Closing date June issue -> April 21
IAPM 2025 Marknesse. Classic and special Peugeots in the polder and the Weerribben
From Friday, June 20th to 22nd, it all happened. The extraordinary three-day International Peugeot event, IAPM, finally took place. After the previous edition in the Netherlands in Oosterbeek in 2016, Marknesse was now the stopover and the base camp for a beautiful surrounding area.
The large group of 137 registered teams—with roughly double the number of participants, and thus also some very special French lions—decided to settle in the Noordoostpolder for the 2025 edition. The fact that this was no ordinary event was evident from the fact that everything had been planned on a grand scale. The organizers—L'Aventure Peugeot—rented the entire Fletcher Hotel in Marknesse.
This also created an extra special touch: the entire parking lot was occupied by a huge variety of Peugeot models. The time span, technically speaking, stretched from the early 04s to well after the turn of the millennium. It was striking that those present could see that the entire Peugeot 203 range was particularly well represented. To give you a further impression: where else do you see three Peugeot XNUMXs, both convertibles and coupes, together? Moreover, a large selection was on display. the pre-war models setting presentThe photographs that accompany this story serve as illustrations.
It wasn't just Peugeot's heritage that made the event so vibrant. The people also made it an unforgettable experience. Participants from Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, and, of course, many French, a few English, and the always friendly delegation from the Peugeot Club in Belgium ensured a very harmonious and convivial gathering from breakfast until late in the evening, including dinner. Beautiful weather allowed us to spend a significant portion of this time on the spacious terrace at the rear, bordering the forest.
The varied program, featuring stunning routes, ensured that all participants enjoyed the beautiful roads and vistas, as well as lovely spots to stop and admire or visit. Schokland, the Weerribben, and the charming town of Giethoorn, where a boat tour was offered, were all included. Moreover, the teams set off with a wealth of knowledge, as the comprehensive international route book provided a wealth of information. On Sunday, the route led to the magnificent Piebe Haaima museum in Wirdum, Friesland. Haaima was a Simca, Talbot, and Peugeot dealer for many years, and his love for the marque with its lion on the foredeck translated into the creation of a fantastic history gallery.
The highly varied and beautiful collection, featuring a number of special examples, and the atmospheric decor and furnishings received much praise. It was also a time for farewells and for everyone to resume their journeys. Regardless of rank, status, origin, or nationality, the common denominator that united everything was a deep love for the Peugeot brand and its rich history. Friends reunited, new friendships were made, and stories and knowledge were shared. This made the setting and atmosphere unprecedented and unparalleled.
What else was special? It's not often that a delegation from the Peugeot family participates in events. But this time, just like in 2016, Thierry Peugeot was there with his beautiful dark green 203 convertible and visibly enjoyed the surroundings, the company, and the wonderful and varied Dutch landscape.
The "gold" in the title also had a very special meaning. It referred to the 50th anniversary of the APH [Assoc. Peugeot Hollande], which will be celebrated in several ways in 2025. A more beautiful way to celebrate this anniversary, in the form of such a renowned international event, is unimaginable. And this coincidence of beautiful circumstances fits particularly well within the close-knit and friendly atmosphere that the APH has represented for decades. Pure, rich passion, admiration for the wide range of models from the start of production. Peugeot cars up to and including the 403: that is what the APH holds high in its historical lion banner.
Once again, the well-organized and high-quality event was clearly evident. And, needless to say, that's something the APH volunteers and organizers always strive for and achieve. Here's to the next edition of the Dutch IAPM in a few years. The large national and international Peugeot community can't wait!
Text: Erik van Putten
Photos and assistance: Arie-Jan Vreeken
The three worst cars I've ever owned were all Peugeots: two 2s and a 206. Yet, I still have a soft spot for this brand. The 308 and 305 are childhood favorites; I used to ride in the back seats every week as a little boy. But I also still have a soft spot for all the x405 and x03 models.
I bought a 405 1.9 with 205000 km and sold it with 440.000 km to a Moroccan, probably still drives around there, 71 hp and 1 mpg, great car!
Shouldn't that 402B be 204B?
Adri
The 402 is the large, luxurious pre-war 2000cc model (from 1935 to 1942, the 204 is the small 60s model.
So it is correctly displayed here.
The large 2000cc Peugeot 402 was available at the same time as the small 1100cc Peugeot 202.
30 years later, the large 404 was available at the same time as the small 204.
Peugeot, excellent quality and very solid until the 90's, then the electronic problems gradually appeared and once under Stellantis the mechanics were no longer OK at all.
I once had a replacement car from the garage, a small 205 with 460.000 km. That thing still drove perfectly.
I have a 203 myself, these are certainly not inferior in quality to Mercedes (of which I have also owned a few), but unfortunately still undervalued in terms of price, although they are nice and stylish classics.