Every vehicle has its own soul. That's why I have a relationship with them.
Swissvax: “Christian, thank you for sharing more about yourself, your passion for cars, and your exclusive collection. Which car did you drive to the office this morning?”
Christian: “This morning, I took the XL1. That’s Volkswagen’s 1-liter car. It only uses one liter of diesel per 100 km. It’s a diesel-hybrid. A great vehicle, and only 200 units were built. And the one liter per 100 km is easily achievable. I’ve driven about 40,000 km with this car since 2014, mostly on highways. On average, the onboard computer shows 2.4 liters/100 km.”
Swissvax: “How did you get into the automotive field as a business consultant?”
Christian: I’ve always had a passion for cars. As a mechanical engineering student, I took apart, restored, and reassembled a 250 Goggomobil Coupe in my first semester. With my passion for cars, it made sense to work for clients in the automotive industry.
Swissvax: “What is your favorite car brand and why?”
Christian: It depends. I work professionally in brand development. An amazing brand that has risen from a rather modest image to a premium market is AUDI. Audi pushed the French and Italian brands out of the premium market and thereby created the most valuable automotive market in Europe. In terms of sports, I love PORSCHE with the 356 and 911. The Porsche brand still carries a lot of emotions today. A Porsche is still the dream of many guys. Historically, I am a big fan of the MESSERSCHMITT brand. The Kabinenroller was a masterpiece of efficiency. And the FMR TG 500, known as the "Tiger," is a high-performance racing machine.
Swissvax: "Are you a Driver or a Collector?"
Christian: Definitely a Driver. Cars must be driven, no matter how valuable they are. Once, a passerby asked me if a 356 Carrera 2, with which I was driving in Berlin, wasn't too valuable to be driven in traffic. My answer: A Carrera 2 is made to be driven every day. It surely wouldn’t be comfortable in a dark garage.
Swissvax: “How did your collection come about and where do you get your cars from?”
Christian: The main theme of my vehicles is "minimal complexity." That's why I started with small cars, like Messerschmitt, Champion, BMW 600, etc. My simplest and smallest vehicle is a Kleinschnittger F125. It has 6.5 hp, weighs 130 kg, and has a top speed of 70 km/h. No reverse gear, no differential, no suspension, and cable-operated brakes. Then, gradually, Porsches were added. First, the 356, which are comparatively simple vehicles. Later, various 911s. Many of my cars I get through friends who are deeply involved in the relevant brand clubs and associations.
Swissvax: “What do you think others would say about your collection?”
Christian: “The cars all look like they’ve just come out of the factory.” Which is true. They are perfectly restored. Originality is very important to me. And each vehicle has a well-documented history.
Swissvax: “What’s missing from your collection, and what’s next?”
Christian: My daughters once wanted a car that the whole family could drive, not just the "two-seaters." So, the family council met. We unanimously decided on a Citroën DS Cabriolet. The “Goddess” is unsurpassed in elegance. Through a friend who knows the Citroën scene very well, we got an offer to buy the second-to-last Cabriolet ever built by the factory. From the first owner, it’s entirely original and complete, but it has 350,000 km on the clock. The vehicle is now almost fully restored after 5 years. It will likely be the best existing Citroën DS Cabriolet in the world. We’ve put in a lot of effort.
Swissvax: “What is your relationship with your cars?”
Christian: They are lovable machines that give people freedom.
Swissvax: “Which car would you like to drive next and why?”
Christian: Historically, I’d love to drive a Rally AUDI Quattro. The first sports car with 4 electric motors as a new vehicle. But that’s not available yet.
Swissvax: “How much time do you spend with your cars?”
Christian: It depends. In summer, 4-5 hours on weekends. Then there are also many rallies. And then several hours a week go into researching information. In winter, it’s quieter.
Swissvax: “Describe a typical drive for us. How does it feel, and what goes through your mind?”
Christian: Well, first, my ear is always on the engine. Then I drive like a cyclist. I’m constantly thinking for everyone around me and keep a lot of distance. When everything is working well, I’m happy to be sitting in a historical cultural asset and wonder what this car has already experienced.
Swissvax: “What do you personally associate with ‘Care for your Dream’?”
Christian: It doesn’t matter what you do in life. What matters is that you are passionate about it. That applies to your job as much as to your hobbies. And for your hobbies, you have to make the space you need. Enthusiasm or passion is key to a satisfied life.
Swissvax: “What has been your best moment or experience with your cars so far?”
Christian: Driving the Messerschmitt Tiger at the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE with 100 classic cars from all over the world through all seven Emirates. But even just driving the 356 Speedster with my charming wife to dinner in the summer is a great experience.
Swissvax: “We obviously know what you use to care for your cars, but why exactly Swissvax?”
Christian: It’s simply the best cosmetics for high-quality paint surfaces. Swissvax generates an extremely deep gloss and is very durable. Even after rain, a vehicle looks as if it were new.
Swissvax: “Why is paint care or detailing so “neglected” by manufacturers and not an option in the extra price list?”
Christian: Good question. I don’t know.
Swissvax: “Many tell us that EV drivers will care less for their cars in the future because the emotions, it is claimed, are missing. What do you think about that?”
Christian: I don’t see it that way. We will see many innovations in the electric powertrain and it will develop an incredible dynamic. Combined with high-quality chassis that (almost) only the German premium manufacturers can achieve, it’s going to be a lot of fun. Then we’ll ask ourselves, “Why didn’t we have this earlier?” And we’ll take care of these digitized high-tech marvels of technology the same way.
Swissvax: “Where do you currently see the biggest challenges for car manufacturers?”
Christian: Keeping driving affordable for people. A car is freedom for everyone. We must ensure it doesn’t become a luxury product for only a few people.
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