by the authorities. For on-site access, proof of vaccination, recovery or negative testing (self-testing not permitted) is required.

Images: Christopher Sehlbach, Günter Weirich, Katrin Kierse and Matthias Kierse

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