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.
Related Posts
-
•
The Right Care for Your Mercedes – Cleaning, Polishing & Protection
From the legendary 300SL to the modern C-Class, Mercedes-Benz embodies luxury, elegance, and innovation. Regular maintenance ensures that your vehicle remains in top condition. In this article, we show you how to properly clean, polish, and care for your Mercedes. -
•
Cleaning and Care for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are more than just a means of transportation – they are a statement and a passion. Maintaining these unique machines requires special attention, as they are particularly exposed to the elements. With the SWISSVAX Motorcycle Care Series, you get the perfect products for cleaning, care, and protection of glossy and matte paint, chrome parts, leather, and helmets. -
•
Pollen & Sahara Dust on Your Car? Here’s How to Clean It Properly—Without Scratches
As soon as the first warm wind blows from the south, it’s back: fine, rust-red Sahara dust. Carried over thousands of kilometers, it settles on eve... -
•
Proper Cleaning and Care for Alcantara
How to Properly Clean and Maintain Alcantara? Alcantara is a popular material used in vehicle interiors, known for its elegant appearance, soft fe... -
•
How to Clean and Seal Your Convertible and Fabric Roof?
A convertible or fabric roof is not only a functional element but also a key factor in the vehicle's appearance. To preserve the longevity and aes... -
•
Perfect Care for Your Porsche – Cleaning, Polishing & Protection
Whether it's the legendary 911, the sporty Cayman, or the luxurious Panamera, a Porsche represents excellence on wheels. To keep your vehicle looking like new for years, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. In this guide, we will show you the best steps to care for your Porsche – from paint polishing to leather care. -
•
Quick Finish, Nano Express, and Lotos Speed – When to Use Each?
SWISSVAX offers three highly specialized quick detailing sprays, each designed for different purposes. But which product should be used when, and ... -
•
Why Are There Different Wheel Cleaners?
Wheel or Wheel Spray Forte? Wheel cleaning is a crucial part of vehicle maintenance. However, not all wheel cleaners are the same – SWISSVAX offer... -
•
What is the Right Car Wax for Me?
Choosing the right wax for your vehicle is essential to protect the paint, maximize the shine, and maintain the value of your car in the long run. The SWISSVAX system offers a wide range of handcrafted Carnauba waxes, optimized for different vehicle types and applications. In this article, you’ll find a comprehensive overview of the products and their specific features to help you find the perfect wax for your needs. -
•
How Do I Clean the Interior of My Vehicle Properly?
Proper Care and Cleaning of Your Car Interior A well-maintained interior not only makes the driving experience more enjoyable but also helps to pr... -
•
Can you polish and wax Paint Protection Film (PPF)?
Proper Care and Cleaning of PPF Paint Protection Film (PPF) offers an excellent way to protect a vehicle's paint from scratches, stone chips, and ... -
•
Choosing the Right Paint Protection: Wax, Ceramic or Paint Protection Film (PPF)?
Wax, Ceramic or Paint Protection Film (PPF) – Which Paint Protection Is Right for Your Vehicle? In our blog post, we highlight the pros and cons of different technologies and show how SWISSVAX has developed innovative solutions like the water-based KERAMIQ9 and our PPF Care Series to perfectly combine shine, protection, and hydrophobicity.