You can poach scholarships. You can spend a year in African ex-wing regions and you can also score in South American countries with a high immigrant population. India is also an option. South Africa was the place to find classic BMWs. Even in the United States there is still a lot to be found. Then you can also use your own road trip there for something else than looking at the Grand Canyon. Of course we are talking about the hunt for engines and parts. The advertising department in AMK can also provide surprises. Oh yes: then there is also the Internet.
All those things mentioned, including the Internet, have already been discovered by De Handel. But that same trade often goes off the beaten track and so there is enough beauty left. Especially if you're looking for something off the beaten track. Outside those beaten paths are also the providers who have not yet focused and dreamed of Internet prices. Because asking € 1800 converted in Hungary for a cardan housing of an M72 that is offered as Original BMW Kriegsmachine Teil? That shows courage. With Richard Busweiler, something like that costs five tenners in that state. And then you pick it up in Genemuiden instead of it having to come from Verwechisstan by chance. A complete rear wheel for a Zündapp boxer from WWII for 650 euros seems nicely priced.
But in France and the former Eastern Bloc countries there are still plenty of surprises to be found. If you speak the language or languages. In the former CCCP countries, the language problem is even more pronounced than in French. A Pole in your circle of acquaintances can help there. Oh yes: Turkey also has quite a lot. You can benefit from getting to know the supermarket on good terms with someone from your Turkish neighbourhood. The Turks also have very stiff import and export taxes. And they turn out to be just as corrupt as the former CCCP bureaucracy. But if you know some people who know their way around… But across the board, Google translate is your best friend when it comes to searching foreign countries. After all, every country has sites that offer used or classic motorcycles and cars.
Also the countries where oil lamps are even more important than screens. Because even in those countries there are people who not only know people, but who also feel comfortable behind screens. Those people can be valuable go-betweens in your hunt. It often takes some time. Because they often have very hopeful prize dreams as a result of their searches on the Internet. But their prices are also asking prices. For example, a 1000 cc Ural prototype (coming from the Ural museum, I wonder if they have already missed it) was offered for 25.000 euros. The new owner paid 4.000 euros for it after tight consultation.
Google translate and the photos on the site can then at least provide you with the first contacts. You often have to be able to bring the text and photos together a bit. Because what can you do as an uninhibited parts hunter with: “Sprzedam epicko ocynkowane miski oleju u dziubek-motors 🙂 cena za sztuke 🙂 coś spaniałego. Poprostu leganckie.” Google translate happily reports there: “Epic galvanized oil balls for sale at dziubek motors 🙂 price per piece 🙂 something delicious. Simply legendary.” But € 8 for a fresh 3,75×19 tire? You understand that immediately. Or not.
When purchasing in Den Strange, just make sure that you optimize the chances of getting your stuff. It is best if you have someone you know in the country in question. He knows the country, speaks the language and knows the customs. Possibly malicious sellers do not like it if their 'customer' can drive up to them to get redress. And in that region they are not necessarily looking for a good conversation in 'getting things done'. Friend Andrey once went to visit with a loaded gun in his waistband. When he told his wife that he had helped his Dutch friend so well, she became angry. He had to hand in his gun. Online, Andrey gave a big wink: “She does not know I have another gun!”
That's what Friends Are For. Because not everyone is equally friendly. Another former CCCP member I once spoke to saw it this way: “We are young and poor. You are old and rich. So you are our prey”. That is the VOC mentality that Rutte spoke so proudly about. But then as in 'No words, but deeds!'. Thanks to and congratulations to Feijenoord.
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Idd in NL = more than enough for sale.
Good value for money.
Nice piece Rolf; but "Rutte" = also a swear word, right? Otherwise you can rhyme well except; Rutte stay with you happy! 🤪
That wasn't Rutte of that VOC mentality, was it? I think Jan-Peter Balkenende. By the way, another nice column 👍
Why make it difficult when it can be done easily?
With the exception of Sweden, no other European country has imported so many classics as in the Netherlands. Almost everything has a license plate and the prices are also low if you compare them with the asking prices from the rest of Europe.
Getting and importing an old-timer far across the border also has its charms, but it is usually better to save yourself the trouble.