13 June – Mercedes Museum and Scharzwald
The Mercedes Museum is just what you would expect from Mercedes. It was a very special to have our Alfas park at the museum entrance in a wide pedestrian apron. The history of the motorcar from its very beginning (with the Merc point of view), products in non -passenger car applications, common autos, and of course, the silver arrows, and recent GP cars are all there with the best presentation, and detailed information. Easily my favorite was the pre 60's race car collection. All the racers produced prior to the tragic Le Mans accident are beautifully detailed engineering works. They appear robust, and still light, not at all my long held perception of Mercedes.
After a few hours at Mercedes, the drive south to Friedrichshafen was work at first. Open roads were only a couple of kilometers between villages it seemed for over an hour. After that, at most, 10 km between development, or towns, but the roads started to sweep left and right just matched to a Giulia's handling and light steering. The farm and forest scenery was all you could ask for.
Ciao, Brad
14 June – Klassikwald Bodensee
This weekend was my second visit to Klassikweld Bodensee. Obviously, I like it. I like it a lot. Today, I even like it more than the Monterey Classic week.
First, the distances are short. I watched race cars standing ten feet from the edge of the circuit, studying various race lines and braking points, watching great passing and tactics. Without moving position, then I watched a B24 in polished aluminum, and the only flying P38 I've ever seen taxi past for demonstration flights. Three minutes walk and you're among a vast assortment of collector cars, or you can buy a beer and food. The venue is also just a few minutes from our hotel, which is near shops, great dining, the Bodensee lake shore, and the Graf Zeppelin museum; all are minutes walk. Also, everything is much cheaper than the Monterey peninsula.
But, most of all this event has the motor vehicles that I crave to see. MV Agusta had an impressive presence among a few hundred great old motorcycles. Affectionados of many European makes had club stands, as well as the spectator car park, restored caravans, wooden boats, and several great old airplanes. For any Motörhead, nothing's been left out!
Ciao, Brad.