Peugeot classic clubs. Together we start off in 2025

Three for the price of one. In these expensive times with ever-increasing grocery costs, everyone is equally focused on such texts. Yet we are now talking about the first Peugeot classic event of this year, three Peugeot clubs worked together on it. And during Easter another example of cooperation took place, in which PCN and the 404 Association worked together. You are reading a report of two rides, which ensured a successful classic Peugeot start. And that season start showed in twofold, what a beautiful form of cooperation leads to: connection between people and strengthening brand love.

Hollands Glorie and GRACA is an event that is organized in turn by the 3 Peugeot clubs APH [ Association Peugeot Hollande ], PCN [ Peugeot Club Nederland ] and the 404 Association. This year the clubs joined forces and jointly organized the start of the Peugeot touring season of 2025. And that was accompanied by the opening of the new warehouse and clubhouse of the APH. Nice: that takes/took place in the year that this association exists for fifty years.

The classic Peugeot community was eagerly awaiting the Peugeot classic season, which always involves beautiful rides through the most beautiful areas of the Netherlands. During the first event of the year, the Leeuwenmerk enthusiasts were in luck: the sun was shining, and the sliding roofs and convertible roofs offered plenty of space to allow for the beautiful conditions. The field of participants far exceeded the number of fifty, and the owners brought a large variety of classic Peugeots. As you can imagine: at the starting location Beachclub NU in Biddinghuizen it was a pleasant reunion of friends and old acquaintances who had not met for a long time.

The course was set out through a varied, green and rural area. After the start, the Peugeot procession crossed the Veluwemeer, at the bridge to Elburg. After that, they crossed the provincial borders of Gelderland and Overijssel many times. Many small villages with authentic buildings - mostly within the agricultural setting - such as Zalk, Marle and Veessen provided a photogenic image. This also applied to the many kilometres that were covered over the IJsseldijk. And after the afternoon stage that had the new clubhouse and warehouse of the APH in Lelystad as its end point, the participants were given plenty of space to let the beautiful impressions of the day sink in. The start of the season was successful, and an example of fine cooperation.

Part 2: The Easter Bulb Ride 2025

Under less favorable weather conditions, the second tour took place during Easter Monday 2025. Once again, a nice collaboration had been set up, and now the Peugeot Club Nederland and the 404 association joined forces to organize the Easter Bulb Tour in North Holland. A selection of unique and beautiful Peugeot classics now crossed the area under the Kop van Noord-Holland. The weather gods were not favorable to the classic Peugeot owners, and in contrast to the season opening, it was now wise to keep the roofs closed.

The 45 teams (94 people in total) once again brought a selection of Peugeot models. There was a fair amount of emphasis on Peugeot 404 variants, and these were present in various types and sizes. Even a Pick-up caught the eye. In addition, there were a fair number of 504 models present. But other Peugeot models were also present in North Holland. Fun fact: Chris van Haarlem was present with his white and rare 104 Berline (with a short tailgate, you may remember the car from our magazine). On the more modern side of the spectrum, a young 108 caught the eye. And a pair of 403 Berlines formed a wonderful contrast with that.

The start of the ride took place in Bovenkarspel, after a cozy get-together with coffee and tasty apple slices. The kick-off of the Easter Bulb Ride was accompanied by humid weather conditions, but that did not mean that the tour ride towards the North Holland coast fell into the water. The surroundings are simply too colorful for that. Part one of the ride- the morning session– passed Enkhuizen, Andijk, Wervershoof, the picturesque Medemblik, Opperdoes, Twisk, Abbekerk, De Weere and Lambertschaag. At the edge of the Wieringermeer the Peugeot caravan stopped for lunch, which coincided with greetings from sheep and lambs.

After this, everyone prepared for part two of the Easter Bulb Ride. Via Langereis, Nieuwe Niedorp, Kolhorn, Schagen and 't Zand, the teams drove - via Callantsoog - to their final destination Julianadorp. In this way, everyone got - despite the adverse weather conditions - a beautiful view of what North Holland has to offer. The colorful surroundings - with the necessary bulb fields - was in any case a beautiful setting to cross with the Peugeots.

The day ended like this, with a bite to eat and a drink, and everyone could prepare for the final part of the day: the journey home. “And”, says Arie-Jan Vreeken, “that was the longest stage of Easter Monday for most participants. Because many participants came from far away to drive the Easter Bulb Ride. It shows that the Peugeot owners are willing to do a lot to experience such a day together. And that is a great thing. And proof that the connection within the classic Peugeot ranks is strong.”

With many thanks to Arie-Jan Vreeken and Cor Tjepkema

Photos: Arie-Jan Vreeken