Johannes and Berni with their Harleys
Two completely "normal" guys from Dornbirn/Vorarlberg/Austria - yes, maybe not completely normal, but at least pretty decent - had been Bud Spencer and Terence Hill fans since childhood. And so it was that in 2007, during a Spencer/Hill film evening (including the film "Crime Busters"), these two guys had the glorious idea that they also needed Harley Davidson motorbikes.
Even as early teenage moped gang members (Puch Maxi's) addicted to two-wheelers, it was simply not clear until 2007 which motorbikes should be purchased. As another good friend was already riding around on a Milwaukee tractor and it was a good fit, at least in terms of "stature" á la "Crime Busters", it was decided on this ominous evening with a handshake to organise and purchase two identical and original police Harley Davidson. After writing to over 40 Harley-Davidson dealers across Europe, the desired success was achieved and two (after six months) decommissioned police bikes from Miami/Florida, complete with equipment, could be called our own in 2008.
At the same time, I organised two original police uniforms during a business trip to the USA - it goes without saying that something like that is part of the package, right?
And so it came about that we - oh yes, "we" are my friend Berni and I, Johannes - went on a number of rides over the years and were also busy at the European Bike Week at the beginning.
Berni and I have known each other since childhood and have experienced and pulled off some wild events together. The Spencer/Hill Festivals had also been on our radar for a long time, but unfortunately, for various reasons, we didn't manage to visit one until 2023. Berni then got the trip and tickets to the festival in Gubbio from us for his milestone birthday (rumour has it he turned 20). Anyone who has ever seen us there will realise that we stood out with our uniforms and police machines. However, I would like to emphasise at this point that we don't claim to be impersonating our two idols. We are just two "normal guys" who - like all of you reading this - celebrate and celebrate our heroes Bud and Terence. Just perhaps a little crazier than others...
We are also really grateful to have been so warmly welcomed into the Spencer/Hill community as "latecomers". It's great fun with you all and we're looking forward to celebrating the upcoming event in Ilmenau with you. So, if you see two suspicious guys there - just get in touch!
Thomas and his Ford Crown Victoria
Thomas comes from Bad Königshofen in Franconia and will be attending a Spencer/Hill festival with his fiancée for the first time. Thomas has been a fan of Bud and Terence since he was a child and, like many other fans, has reenacted the best scenes from the films with friends in the school playground. He was even lucky enough to meet Bud Spencer briefly at one of his signing sessions, where he worked as a paramedic. He is bringing his Ford Crown Victoria, a patrol car from the Los Angeles Police Department, with him to Ilmenau. Thomas is hoping for a good time in Ilmenau, which will take him back to his childhood.
Sebastian and his Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
Sebastian comes from the small town of Zwiesel in the Bavarian Forest. He has also been a fan of Bud Spencer and Terence Hill since his childhood and appreciates the attitude to life and the ease with which our two heroes master life in their films. For him, too, the festival in Ilmenau will be his festival premiere. He is looking forward to meet many like-minded people, good humour and a great festival. Sebastian also has a US Ford Crown Victoria patrol car in his luggage, but this one has the look of the Indiana State Police.
Phillip and his Ford Crown Victoria
Phillip is 25 years old and comes from Falkensee near Berlin together with his father. He is also bringing along a Ford Crown Victoria, an original vehicle from the Clearwater Police Department in Florida, which was decommissioned in 2020. The car has a V8 engine with 4601 cm³ and 254 hp (186 KW). Phillip watched the Bud Spencer and Terence Hill films with his grandad as a child and has been a fan ever since. He will be attending the Spencer/Hill Festival in Ilmenau for the first time and is looking forward to film screenings with like-minded people and exciting discussions with other fans.
Nathalie and her Ford Crown Victoria
Bernhard and his Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
Robert and his Ford F150
Robert brings his 1975 Ford F150 pickup with him.
Thomas and his Lincoln Continental
Thomas brings his 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V with him.
Katja and Dirk and their Chevrolet C 1500
Katja and Dirk from Gräfenhainichen are bringing their 1989 Chevrolet C 1500 with them.
Katja and Dirk and their Buggy Ruska
In addition to their Chevrolet C 1500, Katja and Dirk also have their 1984 Ruska buggy with them.
Nick und Franzi and their Buggy Vanclee
Franzi and Nick from Gräfenhainichen are bringing their Buggy Vanclee from 1980.
Familie Reich and their Framo V901/2
The Reich family from Thuringia will be bringing their self-built Framo V901/2 from 1960.