The mountains at full tilt

More than a simple fan club, the Automobile Club of Crans-Montana is a genuine sanctuary for people who love (beautiful) cars. Its membership is made up of old car collectors and lovers of contemporary engineering, and they meet regularly to share their knowledge, stories and experiences, while also taking advantage of the breathtaking Alpine setting to host special events. Their annual calendar includes activities like conferences, private parties (this summer with Audemars Piguet), rallies along panoramic mountain roads and themed exhibitions that highlight the automobile’s rich Swiss heritage.

Eclectica Concours d’Élégance: treasures on four wheels
Spotlight on this summer’s Eclectica, a unique concours d’élégance that takes place over three days the last weekend of July (25-27). Now an unmissable part of the annual calendar, this exceptional event transforms Rue du Prado into an open-air car museum, with a seemingly disparate collection of vehicles that range from timeless classics to contemporary supercars. What do they all have in common? “Collectively, they represent the ultimate in automotive design and engineering”, says the concours founder. That’s why you may see a Ferrari F40 next to a Citroën 2CV, a Peugeot 205 GTI near a Mercedes 380 roadster, or a 1950s Jaguar XK120 facing a modern icon like the Bugatti Chiron — it all makes perfect sense, according to Philippe. The wide variety of the 150 vehicles on display for the concours is exactly what gives the event its unique name: Eclectica.

In parallel, the Eclectica Luxury Exhibition will also take place at the ski resort, giving automobile manufacturers a prime opportunity to reveal their newest models and innovations outdoors in the heart of Crans-Montana.

Crans Turismo: Alpine drives & gastronomic delights
To get a taste for the road yourself, the Automobile Club of Crans-Montana proposes a scenic tour along Swiss Alpine roads, naturally closed to public traffic, on 25 July. The Crans Turismo itinerary is meticulously planned to highlight some of Switzerland’s most beautiful panoramas, taking participants across different regions and roads, including some that can be challenging to drive. Between drives, gastronomic culinary stops await in unusual locations, highlighting some of Switzerland’s top gourmet cuisine. It’s the ideal way to experience the best of both worlds.

An improvement for Crans-Montana
Going beyond a passion for beautiful cars, the Automobile Club of Crans-Montana also contributes economically (by attracting visitors) and socially to the region. Nelson Philippe takes great care to nurture the positive relationship that’s shared between club members and the local community. The club also organises a charity event “Abracadabra”, which proposes a festive evening that revolves around collecting donations and toys for children in need. The ACCM founder holds fast to the club’s philosophy that “people are at the centre of everything we do”.

automobileclubcm.com