Passione Caracciola experience with IWC Schaffhausen
Earlier this week we joined IWC Schaffhausen for the start of the Passione Caracciola. An event which is easiest described as an oldtimer rally dedicated to German race car driver Rudolf Caracciola. We head off to Zürich where the event wil kick off, and at the evening before the rally begins we gather at the Grand Dolder Hotel.
First stage on our agenda. Behind the scenes at the recording of a new edition of ’IWC Schaffhausen talks to’ starring Jochen Mass. Being a well known race driver he actually started his working life being a sailor, enjoying his travels around the world. Later on he managed to persuade his racing dream and was quite successful doing so. Now at the age of 68 he still drives race cars during special events.
Philip Rathgen hosts ‘IWC Schaffhausen Talks To’ with race driver Jochen Mass.
Philip Rathgen hosts ‘IWC Schaffhausen Talks To’ with race driver Jochen Mass.
Second stage is the press presentation of the new IWC Ingenieur chronographs. These limited editions have been introduced during the Goodwood Members meeting in England back in March. Christian Knoop, creative director of IWC Schaffhausen presents the ‘Rudolf Caracciola’ edition, dedicated to the talented racing driver from the 30’s. The ‘W125’ to commemorate the legendary Silver Arrow by Mercedes Benz. And the third ‘Goodwood’ edition linked to the well known Goodwood Motor Circuit.
Christian Knoop presents the IWC Ingenieur tribute to classic car racing limited editions.
Christian Knoop presents the IWC Ingenieur tribute to classic car racing limited editions.
We will do a full in-depth review on the new IWC Ingenieur Chronograph when the first models are delivered to the Netherlands. For now we share a few impressions of the Ingenieur Chronograph in wrist shots. Including the 1st generation IWC ingenieur with reference number 666.
IWC ingenieur ‘W125’ on the wrist.
IWC ingenieur ’74th members’ meeting at Goodwood’ wrist shot.
IWC ingenieur ‘Rudolf Caracciola’ on the wrist.
IWC ingenieur ‘Rudolf Caracciola’ on the wrist.
Caseback of the IWC ingenieur ‘Rudolf Caracciola’ showing the new 69370 calibre.
1st generation IWC Ingenieur with reference 666.
1st generation IWC Ingenieur with reference 666 in full gold.
We finish this day with an IWC Schaffhausen welcome dinner. In between courses Philip Rathgen talks automotive with Jochen Mass and Bernd Schneider amongst other guests.
Philip Rathgen talks automotive in-between courses on the right Bernd Schneider.
Mercedes Benz formula racing car W25 from 1934 on display at dinner.
Passione Caracciola
Before the start of the rally we had a look at some of the cars that will participate. We found some impressive oldtimers on display at the Grand Dolder parking ground.
From left to Right: Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing, Mercedes Benz W113 Rally version, Lancia Stratos HF and Maserati 3500 GT Vignale.
Citroen DS.
Alvis open two-seater sports car.
Moving on to the start of the rally. We find ourselves at Hotel Regensdorf early morning. Maybe it’s it the name of the hotel, or special treat in honour of Rudolf himself as ‘regenmeister’, or rain master in English, was his nickname. The one thing you can’t control, so we start the day with rain.
Start of the Passione Caracciola.
Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen takes the starting flag.
After all cars are flagged off we start the first stage of the Passione Caracciolo Rally in one of 12 oldtimers to experience the first stage of the rally ourselves. Our pick for this trip was a golden Pagoda 280 SL. Nickname of the Mercedes Benz W113 for the shape of the folding roof.
Mercedes Benz W 113 280 SL aka Pagoda.
Must admit you have to get used to the controls and feel of an oldtimer but after a few kilometers we felt right at home behind the wheel. Back to basic. No unnecessary buttons and functions distracting you. Just all the things you need to drive around in a wonderful and stylish car. With rally directions on the right seat, and the melody of the engine we drove out of the city.
Rally directions for the first stage of the Passione Caracciola.
This note sure put a smile to my face.
Good to go! Christian Knoop getting behind the wheel.
Following the rally instructions we slowly find our way through the Swiss landscape. Stopping along the track a few times te relax a bit, change cars for those who want to try different ones.
Mercedes Benz W 113 280 SL aka Pagoda.
Enjoying the Swiss landscape.
During the last part of the rally I join former Formula 1 driver Karl Wendlinger, as his co-pilot. Quite the experience as I was a big fan of the Formula 1 back in the 90’s his active years. After 139 kilometers we arrive at Rüttihubelbad. Here our rally stage and the Passione Caracciola event ends for us and after lunch we travel back home.
Last directions of the 139km first stage as co-pilot of Karl Wendlinger.
We enjoyed the event and would like to thank all that made it such a great experience, in special Mercedes-Benz Switzerland & IWC Schaffhausen for inviting us and their great hospitality.
