Oldtimer in Obwalden 2012 was not afternoon tea with our elders but an event for those passionate about classic automobiles. The collection was most impressive and brought to mind the saying: “ they just don’t build them like that anymore”.
Giswil, a small town located at the end of the valley in Canton Obwald, was the host for day 2 of OIO 2012. The valley burst with spring colors while hinting, with snow capped mountains, of a winter not too far in the past. The Brünigstrasse, which runs parallel to the train tracks, served as the perfect runway for the event: a convivial gathering of automative fans enjoying an opportunity to get-up-close and personal with the best work of American and European automakers from decades past. A pristine 1960 Chevy Impala Convertible garnered as much attention as a baby blue 1952 Jaguar XK120 or a candy-apple red 1938 Mercedes. An equal variety of music blared from speakers while folks, dressed in vintage clothing, mingled with young and old alike who came to admire these rare beauties.
Although I am not super knowledgable about vintage cars, OIO 2012 was a blast! I was particularly amused to see so many American classics deep in the heartland of Switzerland and further entertained to hear Malt-Shop music drifting over the sound of people enjoying a pleasant Sunday afternoon in May. With a gelato or beer or sausage in hand, the crowd moved among the cars humming with contentment and laughing with ease. Many waited eagerly to see a piece of automotive history fire-up their engine and cruise down the lane, parting the crowds, and displaying with pomp and fervor its elegance and timeless beauty. I admit, I was one of them !
Make sure to get in on fun at OIO next year: May 18 & 19 2013!
Oldtimer in Obwalden Ruedi Müller + Team
Dörfli 5
6060 Ramersberg