Beetles and Benzen. A weekend full of German heritage in Fryslân.

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Purchasing classics there

Special classics and ideal weather conditions in the Northern Netherlands were the pleasant ingredients for the success of numerous events held in Friesland last weekend. We selected two events in which two of the most popular classic brands in the Netherlands were central: Leeuwarden goes Aircooled and Star Cars and Coffee in Surhuisterveen.

A very special VW T1 with "Beatles Bodypaint" caught the eye - just like many other air-cooled VWs - during Leeuwarden goes Aircooled. Image: Erik van Putten
A very special VW T1 with “Beatles Bodypaint” caught the eye - just like many other air-cooled VWs - during Leeuwarden goes Aircooled. Image: Erik van Putten

To start in the Frisian capital: as an organic origin and unofficial part of the well-attended Fries Street festival, many owners of air-cooled Volkswagens brought together numerous Beetles, Buses and other historical types of VW at the Oldehoofsterkerkhof in Leeuwarden. A square full of original or customized VWs showed a colorful image of the rich and personalized air-cooled VW past.

Something for every "Aircooled" enthusiast on Saturday 28 May
There was something for every enthusiast. From a rat look T1 to one of the last 1303s delivered in the Netherlands; from beautiful camper T2s to the finely restored Beetles; from Type 3 (Fastback) to Kübel: there was enough to ignite the holy air-cooled fire in the interested person. From 10 until far past four, the VW was central. The organization had the affairs well organized, the inner man got his or her hair and the atmosphere was very relaxed.

These two sublime Heckflosses were an attractive team within an impressive Benzen collection in Surhuisterveen. Image: Erik van Putten
These two sublime Heckflosses were an attractive team within an impressive Benzen collection in Surhuisterveen. Image: Erik van Putten

Sunday 29 May: Star Cars and Coffee
A day later we drove to Surhuisterveen. Klaas de Poel again organized a very successful Star Cars and Coffee at his buildings. Numerous Mercedes-Benz owners and addicts went to the now familiar place in the Fryske Wâlden. The lion's share of the “Das Haus” heritage collection came from the young timers who were produced in Sindelfingen and Bremen, among others. The W201, W123, W124 and W126 honored the era in which extremely strong Mercedes were built. Also the person who came to Surhuisterveen for the older Benzen could adorn beautiful cars. Jan de Haan's fantastic Mercedes 220b (W111) stood side by side with another Heckflosse: a formidable 230 from the Baureihe W110. Mr Bezema was also present. He had brought an 240 D 3.0 from 1976 that has been restored to perfection, which was later joined by another copy of this five-cylinder Diesel type. Further on, a Pagoda and an 170 S from 1949 livened up Klaas de Poel's buildings, while we also lingered just a little longer with an incredibly beautiful W114 E25 coupe: an 250 CE from 1971. And so there was more to enjoy.

Well organized meetings with great right to exist
In any case, the interest in both events turned out to be proof that historic Volkswagens and Mercedes cars have a large support base within the ever-widening classic and young-timer supporters. And that interest was cast by the Frisian department of the Beetle Club and by Klaas de Poel and his mates in well-organized meetings. Events that more than deserve a permanent place on the vintage car calendar.

Impressions on Facebook
For a photo impression of "Leeuwarden goes Aircooled" click here.
For a photo impression of "Star Cars and Coffee" click here.

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