Verena Proebst – Die automobile Heritage mitten in Bayern

Verena Proebst – The automotive heritage in the heart of Bavaria

For me, all cars are male because I definitely have a relationship with them.

Swissvax: “Verena, thank you for taking the time and giving us an insight. You grew up in a car-obsessed racing family – how was your childhood?”

Verena: I think from the outside, I was always a bit of a “misfit” because we spent almost every weekend at the racetrack or participated in a classic car event. My dad would often pick me up with some classic car or our racing E-Type from the boarding school. For my family, life somehow revolved around cars. Occasionally, I helped my father with tinkering with the classic cars at the museum.

Swissvax:Are you a Driver or a Collector?

Verena: While my father was probably more of a Collector in the end, I’m trying to get some vehicles that have been sitting unused for far too long back on the road. I feel sorry for the cars that have been sitting in the museum for so long, because bringing a classic car back to life requires a lot of money, time, and patience. But I would rather consider myself a Driver – it’s more important to me that the vehicle is technically sound and can be driven than it just standing around perfectly. A little patina, which you care for, should be present on every classic car.

Swissvax:What does your car museum mean to you personally?

Verena: This museum means so much to me that I decided to stay near my parents' house instead of moving abroad. Occasionally, it costs me sweat and tears because I can't change everything in the short time that I imagine, but I try to bring it back to life step by step.

Swissvax:What is your favorite car from the collection?

Verena: I don’t have to think long about this – it’s clearly the E-Type, because I associate so many memories of my parents with it. As soon as I sit inside and smell the leather, I think of my childhood. It’s the second project I’ve been working on for a few months now. The engine is already running, but every time it came back from the workshop, a new problem arose. I will dedicate myself to it once the 911 is finished. In the end, we’ll see who’s more stubborn, the car or me.

Swissvax:What relationship do you have with your cars?

Verena: For me, all cars are male because I definitely have a relationship with them. They are like companions through my life.

Swissvax:Your cars in the museum seem to keep you on your toes. Are you planning to add more cars or motorcycles to your collection?

Verena: Occasionally, I get nostalgic and think, “Oh, that one would be a great addition to the collection,” but then I remind myself that I need to focus on the cars that are already there. So, I would rather not add anything else. The hall is already bursting at the seams. Some people think I should part with something, but that’s not an option for me, as everything is my father’s work, and I don’t want to destroy it.

Swissvax:Which car would you like to drive and why?

Verena: Thanks to Instagram, it’s probably no secret that I’m still searching for my father’s missing Porsche 910, which he drove in the ‘70s and unfortunately sold. Driving that car, or at least being a passenger, would be my absolute dream.

Swissvax:How much time do you spend with your cars?

Verena: In the summer, a lot, because either the museum is open, or I go to events, organize my own rally, or just drive alone. I also always try to make the most of the season until the last day. Right now, all the driveable classic cars are being moved before winter arrives.

Swissvax:Describe a typical drive. How does it feel to you, and what goes through your head?

Verena: If the drive is just me alone with a car, I always enjoy the engine sound and the landscape. The radio is never on for me. I usually enjoy the differences between each classic car, their quirks, how you need to shift, how the gears are translated, and why that is. For me, every classic car has its own character, and you have to adjust to it.

Swissvax: “You also organize a rally every year. Can you tell us more about that?”

Verena: The Falkenhausen Classics has existed under this name for 31 years now. My parents started it when Alex v. Falkenhausen, a famous BMW engineer and family friend, passed away. After my mother’s death in 2010, I took over and organized it with the help of a friend for a while. When it outgrew itself, I took over the sole responsibility in 2019. It has steadily grown since 2010 and attracts more participants every year.

Swissvax:How do men in the classic car scene react to you?

Verena: I’d say the male world likes to chuckle. I’ve heard interview questions like, “Ms. Proebst, how do you feel about parking?” or “Ms. Proebst, this topic is probably more for men.” When I organized the rally for the first time alone in 2019, people wondered “Will Verena be able to handle this alone?” After the event, those same voices congratulated me on the successful event, and I was able to get them on board as sponsors and partners for the following year. You just have to walk your path and not let envy or gossip distract you.

Swissvax:What do you personally associate with ‘Care for your Dream’?

Verena: For me, I associate this phrase with the collection that my father left behind. Of course, it would be easy to sell everything and not have sleepless nights anymore. But I try to breathe new life into the cars that have been neglected for so long and bring them back on the road.

Swissvax:What’s been your most beautiful moment or experience with your classic car so far?

Verena: The most beautiful experiences are when you restore them for months or years and then drive them for the first time. I remember when I drove our E-Type for the first time, so carefully and reverently, as if I was driving a car for the first time.

Swissvax: “You are currently restoring a car. Which one is it and what is the story behind this car?”

Verena: It’s a signal red Porsche 911 from 1965, which my father gave to my mother for an anniversary. I remember when she drove it on the racetrack. My father had upgraded the engine with 2.4L cylinders, matching pistons, and an S camshaft for her. After her passing, I didn’t really pay attention to the car. A year ago, Saller Oldtimer started restoring the car, and everything important has been renewed technically. Initially, I was against an engine revision, until Selina Skramovsky offered to take care of the engine. Next week, I should be able to drive it for the first time, and I hope to have many beautiful adventures with it in the future.

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