The hunt for classic beauties is in the spotlight. Fortunately, there are many enthusiastic people in the Netherlands who know that a classic is a source of pleasure and dare to take the step to present special creations. This article is about the desire for individuality, or better said, the story of a car life in which several Italian city cars play the leading role: the Fiat 500, Fiat Topolino 500 C, Fiat/NSU Spider Weinsberg, and the Fiat Topolino Pickup as a milk truck.
How it started
The adventure started with Cock's exclamation after his busy working life: “Help! I have no hobbies. What do I do with so much free time?” Janny was convinced that a hobby can bring energy and enthusiasm and immediately started looking for opportunities.
Fiat 500: The doors are wrong
The moped made way and in 1990 the first hobby car, a Fiat 500 with the doors on the wrong side, was purchased. The restoration started with great enthusiasm and the passion was born. An unexpected bonus were the social contacts created by this Fiat. Cock said: “Together we enjoy surrounding ourselves with people who share the same passion. When you follow your passion, that's when you really feel alive.”
Search for beauties
Thanks to a tip, they found a dilapidated Fiat Topolino 500 C that was rusting in a shed in Bunnik. Despite the fact that it was completely crooked and neglected, the car was literally saved from the scrap heap by Cock. But as life often goes, other responsibilities such as a busy job and a family meant that it took years for the Topolino to be revived.
Topolino fanaticism
Cock's enthusiasm for the Topolino is unmistakable. “I just enjoy my hobby and have a special fondness for these small vehicles. I bought this Fiat Topolino Pickup in reasonable condition and then gave it a beauty treatment. It's fantastic to have the time to show something special, like this little workhorse that focuses on the 'white engine' (milk). To me, this is a beauty on wheels and I can't get enough of it.”
Eye catcher
However, Cock and Janny's car adventure is not over yet. A second article will follow soon about a Simca 5, built under a FIAT license, of which the couple has made a very special version. It's amazing how often unique vehicles turn up, and behind every find there is a special story that we are happy to share with you!
How wonderful that these cars are all saved. I always have more admiration for people who put all their time, love and money into these types of objects, as the resale value is usually far below the investment. And yet this is even more part of the driving heritage than a Ferrari, Mercedes or a Rolls Royce.
Lots of free time after his busy working life,
His wife is looking for a hobby for him.
Later we read: due to the busy job and family, no time for the 500 C.
When did that Fiat hobby actually start?
Leonard Lang on Stadhouderskade in Amsterdam was the importer at the time. The Fiat dealer in Hilversum was the Boeschoten company near the water tower.
As a child I never lost any sleep over it, but I remember these carts very well. I don't know why, but there were quite a few in Hilversum. I think the Fiat Dealer in Hilversum or Bussum was called Leonard Lang. It was certainly a large dealer for that time.
Now that I look at it like this, the thought comes to mind that, surely they had something, an 8 on the hug scale.