The vehicle in question is a rare Austin Mini Moke from the mid-1960s, the identification and technical specifications of which have already been documented in detail. Over the coming months, the vehicle will not only be restored to working order but, above all, will serve as a learning platform.
The basic idea behind the project goes far beyond a traditional restoration. Many of the young people involved have so far had only limited technical experience. Yet this is precisely where the particular strength of this project lies: step by step, the participants will learn about the various systems and technologies of a historic vehicle – from the electrical system, cooling and fuel supply to the brakes, clutch and engine technology.
Equally important is gaining hands-on experience of the craft. The young enthusiasts are to learn how restoration work is prepared, planned and carried out professionally. This involves not only working on the vehicle itself, but also precision, patience, teamwork and treating historical cultural heritage with respect.
Another key component of the project is documentation. Right from the start, technical data, chassis numbers and engine and body markings were analysed and recorded. This is intended to help the young people understand how important workshop manuals, original documents and technical documentation are for the correct classification and preservation of historic vehicles.
As part of an initial technical assessment, various tasks have already been defined. These include, amongst other things, checking the electrical system, overhauling the clutch system, inspecting the braking system and preparing the engine for recommissioning. The aim is to get the vehicle back on the road in time for a planned appearance in early June and, in the long term, to apply for a FIVA card.
The project powerfully demonstrates how historic vehicles can serve as a bridge between generations, technology, history and practical training. Particularly in an increasingly digital world, this creates a space where young people can learn once again to work with their hands, understand technical concepts and take on responsibility within a shared project.
With this first restoration project, Next Heritage, together with yong4vintage, is sending a strong signal for the future of automotive heritage – vibrant, hands-on and intergenerational.
The initiative is fully in the spirit of the SHVF’s young4vintage project and is intended to offer young enthusiasts a concrete platform to organise activities, develop projects and present themselves to the outside world as a clearly structured and recognised organisation. Among the practical foundations is the ability to manage administrative and financial matters independently, for example by opening an association bank account.
The meeting was chaired by Irene Balestra, whilst Hermès Ammon acted as minute-taker. The founding members present unanimously approved the new association’s articles of association, which consist of 36 articles. ‘Next Heritage’ was thus officially founded with immediate effect.
The association’s objectives are clearly defined and firmly focused on the future: to promote the culture of historic vehicles among the younger generations, to pass on technical and practical skills, to develop educational projects, and to build a network of enthusiasts that facilitates the exchange of experiences and knowledge.
The four cornerstones of the project are passion, history, technology and community. These values are intended to shape the association’s future activities – from cultural visits and restoration work to educational projects and practical case studies.
The symbolic initiation ritual for full members is also particularly original: each new member brings a personal item that reflects their passion for historic motoring. Over time, these objects are to be brought together to form a collective representation of the association’s identity and development.
During the course of the evening, the association’s first executive committee was also elected. Irene Balestra takes on the role of chair, with Hermès Ammon as vice-chair. Alessio Ciccone is responsible for educational projects, whilst Malyk Lombardi oversees the technical aspects relating to vehicles and restoration. Leonel Rodrigues and Alex Reisenthaler will support the social media, interviews and documentation departments.
An advisory board comprising Massimo Albertini, Roberto Bernasconi and Marco Morisoli was also appointed to support the association with strategic guidance, experience and expert advice.
The atmosphere of the evening was characterised by enthusiasm, a sense of responsibility and the desire to build something sustainable. The founding of ‘Next Heritage’ is therefore far more than just the creation of a new association: it is a clear sign that a new generation is ready to play an active role in preserving and passing on our automotive heritage.
Young4Vintage Ticino is thus continuing on its chosen path and demonstrating that a passion for historic vehicles can lead to culture, friendship, education and intergenerational projects.
A group of around twenty participants from Ticino, brought together through the young4vintage community, arrived together by coach. The journey itself thus became an initial opportunity for interaction and camaraderie. For the first time, young enthusiasts from neighbouring Italy were also present, underscoring the ‘Insubric’ collaboration and demonstrating how this shared passion can bring people together across borders.
The day’s programme was varied and carefully put together. It began with a visit to the Emil Frey Classic Museum, where the participants were able to immerse themselves in a high-quality collection that made a great impression with its presentation and attention to detail.
