Classics: Jaguar and Emil Frey 90 Years Partners
Emil Frey Classics celebrates 90 years of business relations between Jaguar and the car dealership with a special exhibition. Today's CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emil Frey Group Walter Frey opened an exhibition in Safenwil with an emotional speech that will not be seen again in a hurry. When, in October 1926, 28-year-old Emil Frey and [...]
When 28-year-old Emil Frey and William Lyons, who was three years younger, met in London in October 1926, neither spoke the other's language, yet the two young entrepreneurs understood each other right away. With a handshake, a contract was agreed between the Swiss motorcycle repair shop founded two years earlier and the Swallow Side Car Company, which had been active for four years and is still valid today.
While the Swiss company flourished and remained stable despite the turmoil of the times, the British contractual partner completed one rollercoaster ride after another. Emil Frey, however, remained true to his word. Thanks to his prudence, today's CEO, his son Walter Frey, can be proud of probably the longest partnership ever in the automotive business.
The most comprehensive Jaguar show in the world in Safenwil
The exhibition for the occasion is unique: over 70 exhibits, including seven one-offs, first cars and prototypes, stand polished to a high sheen in the halls of Emil Frey Classics in Safenwil - except for one, a Mk IV Reinbolt U. Christe from 1947, which recently resurfaced and was brought back to Switzerland from the USA and has yet to be restored. Two complete floors and a tent house these beauties. Until November 23, 2016, "The 90 Years Celebration Exhibition" can be visited.
Almost all old models come from Switzerland
On the opening evening, Walter Frey not only thanked his team and the helpers who made it possible to realize this exhibition in just 90 days, he also thanked the lenders of the "cats". All but two of the cars come from Switzerland, and some collectors own more than one vehicle of the brand. And of course, the current models, such as the Jaguar F-Pace, the X-Types and the F-Types vintage 2016, may not be missing. Read more about the background, the opening evening and the soon to be published book by the well-known photographer Michel Zumbrunn on this topic in the next issue of AutoSprintCH (to be published on October 4, 2016).
Useful information for your visit
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday. Admission: adults 10 francs, children up to 16 and seniors 5 francs, group tours up to 20 people 180 francs excluding museum admission, by appointment only. Address: Bahnhofplatz 2, 5745 Safenwil, phone 062 788 79 20.
www.emilfreyclassics.ch
Photos: Michel Zumbrunn, Dörte Welti
