Verena Proebst – The automobile heritage in the heart of Bavaria
For me, all cars are male – because I truly have a relationship with them.
Swissvax: “Verena, thank you for letting us learn more about you, your passion for cars and your automobile museum. Which car do you currently enjoy driving the most – and why?”
Verena: My new project, my 1965 Porsche 911, is not quite finished yet – but it should only be a matter of days. That is why I still most enjoy driving my 1972 911S, which I have owned for almost 20 years. It is the only vehicle that still gives me butterflies in my stomach every time I drive it.
Swissvax: “You grew up in a ‘car-crazy’ racing family – how would you describe your childhood?”
Verena: From the outside, I probably seemed a bit of an outsider because we spent almost every weekend at the racetrack or at a classic car event. My father often picked me up from convent school in some vintage car or in our racing E-Type. For my family, life always revolved around cars. From time to time, I helped my father in the museum workshop, working on the classic cars.
Swissvax: “Are you a driver or a collector?”
Verena: While my father eventually became more of a collector, I am currently trying to bring some of the cars that have been standing still for far too long back to life. I feel sorry for the vehicles that have been sitting in the museum for years – it takes a great deal of money, time and patience to make a classic car roadworthy again. I would describe myself more as a driver. It is more important to me that a car is technically sound and can be driven than that it stands somewhere in perfect condition. A little well-preserved patina belongs on every classic car.
Swissvax: “What does your automobile museum mean to you personally?”
Verena: This museum means so much to me that I decided to continue living nearby in my parents’ house instead of moving abroad. At times it costs me sweat and tears because I cannot change everything I envision in a short period of time. But I try to revive it step by step.
Swissvax: “What is your favorite car in the collection?”
Verena: I do not have to think long about that – clearly the E-Type. I associate so many memories of my parents with it. As soon as I sit inside and smell the leather, I am transported back to my childhood. It is my second current project. The engine is already running, but every time it returns from the workshop, a new issue appears. I will fully dedicate myself to it once the 911 is finished. In the end, we will see who is more stubborn – the car or me.
Swissvax: “What kind of relationship do you have with your cars?”
Verena: For me, all cars are male – because I truly have a relationship with them. They are companions throughout my life.
Swissvax: “Your museum cars seem to keep you busy. Do you plan to add more cars or motorcycles?”
Verena: Sometimes I find myself thinking, “That one would still be missing from the collection.” But then reality catches up with me and reminds me that I must focus on the vehicles already there. The hall is bursting at the seams anyway. Some people suggest I should part with something, but that is not an option for me, as everything represents my father’s life’s work – and I do not want to dismantle that.
Swissvax: “Which car would you still love to drive – and why?”
Verena: Through Instagram it is probably no secret that I am still searching for my father’s lost Porsche 910, which he raced in the 1970s and unfortunately sold. To drive – or at least ride in – that car would be my absolute dream.
Swissvax: “How much time do you spend with your cars?”
Verena: In summer, quite a lot. The museum is open, I attend events, organize my own rally, or simply drive alone. I always try to make the most of the season until the very last day. Right now, all roadworthy classics are being driven again before winter arrives.
Swissvax: “Describe a typical drive. How does it feel? What goes through your mind?”
Verena: If I am alone with one car, I focus on the engine sound and the landscape. There would never be a radio on. I enjoy the differences between each classic car – their individual quirks, how they shift, the gear ratios and why they are the way they are. For me, every classic car has its own character that you must adapt to.
Swissvax: “You also organize an annual rally. Can you tell us more about it?”
Verena: The Falkenhausen Classics has existed under this name for 31 years. My parents dedicated it to Alex von Falkenhausen, a famous BMW engineer and family friend, after his passing. After my mother’s death in 2010, I took over and initially organized it with the support of a friend. Once the event had grown beyond its early stages, I assumed full responsibility in 2019. Since 2010, it has continued to grow and attracts more participants every year.
Swissvax: “How do men in the classic car scene react to you?”
Verena: I would say that some men initially tend to smile at you. I have heard questions such as, “Ms. Proebst, how do you feel about parallel parking?” or “Ms. Proebst, this topic is more of a men’s domain, isn’t it?” When I organized the rally alone for the first time in 2019, some voices wondered whether I could manage it by myself. Afterward, those same voices congratulated me on the successful event and even became sponsors and partners the following year. You simply have to follow your path and not be discouraged by envy or negative talk.
Swissvax: “What does Care for your Dream mean to you personally?”
Verena: For me, this phrase is directly connected to the collection my father left behind. Of course, it would be easier to sell everything and no longer have sleepless nights. Instead, I try to breathe new life into the cars that were neglected for so long and bring them back onto the road.
Swissvax: “What has been your most beautiful moment or experience with your classic car?”
Verena: The most beautiful moments are when you have had a car restored for months or even years and finally drive it for the first time. I remember the first time I drove our E-Type myself – never have I driven a car with such care and reverence.
Swissvax: “You are currently restoring a car. Which one is it and what is its story?”
Verena: It is a signal red 1965 Porsche 911 that my father gave my mother as a wedding anniversary gift. I still remember her driving it on the racetrack. My father had upgraded the engine with 2.4-liter cylinders, matching pistons and an S camshaft. After her death, I initially left the car untouched. For the past year, Saller Oldtimer has been restoring it, renewing everything technically essential. At first I resisted a full engine overhaul until Selina Skramovsky offered to take care of the engine. Next week I should finally be able to drive it for the first time and I hope to experience many new adventures with it in the future.
