Switzerland Volvo Meet
Per Truelsen
(as told to Mark Hershoren, foreignaffairsdesk@vclassics.com)
On the last weekend of September in 1999, I enjoyed an experience I would not have liked to have missed. I drove to a Volvo meeting in Switzerland.
Leaving my home in Langå, Denmark, on the 23rd, I drove my 164 as far as Hannover, Germany, where I met up with my friend Tim and his son and spent the night. The following morning we set out at 8:00. Our goal was to be in Switzerland by 7:00 that evening. Tim and his friend Henning accompanied my 164 in their '72 144 and the weather was perfect for our journey. I was enjoying myself for the most part, but my right leg and back began to hurt. A couple of rest stops and a few seat adjustments later, I found a comfortable way to drive. Our trip was delayed by several road improvement projects on the German motorways leaving us occasionally sitting still in traffic tie-ups.
We arrived at the Swiss border where we paid about $20 to drive on their roads. Time was running short, so it was a good thing we'd pre-registered. Two night's lodging and dining would await us at our destination. At six o'clock that evening, we arrived in Bourch where the meet was to be held. We were directed to our hotel where there was only time to sign in and drop off our baggage before driving back to the town center where all the Volvos were parked.
Being among the last to arrive, it was an odd feeling to pull up and know that we were being carefully looked at. We were the only foreign cars. That is to say that the rest of the participants lived in Switzerland. Everyone seemed to be admiring the two visiting Volvos from Denmark. What a great feeling!
Shortly after we parked with the other Volvos it was time for dinner. The restaurant was at the top of mountain, accessible via a cable railway that travels the 2000 meters to the peak. A fantastic view despite my fear of heights we got to the top and it was suggested that we might go for a walk to kill the half hour before dinner. I walked no more than 100 meters and had to turn around. The view was incredible, but you could also look straight down. It was more than I could bear.
Soon after, we found our seats at the tables and a speech was made. I was asked to stand for a round of applause, and then there was one for Tim. We became well known very quickly. Dinner was fondue, and glasses were clinked throughout.
The next morning after breakfast, we all met again at the cars. Everyone made a point to say hello to me, which was very heartwarming. Unfortunately it rained both Saturday and Sunday, but the mood was not dampened at all. One of the first things asked of me was that I should park my 164 in a place of honor in the middle of the meet. No one could avoid seeing it. The reason was that I was to be awarded the prize for "Longest Distance Traveled." My prize was a very large Volvo book. While I was getting my award, a beer wagon pulled by six horses pulled into the middle of everything. It was a handsome view. We were told that while the wagon was there, we could have free beers. I had a lot of good laughs with the other folks at the meet and we drank a few beers.
Until noon on Saturday I had the only 164, but then another one arrived. It was the same color and same beautiful condition, but a little newer. All of the Volvos were very nice, but you could tell that some of them only came out on special occasions. Of course there were Amazons and PVs, but also some 140s and 1800s. Also there were a couple of former military vehicles, a PV60 and 800-series light truck.
At dinner, we had several great warm dishes and I had a few more beers. It got late and I felt tired but happy: such an enjoyable day.
Sunday morning, a parts market was held which was somewhat of a fiasco due to the constant rain. I did manage to sell a front bumper. In the middle of the morning I was invited to drink a large beer with three of the Swiss group. It seemed like more fun than to stand around in the rain trying to sell parts. At about two in the afternoon it was nearing time for us to head home when someone came up and started speaking Danish to me. That was a bit startling. It seems this fellow was a Dane living in Switzerland. He drove an Amazon and had been looking for me. He was directed to find the guy with the beard that goes from ear to ear. He joined up with the three Swiss guys and together we had a great time.
Now it was time to return to Hannover. Tim drove the 144 in front of me since my car was the more powerful one of the two. The trip went well except for a couple of times when Tim passed a car he was closely following and I had a difficult time finding the right opportunity to pass cars to keep up with him. All in all the trip went well and we made it back to Tim's by midnight.
Only two minor incidents plagued our adventure. A valve stem was crooked and a tire lost air because of it. Later the 164 seemed to run hotter than normal. We could not find anything wrong, but added a liter of water anyway. After that, the temperature seemed to be under control. The 164's 400,000km engine used 2.5 liters of oil in 2600 kilometers. We drove at steady speeds of between 140 and 150 kph.
From here I send great regards to Tim and his buddy Henning for the good cooperation. The next meeting in Switzerland is this year. If everything turns out right, I'd like to go again.
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