TO MARK THE OCCASION of my 30th birthday, I wanted to make it a memorable one. For a petrolhead like myself, what better way would there be to do so than to go on a trip centered on car-related destinations? Where better place to go for this than Germany?

With that thought, I cracked open my laptop and started my research on finding the perfect hotel in Stuttgart. After browsing some travel sites, I was ecstatic because it looked like I had found just the right place – an establishment called V8 Hotel Motorworld. This is a hotel that has themed rooms based on motorsport and automotive brands!
Having “only” been married for 10 months, and being a quick study, I have already learnt the first and most important thing about marriage: “happy wife, happy life” [Ed: I checked with Judy, she agrees]. My wife Judy is a huge fan of the Mini Cooper and I have always had a particular affinity to Gulf Racing, so it was obvious to me that I must fulfill my husbandly duty and pick a room with both of our favourites in it. Otherwise, of course, we know the room would have been Porsche themed for sure.
As I lay in bed, about to drift off, I recalled that when I was a kid, my dad would never buy me a “car” bed no matter how many times I asked; but thirty years later, I finally got to sleep in one, complete with functional headlights! Bucket list – CHECK!
Serendipitously, the planning of this trip coincided with my latest vehicle purchase. To make it even more of an adventure, I decided to take European Delivery on the new addition to the family – a brand new Volvo. I know I know… it isn’t a Porsche, but this European Delivery only added to the novelty of my three-decade celebration.
Three months later, my brand-new vehicle was ready for us to pick up! We packed our bags and headed out on a morning flight straight to Scandinavia. I knew I was in Sweden when the first thing I saw getting off of the plane was the brand I was here for. We wasted no time in heading over to the Delivery Centre As soon as we picked up the car, we started our journey from Sweden to Germany. For those interested in making a similar trip in the future, driving on the Autobahn is a must-do item for any European road trip!
After about thirteen hours on the road, we arrived at V8 Hotel Motorworld. Conveniently situated only twenty minutes away from Stuttgart, this was where we stayed for the rest of our trip. Note to self: never plan another thirteen-hour drive in one day… Autobahn or not.
As I lay in bed, about to drift off, I recalled that when I was a kid, my dad would never buy me a “car” bed no matter how many times I asked; but thirty years later, I finally got to sleep in one, complete with functional headlights! Bucket list – CHECK!
Next morning, we originally planned on visiting several car museums in the area, but we changed our minds when we got to the lobby. Why go anywhere else when we’re staying at Motorworld? The concept of Motorworld is difficult to describe – but you can imagine it to be a mixture of acar museum, dealerships, a workshop, car-centric retail stores, a hotel, and an event center. The petrolhead adult-themed park concept was just too tempting for me to pass up, and besides, entry was free.
When I got to the dealerships portion of Motorworld and saw the price tag on some of those pristinely kept exhibit cars, it reminded me yet again of my childhood. When I couldn’t afford any of the toys in the toy store I would tread extra carefully in case I broke something by accident. But just like that little kid, I found myself STILL there hours later. Instead of my fuming parents, it was now up to my wife to ultimately drag me away.
If you’re anything like me, as you look through the photos, you might get a good understanding as to why I had to be hauled out. What an amazing trip this was! Now it’s time to plan the next one. Suggestions welcomed! </>
Story and photos by Terrence Tong, UCR Vice-President