Finally that oldtimer feeling in Gerharding at the Ebenhöh company.
And there were more than ever before.
Pliening - There are certainly alternatives to hardware stores, football or craft fairs to make the eyes of men of all ages shine: For example, the classic car meeting on the site of the Ebenhöh gravel works in Gerharding.
After a four-year break, partly due to the pandemic, this time even more vehicles and construction machinery of all types and sizes could be admired on the extensive grounds, and significantly more interested parties came to the eleventh edition.
"We are flattened by this year's rush," said gravel works owner Jürgen Ebenhöh, proud and amazed when he welcomed the numerous guests in the marquee.
Four years break had to be survived
And he was happy to give the microphone to his daughter Melanie, who, together with her brother Marc, had been organizing this large-scale festival for around nine months, naturally supported by many Kieswerk employees.
They not only ensured regulated parking on the large meadow when the flow of visitors arrived, they also provided important orientation aids on the company premises, easily recognizable in orange vests.
The area itself could not be overlooked from afar, as suppliers of modern construction machinery, including huge cranes, had set up a kind of small "Bauma" at the entrance.
And so not only little boys stopped in amazement to take a closer look at the giants made of steel.
Of course, there were also demonstrations by specialists, and that's how many a man's dream of driving an excavator got new nourishment.
This was actually possible in miniature format: Not only could construction equipment be moved on a small hill of gravel by remote control, 40-ton trucks could also be moved across the site in this way.
Often there was a free argument between father and son as to who was allowed to use the levers on the radio control.
A special treat for big and small men
In fact, a kind of spare parts flea market was only intended for “real” vintage cars.
Everything that can break on old vehicles was stored here, from tiny motorcycle light bulbs to huge truck clutch discs.
Next to it in a hall and in front of it were wonderful old-timers waiting, especially youngtimers from the years 1950 to 1980: for example a VW Bully with a flatbed and a 120 hp Porsche engine, a beautiful Ford Thunderbird convertible from 1955, an Indian Scout motorcycle, a rare BMW 3200 CS coupe and some very well restored Mercedes and Porsche models.
But the crowd puller was certainly that cute Fiat Topolino ("little mouse") from 1939 with just 13 hp.
Next to an old suitcase on its rear carrier, one of those Chianti wine bottles was still dangling in the wickerwork, the unavoidable Italian souvenir from previous Lake Garda tours.
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The fascination of old cars: In Pliening, fans got their money's worth at the weekend.
Photos: Dziemballa
© Dziemballa
Less dainty, but no less emotional, is the long line of historic trucks from brands some of which no longer exist: Magirus, Henschel, Borgward, Steyr or Hanomag.
These giants made of tin and steel were the beginning of the passion of Jürgen Ebenhöh, who had already restored an old MAN from the Kieswerk fleet in 1971;
together with the former works manager Rudi Schermer.
The fascination with old cars is unbroken
Other companions for this hobby were soon found.
In 1999, the first vintage tipper meeting was held here.
In the meantime, however, it has become a rendezvous for friends of old vehicles, but also for those fans who are interested in highly complex technology in the construction sector or who simply want to experience a very interesting day.
After all, there was something for the whole family, again that indescribable view from the passenger transport basket over the gravel works area, hoisted up by a mega crane: people were queuing for the mobile observation tower.
Those who wanted it more comfortable could enjoy a tour in old fire engines, marvel at modern mobile homes or take in the automotive scenery over beer and snacks.
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