Enthusiasts of vintage automobiles gather at the Harman Becker Classic Day event held in Karlsbad-Ittersbach.
Thorsten Schilling, a resident of Pforzheim, has taken up a unique obsession – he now spends his leisure time in front of a vintage 1965 Ford F-100 Pickup parked comfortably on a chair, serving both as a personal display and as a conversation starter.
When inquired about his choice, Schilling, a talkative individual, responded with enthusiasm, explaining, "It's about seeing, being seen, and engaging with others. The Ford Pickup often encourages conversations with onlookers."
This old pickup, with its immaculate two-tone paint job, found a spot among other classic vehicles at the Harman Becker Classic Day in Ittersbach, a growing annual event that has expanded from 35 to 250 classic cars.
Schilling excitedly detailed his acquisition of the Ford, which he found in a dilapidated state in the Pfalz region. The event provides a plethora of classic cars, motorcycles, and special vehicles from various decades for enthusiasts to marvel at.
The classic car meeting, organized by Harman-Becker employees, promotes friendship and camaraderie in the classic car community. Ralf Guthmann, a member of the organizing team, emphasized that the event warmly welcomes participants of all vehicles. "This event has transcended Karlsbad's borders and gained recognition beyond," Guthmann reported.
The Harman Becker Classic Day in Karlsbad has been secured for 2026, according to Guthmann. However, the future of the event remains uncertain as the traditional site of the company in Ittersbach is under review.
Situated at the meeting entrance, participants proudly showcased their treasure trove of vehicles, including the Kuhn couple's rare 1983 GTI Golf Cabriolet, Bernd Mönch's 1973 VW 1600 handed down from his father, and the vintage mopeds from Pfaffenrot.
Participants' pride in ownership permeated the atmosphere, as evidenced by the Danner couple, who delighted in their 1969 VW Bus and 1976 VW Beetle. The event offers a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to engage in candid discussions about their shared passions, creating a rich, engaging environment.
The growth of the Harman Becker Classic Day can be attributed to elements like strong community engagement, effective marketing, a unique experience, strategic partnerships, and excellent organization. Though specific details on these aspects were not disclosed, it is clear that the classic car meeting continues to attract enthusiasts and spectators alike.
Thorsten Schilling expanded his other interests, including home-and-garden and lifestyle, to include classic cars, as he proudly displayed his restored 1965 Ford F-100 Pickup truck at the Harman Becker Classic Day event. Onlookers were encouraged to engage with Schilling and discuss their shared passion for classic vehicles.
