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Insects stray: next Saturday car manufacturer Volkswagen celebrates its 75th anniversary in Switzerland, and today it celebrates nostalgia. In Aarberg BE and Schinznach AG, an automobile caravan of 75 vehicles will travel in the direction of the Lucerne Transport Museum. “It’s going to be a great day,” says Lorenz Weibel, 38, who will be at the forefront of the Beetle caravan from Aarberg. “When I heard that, I immediately knew I wanted to be there.”
Whole family is in love with old VWs
Lorenz Weibel and VW Beetle – this is a birthright Bernese love, so to speak. The whole family loves vintage cult cars. Lorenz’s father laid the groundwork in 1948 with one of the first VW Beetles registered in Switzerland. Now there are so many models that they are enough for even a small museum. “Our family is actually crammed with custom, vintage Beetle models,” Weibel says. “We put a lot of time, heart and soul into our passion and look for, for example, unrestored models or special items that have a connection with us as a family.” The goal of collectors’ passions is to own one of every 6 volt vintage model by 1967. “This would be the crowning glory!”
Weibels are known for their beetles in Aarberg, but are also known to fans in other parts of Switzerland. It goes without saying that Junior Lorenz was also infected by Beetle fever with such a scar. As a sixth grader, he collected his first motorized soap box in the workshop. He later trained as a car mechanic and automotive diagnostician.
“Riding the Beetle makes me happy!”
Today, the 38-year-old works as a sales manager for his family’s business and is a total car enthusiast. Weibel also has a variety of other cars. But riding the Beetle is best for him. “I’m always really happy behind the wheel,” he says excitedly. “It’s always been something very special for me to drive on regular highway roads with this amazing vehicle.”
It’s also great to see how happy people are when they see an insect. “They are smiling, laughing, waving, having a lot of fun. Probably the most expensive Ferrari might pass, but people still look at the Beetle.” For many, the sight of a beetle triggers memories. “But younger people are also fascinated, even if they have no direct connection. The car has only charm!”
About three to four times a year he takes a ride with one of the family’s old Bugs, often in conjunction with events like fan events or old get-togethers that happen every four years in Murten FR. But he didn’t just drive around on the weekends out of boredom. “The journey with a Beetle should remain something special,” Weibel says. Still, it’s important to transport old cars from time to time. “They’re better protected than standing around.”
The bugs struck him not only during a slow ride into the blue, but also on the occasion of the “Winter Raid” vintage car rally. This is St. Moritz GR via numerous Alpine passes to Kitzbühel (A). Lorenz Weibel first appeared with his father. “It was fascinating to see what the car was capable of in the cold, snow and ice and even in these harsh conditions with only 24.5 hp per 1,000 kilometers. Really cool!” To protect the gems, Weibel – in the VW Karmann Type 14, by the way – joins the rally with his younger brother. Successfully: The duo has already won the “Winter Raid” twice in a row.
The best of nostalgia and electric mobility
But despite all the nostalgia: Beetle fan Lorenz Weibel has already stepped into the future of cars. And effortlessly. He has been driving an electric car every day for years. “The transition was definitely easy for me. I started with the e-Golf and also used all the models of the ID. The family is already driven, starting with the first member of the all-electric identity. family,” he says. The company car is currently a sporty, all-electric ID.5 GTX**. “I love the crazy acceleration of electric cars, but I also appreciate their technical prowess. Both make for a very comfortable ride.»
For him, the special attraction, the pleasure of driving, is precisely the succession of old Beetles and modern electric cars. “I really like to go back and forth between two worlds. I don’t want to miss either of them.”
The Bug Caravan is live on Saturday
A link from yesterday to today and tomorrow, which will also be celebrated on the occasion of Volkswagen Switzerland’s 75th anniversary on April 29: The Beetle procession is an all-electric ID. will be divided into groups of 10, managed by the model.
It starts on Saturday morning in Aarberg. “Before that, we Beetle drivers will definitely have a little chat, it’s going to be like a family reunion,” says Lorenz Weibel. He’s looking forward to it – and of course the journey from Emmental via Willisau to Lucerne – with lots of smiles along the way.
At Blick.ch, you can experience this special anniversary of Volkswagen Switzerland with the caravan of Beetles and Bullis’s anniversary live on Saturday, April 29th! Note: Since the caravan has been full for a long time, no other participants can be considered for the event.
* VW ID.3 Pro, 204 hp, prov. 16.7 kWh/100 km, 0 g CO₂/km, cat.A. The model is not yet approved for the Swiss market, so final consumption figures are not yet available. .
** VW ID.5 GTX, 299 hp, 17.9 kWh/100 km, 0 g CO₂/km, Cat.A.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
