On 24 and 25 August, the ancient Concours d 'Élégance experienced its baptism of fire at Soestdijk Palace. At the invitation of Peugeot Nederland I walk a round there. And I greet Dutch etiquette, which concludes with a remarkable mix of automobile beauty, etiquette and sometimes dormant indecency.
Fun, refreshing, that's what it is at Soestdijk. A great alternative to Paleis het Loo in Apeldoorn, really. Queen Juliana with her husband towers above the crowd and waves. Welcome. There is recognisability, which is presented to the public in a less streamlined arrangement than usual. Stands around the pond, heritage around the palace. Different, cozier, more intimate. However, the time-honored chic lives on. The paper party hats and gorgeous dresses bring sheu with them. This clothing is more than usual alternated with summery clothing convenience. 31 degrees, then you will know. Prince Bernhard balcony or not. Today it is possible and allowed.
Beetle from AMK 8-2019 wins own competition
More may. Octane's colleagues are organizing their own competition at Soestdijk with numerous categories. In that of the affordable classics wins our VW 1200 Export from Richard van der Bijl. Exactly. That out Auto Motor Klassiek 8-2019. The Kevereowner is as proud as a peacock, I am on behalf of it Auto Motor Klassiek also. "The jury said the same as you". It's great that the jury values the originality in plural. Originality that goes beyond specifications and color. They, the jury members, get it at Soestdijk.
Special combinations
Talking about beautiful: the beautiful Flaminia Berlina Bicolore from Nan Beers, all Carrozzerie Speciale from Fiat (the 1200 TV, all-powerful!), A blatantly well-cared for MG Saloon, the beautiful and very rare Autobianchi A111 from Patrick Hink (and other Autobianchi exotics), the enchanting combination of Citroën H and GSX (series 1, with 1015 cc engine), a special Belgian 2CV AZL from 1955, and a striking number of Mercedes pre-war and post-war Roadster models, they are there. There is much more, and in the midst of that beauty, the Mercedes 540 K wins the Best of Show prize. The election has been expertly judged by people who tell me early in the morning at the Peugeot stand that they have seen a lot, but have not yet developed a preference. Old elite can be childishly naughty. Yes.
Hospitality in a beautiful setting
Cozy, often courteous, that starting point is the appropriate basis that belongs to Peugeot. Worthily represented by Ellis and Frank. Present because of the celebration of 100 year Peugeot coupes. Nice historic line-up, posted around the E-Legend, often with nice lines. On the Peugeot booth is much decent, the shops are big enough for each other. Snacks and drinks, hospitality, reunion with acquaintances from the Peugeot circle, all proud of their brand. The conversations are usually fun, interesting. Just like the cars are. What Peugeot offers fits on Soestdijk, where, incidentally, I am discerned by a well-known Frisian Peugeot celebrity. As a thank you for the free publicity he recently received. For years I saw the man as a jovial person. But today Soestdijk is the whistleblower of its true nature. And it does not hide the shadow side of anything feel important.
Coming home to Edwin Groen
Ah. That too is a bit part of the competition. I leave the Peugeot stand for the last time and continue. It stays great. With a bottle of cold coke in hand, I once again indulge in the automobile beauty of the past. And also the simplicity within. When the market closes, I speak to Edwin Groen. Generous collector of original and museum 2 CVs, housed in hundreds in a special and real museum in Andijk. I agree that I will take a look soon. With or without 2 CV, I am very welcome. Between his two classic Bugattis, green is completely itself. My North Holland history comes to life thanks to him, who feels at home with the recognition that the Duckman evokes. Do normal and just enjoy, then I am at my best. And Edwin too.
Simply unique winners
That's how I finish the day. I'm going. I am leaving the event that perpetuates my love for beautiful classics in all shapes and sizes. And where too everyday shows that they can be so beautiful. Including the variants on it. That's how I experience the competition. Prince Bernhard nods on the way to my Lancia. And Queen Juliana towers above the crowd. She sees that it is okay and waves me off. I thought it was good too. Bye, see you next year.
