Rümlang is a small city near Zurich, Switzerland, located right at the end of the airport’s take-off runway. Due to the many aircraft it is often rather noisy and the area is mostly occupied by businesses and not too many residences.

Once every year the noise becomes even bigger. That is when the Ferrari Day takes place at the nearby Indoor Kart Racing Center. This spectacular event was held on Sunday 24 August 2003. This 4th edition of the Ferrari gathering has now clearly become the largest Ferrari meeting in Switzerland with a record attendance of 152 Ferraris.

The key to success is simple: A one-day meeting in the neighborhood of Switzerland’s largest city, perfect weather, good organisation, enthusiasm and the great idea of a charity event. All proceeds of the day go to the charity 'Stiftung Wunderlampe' (Magic Light Foundation - click on the logo above). This organisation was founded several years ago and takes care of handicapped people and their special dream wishes. Many prominent Swiss stars from show biz and sport support this great foundation.

Early Sunday morning the first Ferraris arrived in front of the Kart Center. They were parked on the large parking area while vendor booth installations were completed and several restaurants opened. Soon a sea of mostly red and yellow Ferraris arrived from all directions and the organisers were quick in helping with the parking of the cars by tipo. Whereas most Ferraris were newer models, a few were quite rare and unknown to many visitors. Oldest Ferrari at the meeting was Jo Vonlanthen’s 500/625 Monoposto, a car once driven by Alberto Ascari in 1952/1953. The second oldest Ferrari was Konrad Lutziger’s 250 GT Ellena, a beautiful deep red example without front and rear bumpers. Originally delivered to Hollywood/CA, the Swiss dealer owns this early 250 GT since eight years already. Very genuine was a 250 GTE 2+2, a metallic blue example with tan interior and packed with four people. It is owned by the same Swiss family since many years.

Another interesting early Ferrari was a 1958 Type 250 GT Coupé with Pinin Farina bodywork. Painted metallic grey and not restored since day one this car has air outlets in the fenders and several other unusual features. The current owner bought the car more than 30 years ago and it is equipped with an engine coming out of a genuine 250 GT SWB California Spider. There were no other Ferraris of the 1960s at Rümlang and there was no 330 GT 2+2, 330 GTC or even a 275 GTB or perhaps a Daytona. However, the early 70s were well represented by two fiberglass-bodied 308 GTBs and a beautiful early 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer with the original six-pipe exhaust system.

Hoards of Mondials and 308s, 328s, 348s, 355s and Testarossas arrived in Rümlang. Most attractive were also three F40s and an F50. Everybody, including the handicapped children – some of them in wheelchairs - admired happily the large numbers of Ferraris. For many kids it has always been a dream to ride in a Ferrari one day. Visitors could buy a ticket for US$ 45 for a passenger ride in a Ferrari and all Ferrari owners agreed to accept young and old enthusiasts in their cars. Shortly before lunch the tour began and a sheer endless row of Ferraris departed from Rümlang for a one-hour tour through the greater Zurich area.

All proceeds went to the Magic Light Foundation. This year no less than US$ 10,000 was raised during the 4th Ferrari Day in Rümlang. Newest Ferrari at the meeting was a brand-new Challenge Stradale brought by Zurich-based Ferrari dealer Foitek AG. At 1 p.m. the Ferraris returned to the parking area in front of the Kart Center. Now was lunch time and people were entertained by a spectacular stunt show with a Chevrolet Corvette, clowns and other attractions. The afternoon was mostly spent on the parking lot comparing the different models.

Many new friends were made during the day and many happy kids were observed. They all love Ferrari and everybody was happy and enthusiastic. The charity concept of the Ferrari Day in Rümlang is excellent and the organizers have to be congratulated for a well-organised fun event.

Click here for Ferraris at Rümlang

© Marcel Massini 26/08/2003