Škoda Felicia Cabrio (1960) gives shape to Robert's love of cars

An original Dutch Škoda Felicia convertible that deserves to be in the spotlight, is perfection in restoration. From 1959 to 1964, 14.863 of the Felicia, which was called type 450 in the early years, were produced. This Škoda has been completely disassembled and rebuilt in its original condition thanks to Robert's craftsmanship. The aim was to use as many original parts as possible; damaged and incorrect parts were replaced with original Škoda parts brought from the Czech Republic.

Who is Robert?

Robert is a true technician and passionate mechanic of classic cars at Bourguignon in Leeuwarden. The classic showpieces are cherished by him. Every time it is a story of adventure, perseverance and decisiveness. After two years of laborious work, the Škoda is as good as new and ready for a second life as an eye-catcher in the showroom.

Partsjeight

In the Czech Republic the original upholstery was still found in the correct version, which gives the car that little bit extra and, above all, charm. In fact, original sheet metal parts and various engine parts were also found. A correct 60s carpet has been placed in the interior. (Talk about perfection.) The glass jar for the brake fluid under the hood was nowhere to be found, until they called on the Škoda museum, where, miraculously, a complete and original exhaust was also found.

Detective?

The story of the Škoda Felicia Cabrio is as fascinating as a detective story, with Robert in the role of the lead investigator. His thorough investigation uncovered a hidden history, a journey through time that began in 1985.

That journey started when the car was sold by Tonny Keijzers in Apeldoorn, an important moment in its existence. Not long afterwards, between 1986 and 1987, the Škoda was exhibited in the showroom of Fokkinga in Leeuwarden, an authorized Škoda dealer. Here the car was on display, waiting for the next chapter in her life story.

This next chapter started in 2003, when Ype Boelens became the proud owner. Ype, whose father was a Škoda dealer in the XNUMXs, added a personal chapter to the car's history with this purchase.

The Škoda timeline took a new twist in 2018, when Bourguignon, a company with a deep passion for classic cars, purchased the Felicia and carefully restored it. This restoration was a celebration of the car's rich past.

To crown this work, Robert organized a special tour together with other Škoda dealers. This fourteen-day trip to the Czech Republic, Škoda's heartland, was a tribute to the origins of the Felicia. This trip was more than a celebration; it was a vivid reminder of the enduring appeal of this classic car.

Appeal of the Škoda Felicia convertible

The appeal of this beautiful classic car is enormous. It is admired in the showroom and even more so when people hear the story behind the car. This piece of driving history now lives under the care of Ramon Bourguignon, who also gives shape to his love of cars. For Robert, his craftsmanship gives him great satisfaction; he is a positive perfectionist. It's automotive art! The photos give a good idea of ​​the result, it will be clear to everyone that you can speak of golden hands here.

Natural lifespan?

Ramon Bourguignon from the company of the same name in Leeuwarden and Dokkum must have a mysterious power. He now has a colorful collection of classics and vintage cars that he wants to keep alive. Together with his employees, he invests energy and an unjustifiable amount of euros in his hobby. Is that understandable? Enthusiasts know the phenomenon: You have to extend the lifespan of special cars and therefore: restore them. After all, passion is what drives you, what gives you energy. For Ramon and also for restaurateur Robert, this is the underlying cause that gives them pleasure in life. The enchanting classic cars in the showroom are proof.