Porsche parts and literature heaven at the Alte Kelter in Fellbach
The 15th edition of the Strähle Porsche Swap meet was another huge success. The Strähle Swap Meet, organised by Paul-Ernst Strähle Junior, can be considered the European sister of the annual Los Angeles Literature and Toy Show. However the event in Los Angeles is somewhat older. It will take place for the 37th year in 2020. The first 2 events took place in the Strähle’s company workshops. Not the ideal place, but as a starter that was ok. It moved to the Museum of ‘Kunst und Technik’ in Schorndorf. Some year laters another move to the Barbara-Kunkelin Halle in Schorndorf. In 2017, the Strähle Swap Meet found a new home in the Alter Kelter in Fellbach. And just as the previous years, the complete location was turned into a true heaven for Porsche fans and collectors.
Wide variety of products offered
There’s probably no other show, but the annual International Porsche Collectors Day in the Netherlands, that offers a variety of Porsche related products as the Strähle Porsche Swap Meet. The complete ‘Alte Kelter’ is filled with dozens of tables, stacked with parts and literature. It won’t surprise you that attracts people from all over Europe, and some even from the USA. The range of products you can found at the swap meet is huge. We noticed, among others, a Porsche 911 RSR counter, that sold for a fair price. Furthermore alu bonnets for a Porsche 911ST were offered and even a complete set of Porsche 550 Spyder rims. For the Porsche 356 fan, a wide range of used and reproduction parts was available, even for the splitwindows. No matter what Porsche 911 you have, always a big chance you could find the long wanted part.
In case you did not find it, you might have get in touch with someone who has a spare one. Even a twin-ignition type 916 engine was on display, a car virtually identique to the one used in the 1967 Porsche 911R model. When it comes to literature and memorabilia, several exhibitors and collectors offered some rare pieces. We’ve noticed manuals for virtually ever single Porsche model you could think about, including early racers like the Porsche 550 Spyder and Porsche 904. Factory pictures, posters, books.. name it and you could dig it up at one or another table. Ofcourse the holy grail for Porsche literature collectors found the way to a table too : the highly collectible Liebe zu Ihm book.
Porsche personalities visit the Strähle Swap Meet
The leading man behind the Strähle Swap Meet, Paul-Ernst Strähle jr. is the son of former Porsche racer Paul-Ernst Strähle. This connection makes the event even more than just a swap meet. The Strähle Swap meet brings former Porsche employees together to dig up some stories. This year we spotted 1977 Le Mans Winner Jürgen Barth, always willing to autograph his excellent cookbook “Racing & Recipes”. Furthermore Günther Steckkönig enjoyed his visit. Rolf Sprenger co-author of the Carrera book, could be seen having a chat with Porsche fans too. Unfortunately, regulars like Peter Falk and Hans Mezger did not show up.
Next to the Strähle Swap Meet self, you could grab the opportunity to bring a visit to the Porsche Museum. Why not take a factory tour in Zuffenhausen ? And remember the Mercedes-Benz Museum is worth a visit too, and is real close to the Alte Kelter.
The next edition will take place November 7 2020. More information will soon come online at www.straehle.org. We will be there, and we hope to see you too.
Picture gallery 2019 Strähle Porsche Swap Meet
Pictures by Vintage Race Photography