It will not have escaped your notice as a classic fan that the late summer has a lot to offer in the area of old-timer festivals. However, if you are looking for a nice alternative to all organized classical splendor, we can recommend visiting the First Dutch Opel Museum in the Frisian town of Tijnje. It is a unique, light atypical museum where the classic enthusiast in general and the fan of classical Opel in particular can indulge.
Opel's hobby is taking off
The history of the museum actually dates back to the 1970s. Mr. van Meindert van Wijk - owner of a car company and traditionally a specialist in everything that has to do with Opel - bought a classic Opel for restoration during that period and so one thing came to the other. More purchases followed, which were initially exhibited in an industrial hall purchased by Van Wijk. In 2006, Van Wijk exchanged this space for a new home. It was a consequence of the fact that the classic Opel hobby took a big flight. It resulted in an extremely interesting arsenal of classic vehicles from the Rüsselsheim brand, supplemented by a few cars typical of the museum. Two Ford Mustangs, a Vauxhall Cresta, a beautiful, early DAF 55 Coupé and an equally impressive 1950s Chevrolet Impala, show off.
Impressive collection of historic Opels
Logically, the main part of the collection consists of various pleasant and historic masterpieces that represent the Opel brand. After the visitor has been welcomed by a jealous collection of Opel miniatures, various Opel Olympia Rekords in competition condition shine towards the enthusiast. Among them are specimens from four generations. The fifties envoys in excellent condition - as well as a number of other museum pieces cherished by Van Wijk - still have a virgin mileage. Speaking of cherishing: the museum owner clearly has a soft spot for the large Kapitäns from the 2s, 2s and XNUMXs, which have been given a prominent place on the exhibition floor in Tijnje. Also some immaculate PXNUMX Rekords (pay special attention to the really fabulously beautiful PXNUMX Coupé) can also enjoy the warm interest of Van Wijk. The Rekords collection is eye-catching in any case. At least one copy of all generations has found its way to Tijnje.
Many generations of Opels represented
Van Wijk has exhibited one or more variants from several generations of every post-war (classic) model. In competition condition or "under construction." You just come face to face with the fairly rare Opel Commodore C Voyage, a Kadett Aero, the beautiful Rekord P1 or some of the brand's historic transport vehicles. But you cannot avoid a restoration object such as the convertible version of the Olympia Rekord from the late XNUMXs or a fairly rare keyhole Kapitän. Of course, the Kadett also makes a contribution in different generations. The collection of over sixty vehicles offers something special for every enthusiast. The visitor takes a journey through an era in which Opel played a particularly prominent role within the national road network.
Variation: also other memorabilia.
What makes a visit to the museum certainly interesting is the presence of other historical products - such as sewing machines and prams - from the Rüsselsheimer brand and other memorabilia. Together with typical fifties characteristics, they ensure a high density per square meter. Another eye-catching feature is a 1950s living room furnished by Van Wijk, a library with an extensive collection of car magazines - including a number of volumes from Auto Motor Klassiek- as well as brochures and other promotional material. And for the owner of a classic Opel, there is even more good news to report: there is an impressive warehouse with original parts for sale. They can be purchased for Opel from the years 1935 to 1978. These parts can be ordered by telephone throughout the year.
Accessible
After the tour - in which Meindert van Wijk tells the story behind his collection at times - there is still an opportunity to drink a simple cup of coffee in the accessible threshold, where the equally accessible Van Wijk and his wife Gonnie would be happy to talk to you. word. The first Dutch Opel museum is a must for anyone with old-timer blood. Certainly if the blood type listens to the name of the brand from Rüsselsheim.
Opening times and more info
Opening times: The First Dutch Opel Museum, located at Bregewei 6 in Tijnje, is open every weekend from April to October. Visiting times are from 13.00 hours to 17.00 hours on Saturdays and Sundays. The museum is also open on 2e Easter Day and 2e Pentecost Day. Parts sales do take place throughout the year.
You can find more information about the unique museum here!