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Eternal rust bower: Berlin's vintage car is moving - a unique experiment!
A unique vintage car from 1956 that hasn't been washed for 40 years is moving in Berlin because of environmental zones - a fascinating experiment.
Eternal rust bower: Berlin's vintage car is moving - a unique experiment!
Who would have thought that a dented Opel Olympia Caravan from 1956 could cause such a stir? Hanns-Lüdecke Rodewald's vehicle not only captivates passers-by in Berlin, but also raises exciting questions about vehicle care and sustainability. Antenna Münster reports that the car, which has not been washed since 1977, is now forced to change its location. A conversion in Berlin's Graefekiez into a car-free zone makes this necessary.
Traditionally, the Opel was previously in front of a popular café - now it will be in front of a pizzeria. Rodewald, Professor Emeritus of Vehicle Safety, is conducting a unique experiment with this car: “How long can a car run if you only carry out the most necessary repairs?” These questions include both the technical and practical aspects of his courses.
An unusual classic car
The Opel Olympia, a special kind of eye-catcher, not only has a patina, but also numerous stories to tell. How Motor Talk According to reports, the car was bought by a grocer in Koblenz in 1976 for 600 marks and has been a constant companion of Rodewald ever since. However, the condition of the car is more than just modest: dented, rusty and partially overgrown with moss, it is admired by numerous residents and passers-by. Some admire the originality, others even leave love letters to the owner.
However, environmental zones represent a challenge. Since the classic car does not have an H license plate and therefore does not meet the strict requirements for low-emission vehicles, Rodewald had to rely on an exemption. This allows him to continue to drive his beloved vehicle in the low emission zone - but only for tourist purposes and for filming.
Car with history
The technical details of the Opel are fascinating: with a partially synchronized three-speed gearbox and a four-cylinder engine with 45 hp, the car reaches a maximum speed of 122 km/h. Despite the aging technology, the classic car has covered an impressive 170,000 kilometers - originally it was only 90,000 kilometers. Rodewald only has the most necessary repairs carried out, such as replacing tires, spark plugs and brake pads. The result? The Opel still has an MOT and is holding up remarkably well - a real gem on Berlin's streets.
In Germany there are more than 900,000 classic cars with H license plates that are allowed to drive in environmental zones under certain conditions. This can be crucial for many enthusiasts of such vehicles. How ADAC As explained, the share of driving of classic cars is negligible compared to overall traffic, but special regulations are nevertheless created for them.
For Rodewald, the question remains exciting: How long will his Opel Olympia Caravan continue to run while he follows this fascinating experiment? As is well known, the vehicle not only bears the patina of the years, but also the stories and memories that mingle with the scent of moss and earth inside. This is what creates its charm and consolidates its position as a piece of urban cultural heritage in Berlin.