The event has been a permanent fixture on the agenda for years. The run-up to Eelde Classics is always filled with anticipation and a pleasant feeling. In Eelde it is not about decoration, but about well-stocked halls in which little distracts from the offer for which visitors come. Perhaps that is why this year's theme fits so well with the setting in North Drenthe. Because Eelde Classics 2023 is all about air-cooled.
And that is visible. Because the Keverclub plays an impressive leading role in Eelde. For me, that is already a very good reason to be excited about the event. Air-cooled Volkswagens play a prominent role in my car love, not least because there have been many connections with Beetle & Co during my lifetime. I love the Volkswagens, which helped to get Europe back on its feet economically after the war and played an important role in that. Moreover, I have a number of friends within the air-cooled scene, and I am going to Eelde with them.
There is more, because the NSU club is also there - in the context of air-cooled. And I know from experience that the NSU club is always good for beautiful stands. This is also the case in Eelde. Because what the club of NSU enthusiasts has created there is really beautiful. Prinzjes, a Ro80, engines, bicycles, NSU developments that were marketed under a different name (the Audi 50 GLS of the Sloterwijk brothers that recently appeared in the magazine is there, as well as a beautiful VW K70): you will find it all there and it is a pleasure to watch.
Across the board, the range of air-cooled Volkswagens is remarkably large. When I take a photo of a VW 1303 S with a souped-up engine, a visitor tells me that my album must be full of Beetles. “That's right, that's also the main theme here,” I say dryly. He probably doesn't know that Nosstalgia has brought a very special Volkswagen to Eelde: a 1500 S, a true and truly rare relic from the VW Typ 3 saga. I enjoy that, this is unique.
But Eelde is not just about the air-cooled theme. Just a selection. The Toyota Club presents the rich past including a few beautiful Corollas and Toyota 1000 examples from the P30 series. So beautiful, so rare. I feel why the classic history of the Japanese superpower affects me so much, this is an important part of the history within which Toyota built to become the largest manufacturer in the world. For example, Opel was the largest in the Netherlands for many years. One of the symbols of this was of course the Kadett-C, which also plays an important role in Eelde in the context of the fiftieth anniversary of the type. Some beautiful ones Citroëns from the ID/DS club catch the eye beautifully. A Giulietta with hardtop and a very late Fiat 500 R are not to be missed. And a very nice Volvo PV544 also catches the eye.
I could go on like this for a while, what I mentioned is just a selection. The themes were beautiful, and connected by the main acts mentioned. The halls were well filled, with classics from various backgrounds, often exhibited by the regulars who visit Eelde every year. And as far as established values are concerned: the visit to Eelde was also a reunion with many acquaintances, including people from the world who I had not spoken to for a long time. But it was not without reason that we also made the trip to Eelde. Because Eelde Classics always offers a casual, unpolished atmosphere where classics in all shapes, sizes and states can shine. And alternated with nice stands with automobilia, miniatures and other delicacies. Wonderful, and every reason to look forward to next year's edition.
De Citroën GS, and the PANHARD, was too
air-cooled?
No 2CV? ? It was also air cooled!
Shit I missed it...mighty beautiful photos