A passion for old things Around 20 years ago, a steadily growing passion for collecting began with a love of vintage cars and rural objects. As a trained agricultural machinery mechanic, Franz Großschmidt from Edlsee took an early liking to technical achievements. Over the course of two decades, he collected and lovingly restored many a piece of machinery that some people already considered “old iron”. “For me, this hobby means above all relaxation and a lot of fun,” emphasizes the South Styrian.
The museum In a separate hall next to the Buschenschank and the fish ponds, everything from bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles to tractors can be admired on an area of over 400 square meters on two levels, making the heart of a Steyr-Puch fan beat faster. Numerous loans from other classic car enthusiasts, who share Franz Großschmidt's hobby for classic cars, complete the display of around 70 vehicles, many of which are still in use today. There are also many old signs and other items relating to old sheet metal on display. A BMW motorcycle has “cheated” its way into the row of Puch motorcycles.
Farmer's stuff worth seeing In the area of the museum that presents rural customs, there are many things that Franz Großschmidt has saved and preserved for posterity. Some of it already belonged to him. Some things he has received on loan for his museum. One particularly rare gem is a plow from the Baroque period. A flour mill and a butter churn also shine.
Growing passion Franz Großschmidt is bursting with ideas and so, in a further expansion stage, he also wants to offer space for four-wheeled classic cars and show visitors the automobiles with which motorization once began in this country. “Yes, cars are still missing from the museum and the Puch brand will probably never be finished anyway due to the variety of vehicles produced in Graz,” emphasizes the passionate collector and admirer of the Puch brand.