Motor racing was banned in Switzerland in the aftermath of the 1955 Le Mans disaster, one of the most catastrophic in the sport’s history. The lifting of the ban has been discussed on a number of occasions by the Swiss authorities, but ultimately to no avail. It was, therefore, very refreshing for the city of Berne to hold a Swiss GP Memorial, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first Swiss GP, at Bremgarten, in 1934. Organizers gained permission to close a number of roads, creating an 8-km circuit to offer a cavalcade of racing cars and motorcycles of all sizes, shapes, and description.
The presentation offered a multitude of spectators a unique opportunity to see a rolling museum of more than 400 vehicles. Undoubtedly, the stars of the event were Jochen Mass in the W154 Mercedes and Hans Stuck in the Auto Union C type, although, many marques—including Alfa Romeo, Gordini, Bugatti, Ferrari, Maserati, and Jaguar—were well represented. In all, most felt the celebration a great success and there were few complaints, other than the pace car was, at times, too slow, causing vulnerable cars to overheat in the hot August sun. Only time will tell if this salute to a bygone era will be sufficient to change minds and attitudes toward Swiss motor racing in general.
By Mike Jiggle
