Swiss Classic Award 2024: Honoring the People Behind Classic Cars

On November 29, 2023, the Swiss Classic Award was presented in eight categories at the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne. This marks the seventh year of this event, celebrating teams and individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of classic cars. The achievements of the nominees and award winners are remarkable and essential for the preservation of the classic car scene.

The motto “It’s all about the people” was frequently heard during the event’s moderation, emphasizing the core of the Swiss Classic Award. This time, it wasn’t the classic cars taking center stage but the people who have worked tirelessly to preserve and share automotive history in many diverse ways.

In total, eight awards were presented, including the prestigious Swiss Classic Lifetime Award. This award recognizes individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to the classic car community over a long period. This year’s award was given to H.A. Bichsel, founder of the Swiss Federation for Historic Vehicles and RAID. It is far from a given that classic cars can still drive on Swiss roads today.

In the 1980s, they were blamed for forest dieback, and there were plans to ban them from the streets entirely. Thanks to Bichsel, crucial regulations for classic cars were introduced and adapted. They were officially recognized as cultural assets, the inspection intervals for veteran vehicles were extended, and some licensing conditions were eased. Through his efforts and the federation, the entire classic car community became more organized and connected.

Other awards celebrated various significant classic car events in Switzerland. Among the winners were Auto Engiadina, the Lenzerheide Motor Classics, the Association des Vieilles Mécaniques, the Free Oldtimer Meeting, and the Oldtimer Treffen Zug. The Rookie Award went to “Das Depot” in Murten, led by its 18-year-old museum director and founder, Leonard Riesen. The Innovation Award was presented to engine builder Edy Schorno, who amazed the audience with his insights into 3D printing metal components for classic cars.

A key message of the event was that nothing should be taken for granted. The freedoms that many classic car enthusiasts enjoy today are thanks to pioneers and dedicated individuals who actively fought for them.

SWISS CLASSIC AWARDS AND WINNERS

Lifetime Award: H.A. Bichsel
Innovation Award: Edy Schorno (Engine Builder)
Rookie Award: Das Depot
Door Opener Award: Auto Engiadina
Historic Motorsport Award: Lenzerheide Motor Classics
Passion Award Suisse Romande: Association des Vieilles Mécaniques, Baulmes
Passion Award Svizzera Italiana: Free Oldtimer Meeting
Passion Award Deutschschweiz: Oldtimer Treffen Zug (OSMT Zug)

Website: https://www.swiss-classic-award.ch