Interview: In the Driver’s Seat with two generations of passionate collectors – Dr. Manfred Wolf & Felix Wolf

Mr. Wolf, this year you’re presenting a 1976 Lamborghini Countach LP 400 in the Main Concours — a dream car for many collectors.

It’s a great honor and joy for me to present another childhood dream at this world-class, truly illustrious event — this time the Lamborghini Countach LP 400, after participating last year with the Lancia Stratos HF. Once again, it’s a design by the brilliant Marcello Gandini, and even more special since I get to share this experience with my son as a fellow participant.

Do you remember your first encounter with the Countach, and what ultimately led you to add this particular car to your collection?

Absolutely! Like many who are fortunate enough to fulfill childhood dreams later in life, my first “encounter” was through a card game. The Countach was the unbeatable ace card in terms of speed and acceleration — my absolute dream car, which never changed.

My first real sighting came in the late ’70s on the Salzburg–Munich Autobahn. I was still a child, and it was a Countach LP 5000 with a rear wing. Unfortunately, the encounter was brief — despite my excited encouragement, my father couldn’t keep up.

The Countach I’m now showing at Tegernsee was the first LP 400 I ever saw in person — the original model in its purest form. That was at Retro Classics in Stuttgart in 2012. I knew immediately: I had to have it.

People collect cars for many reasons — historical significance, design, engineering, emotion. What drives you?

It might sound strange, but for me, those elements often overlap — especially with Italian cars, which are the only ones I collect. Emotion is the primary spark, but it’s fueled by the unique combination of fantastic design and engineering excellence, which in turn often gives a car its historical significance. I don’t believe that coincidence exists anywhere else quite like it.

You’re not here alone — your son Felix is participating in the Emerging Collectors Concours. What does it mean to pass this passion on within the family?

A great deal. I inherited the passion from my father, who still supports us today. So yes, it’s a family tradition. It’s wonderful to see that something I’ve loved since childhood now sparks the same appreciation and passion in the next generation.

Is there a specific historic model you’d still love to show at a future Concours?

Let me surprise you! I do hope the jury will continue to give me the opportunity to participate in future editions with other cars from my collection.

Felix, you’re entering the Emerging Collectors Concours with a 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider 2000 Veloce — a charismatic youngtimer with style. Why this Alfa, and what connects you to it?

It was my father’s first car. He bought it used in 1986 and restored it completely with my grandfather, who is a trained automotive mechanic. My parents took all their Italian holidays in the Spider. On my 18th birthday, my father gave it to me — so it’s also my first car.

The Spider stands for Italian freedom, flair, and style. How does it feel to present it among an elite group of international collectors?

Honestly, I still can’t quite believe I’m here with my Spider — in this setting, surrounded by this “competition.” It just feels incredible!

As a representative of the younger generation of classic car lovers — what fascinates you about analog cars in contrast to today’s digital world?

The immediacy of analog engineering makes all the difference in driving experience — and ultimately in driving pleasure. It also demands a responsible approach, since there are no electronic safety systems. The most important assistant is still between the driver’s ears.

Beyond the tech, these vehicles represent the peak of automotive aesthetics for me: clean, cohesive design — not the overly complex or bloated forms we see today. Of course, back then, designers had fewer restrictions regarding safety, environment, or cost. That freedom allowed for beautifully irrational, impractical, purely aesthetic creations.

What does it mean to you to participate alongside your father — two generations, two cars, one passion?

Actually, with my grandfather attending as a guest, we’re three generations. I’m a bit proud of that — not many can say the same. In a way, the circle closes: I followed in my grandfather’s footsteps, first becoming a certified automotive technician and later working in vehicle restoration for two years in Miami with Vantage Motorworks. I even got to drive a car I helped prepare onto the show ramp at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Only my father breaks the mold — he’s the black sheep of the family in that sense.

Do you already have a dream car you’d like to own and maybe show at the Concours one day?

There are a few. But right now, my top choice would be a Lancia Rally 037 Group B in Martini livery.