29th Oldtimer & Classic Car Show in Leek. Enjoy flair at its finest.

The 29th edition of the Oldtimer & Classic Car Fair in Leek once again proved why this event has been a fixture on the calendar for classic car, miniature, and automobilia enthusiasts for years. During the second weekend of October 2025, numerous visitors flocked to the Leek Sports Centre to marvel at the wide selection, the attractive stands, and—perhaps even more importantly—the familiar faces that make this fair so special.

As always, Hofman Leek was prominently present. The renowned classic car specialist combined the exhibition weekend with a well-attended Cars & Coffee on its own grounds, just a few kilometers away. This allowed visitors not only to enjoy the classic car heritage inside the halls, but also to enjoy a lively collection of enthusiast cars, coffee chats, and the roar of engines outside. A successful combination that once again made Leek the beating heart of the northern classic car scene. And this combination has a strengthening effect, driven by a wonderful and shared interest.

Hall 1: varied offering for commercial purposes.

Hofman's booth was in Hall 1. Among other things, they brought a stunning Opel Olympia A 1.7 and a Saab 96 V4 to the Sports Centre. Hofman's location was familiar, and so were many other businesses: various parties displayed their classics, surrounded by dozens of stalls brimming with miniatures, parts, books, and automobilia. For many, that's precisely the charm of Leek – browsing, chatting with a well-known collector, or finding that one missing part for a restoration at home. Also attractive: the booth of classic BMW engine specialist Van Houten, which has graced the Leek fair for years. The offerings in the spaces between the two were also varied. Every year, the organizers manage to create the perfect atmosphere around the intersection of trade and hobby, and between commerce and a love of classic cars. And that formula has worked perfectly, for almost thirty editions.

Hall 2: French specials in the spotlight

Hall 2 had a familiar face this year, with a fresh design. Immediately to the right was the Northern Region of the Traction Avant Club, featuring, among other things, the car its team participated in this year's Mille Miglia. French brand clubs were well represented and took center stage under the theme "French Specials and Sport." The diversely decorated French Street presented a magnificent display, with an impressive row of Renault 5 Turbos as a real eye-catcher. On either side of it were a Renault Estafette, a sporty Renault 11, and a beautifully restored Renault 4 Quatrelle. In addition, a truly stunning Renault 4CV Découvrable attracted many admiring glances. And as if that wasn't enough Renault glory, Nienke Huisman's Renault 5 GTL stole the show. The young Frisian owner recently purchased her pre-facelift "Vijfje" (Vive) car, but now has... Anyone wanting to take a picture of Nienke and her Renault needed considerable patience – the interest was overwhelming. This also applied to her boyfriend Justin's 5 GT Turbo, which was faithfully parked next to Nienke's classic car. Interestingly, Justin and Nienke met in Leek during one of the previous editions of the event.

Diversity and crowd pullers

Besides all that French beauty, there was much more to see. For example, the Citroën The M35 – a rare experimental model with a rotary engine – attracted a great deal of attention. The extended Peugeot 205 also attracted a surprising amount of interest. Centrally located in the hall, there was also ample space for privately owned classic cars, whether presented in a club setting or not. This diversity of cars – from sporty coupes to charming family classics – added color and character to the event. And again, anyone who took the time to look around saw cars of all stripes, each with its own story and owners eager to share it. The genuine interest of the audience, which largely came from the surrounding area, was particularly impressive. Perhaps that's Leek's secret: that recognizable, friendly atmosphere you immediately feel as soon as you enter the hall.

Friendliness and organization as a formula for success

That characteristic atmosphere of Leek and the surrounding area – friendly, approachable, and warm – has made this fair a success for years, and a wonderful place to visit. The excellent organization by Anton Rosema and his team definitely contributes to this. Everything runs smoothly, visitors feel welcome, and participants are happy to return. It's precisely this combination of craftsmanship and hospitality that explains why the Oldtimer & Classic Car Fair has such a loyal fan base. And that applies to us too: Auto Motor Klassiek always enjoys coming to Leek. Every year, it's a celebration of familiarity, enthusiasm, and pure passion. With the 30th edition already in sight, it's clear that the future of this northern classic car show is at least as bright as its past. One thing is certain: in Leek, the love for classic cars remains alive and well. And while the last car left the halls of the Sports Centre in Leek, the organizers were already preparing to give the public another chance to enjoy it next year.