The group then gained an insight into the Emil Frey Classic workshop, the very heart of the company. The tour was led in Italian by workshop manager Andrea Trigili and provided a direct insight into the work involved in maintenance and restoration. The technical explanations met with great interest and were highly appreciated by the participants.
After lunch together in the museum restaurant, another highlight of the day followed: a visit to the Swiss Car Register. In the presence of Urs P. Ramseier, the participants were given access to an extraordinary collection of documents and artefacts that provide a fascinating insight into the history of the automobile in Switzerland. The guided tour in Italian, led by Franz Engler, brought this unique cultural heritage to life with a wealth of expertise and palpable passion.
The spirit within the group is also particularly worth highlighting. Special thanks go to Hermes, who, with his open manner and his knack for connecting with people, immediately found a rapport with the participants from Milan, thereby facilitating an initial, important bridge between like-minded individuals. This provides a promising foundation for future joint activities in Switzerland and Italy.
The numerous positive responses confirm the high quality of this outing – both in terms of content and the people involved. The day in Safenwil was far more than a typical visit: it was an experience that fostered exchange, learning and new connections.
young4vintage is thus consistently continuing on its path – as a platform that connects generations and regions and demonstrates that a passion for historic vehicles is a universal language that brings people, ideas and perspectives together.
Also present was the young4vintage Ticino team, comprising Irene, Hermes, Leo, Liky and Vanni, who helped organise and actively shape the events, demonstrating great dedication and initiative.
One of the highlights was, without a doubt, the debut of Liky, aged 19, who has only recently passed his driving test. For his ‘classic car baptism of fire’, he was allowed to drive an Alfetta, experiencing his first real drive at the wheel of a historic vehicle. A symbolic moment that perfectly reflects the spirit of the initiative: the passing on of passion from one generation to the next – alive and tangible.
The group was also enriched by a new member: Dani, at 14 the youngest in the team. As a keen youngtimer enthusiast, he brings plenty of curiosity and energy to the table and shows that the movement is also attracting growing interest among the very young.
The award-winning vehicles also provided some exciting highlights. In Sant’Antonino, an impressive Bentley 3 Litre Jarvis was honoured, whilst in Agno a 1926 Ford Model T was celebrated. Two icons that, in their own way, authentically tell the story of the automobile.
The events were accompanied by some social occasions: a breakfast in Sant’Antonino and a drinks reception followed by lunch in Agno, courtesy of OBI, which supported the initiative. The prize-winning participants were also presented with a voucher worth 100 Swiss francs for automotive products.
Following these successful events, which took place in a very positive and cooperative atmosphere, attention is now turning with interest to the potential for further developing the partnership with OBI. Experience to date shows that a solid foundation is being laid here for future projects and new opportunities.
young4vintage Ticino is thus continuing on its path with determination: with enthusiasm, new generations and the clear aim of gradually building a vibrant community centred on a passion for historic vehicles.
The first initiative aims to pass on the passion for historic vehicles to other young people. Presentations are planned at schools for grades 5 to 9 to spark enthusiasm and at the same time show how interest, passion and private and professional perspectives can be combined.
The second initiative focuses on practical work on the object. The emphasis is on learning about the technology, materials and zeitgeist of different eras in automotive history. The aim is deliberately less to offer a strictly didactic course and more to provide a direct experience and opportunity to live out a passion for vehicles.
Committed mentors have already been found for both initiatives, who will accompany and support the young participants in the implementation of their projects and provide them with advice and assistance. This lays the foundation for implementation to begin soon.
A special honour for this small pre-Christmas event was the participation of Antonio Santarelli, winner of the Swiss Classic Passion Award Svizzera Italiana. The Ticino young4vintage group, which had attended the gala evening in Lucerne, took the opportunity to present Antonio with the award in person, as he had been unable to attend the official event for family reasons.
Visibly moved by the recognition, Antonio gave those present very personal insights into his life, which has been marked by bitter setbacks as well as great moments. With stories from the life of a saddler, he built a bridge between craftsmanship, passion and perseverance. Finally, he invited the Ticino young4vintage group to a practical workshop at his company.
We look forward to a year full of passion, new initiatives and enthusiastic people who are actively working on the future of the past.
We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to everyone who supports this initiative and makes it possible, especially the young enthusiasts, the sponsors and the parents for their patience, trust and constructive cooperation.
