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| Topacz Castle |
According to Alexander Duncker, a
German publisher, bookseller and writer who issued a list of rural manors,
palaces and residences of the Prussian nobility in 1857-1883, a fortified tower
with living quarters was built by the Templars in order to ensure the safety of
the merchants and their assets. This was what is now known as Topacz Castle.
Its excellent present appearance is due to the fact that during World War II none
of the buildings suffered any structural damage. In 2002 a Mr. and Mrs.
Kurzewscy transformed the building into a luxurious hotel and conference
centre.
MotoClassic Wrocław is an assembly of classic cars manufactured
between 1886-1990 organized annually at this castle which is situated near
Wrocław (formerly Breslau) in Poland. This year the seventh event took place
from 18 - 20 August 2017. The CCC was allocated a prestigious position in
front of the castle.
Friday 18 August included
registration, prelude and inauguration of the event. A column of classic cars, including
some of those from the CCC, took part in an exceptional parade that crossed the
city of Wrocław in broiling sun and high temperatures. There was a particularly
interesting and large contingent of rare Bugattis that had driven from Austria and Holland.
There were also Russian, Czech and Polish classic cars rarely seen in the West. The
Polish Army also had a meticulously restored set of trucks, jeeps, guns,
dispatch motorbikes, field pieces and soup kitchens. Adjacent to the CCC
exhibition of cars, the RREC Polish Section also had a stand.
The Polish Mercedes Benz 'Pagoda' Club also fielded an array of superbly restored motors.
The designer of the Mercedes_Benz 'Pagoda' Paul Bracq who gave a fascinating lecture on the evolution of the final masterpiece
We were promised a police escort
that only materialized at disconnected moments and many cars overheated in the
summer heat as a result of being delayed at the many traffic lights. However
good humour prevailed! The cars were displayed at the historical Centrum Historii Zajezdnia (Deport
History Centre) and Plac Solny. We
then crossed the city once again to the revitalized Stadion Olimpijski (Olympic Stadium) where we were given an
exciting demonstration of speedway bikes by the Speedway Club WTS Sparta Wrocław.
On the following morning (a public
day) Saturday 19 August, there was a presentation of vehicles in the Elegance
Contest. Tessa van Arkel, one of the most 'periodly stylish' CCC members,
appeared in her 1936 Bentley 3½ Litre Sports B87FC and won an
elegance prize. This was presented on the Courtyard Stage with suitable
commentary and television coverage by CCC fashion and car photographer Błazej
Żuławski.
Standing beside my 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow on the same stage I
gave an entertaining, even dramatic account, of my participation in 1993 in the
exciting first rally around independent Poland since 1912. In this very car I
accidentally broke the left bank manifold on a protruding rock whilst crossing
a river bed. The skillful repair, hospitality and improvisational skills showed
the Poles at their very best.
At Topacz in the afternoon there
were many other activities, not especially involving the CCC, which took place
in the castle grounds and beyond. In the evening most of us attended the amusing
and entertaining Commander's Ball and charity auction.
Sunday 20 August was a rather
quieter day open to the public. In the 124
acres of grounds surrounding Topacz Castle some 300 'classic' vehicles had been
displayed. To sum up, in rather a short time the CCC has established itself as
a strong presence on the classic car scene in Poland.
And an excellent couple of days were enjoyed by the few CCC members who attended and were lyrically rewarded for their efforts. Much thanks to Paul and Tessa van Arkel for their Herculean efforts to get this show on the road!
Michael Moran (Chairman)
Members who attended:
Paul van Arkel 1965 Aston Martin DB 6
Michael Moran 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Jerzy Bylica 1955 Austin Healey 100/4 BN 1
Tessa van Arkel 1936 Bentley 3½ Litre Sports B87FC
Błazej Żuławski
Iain Batty fearlessly lent his Jensen Interceptor to the CCC stand
