The real value of a car is not only expressed in money, but especially in emotion: the pleasure and good feeling while driving a classic or vintage car. Sharing our hobby not only brings enjoyment from the car itself, but also from the social contacts that come with it. Many of us are fortunate enough to own a youngtimer, classic or oldtimer and would like to make the younger generation enthusiastic about this ownership.
From passion to action
Dirk (22) is not only striking with his beautiful beige Mercedes 280 SE, but as a young student he also founded the Pioneers' Guild. This platform for (young) adults organizes outdoor activities in which a classic way of life is pursued. Classics and vintage cars are essential for their expeditions to various destinations, symbolizing freedom, adventure, and the search for excitement and sensation. The club, consisting of enthusiastic young people between 18 and 26 years old, promotes crafts, art and culture and has been located in Alde Leije for 2,5 years.
Dirk emphasizes: “When we travel together as a mobile museum, we experience passion and a refreshing life full of dreams for the future. As enthusiasts of our driving heritage, we ensure a significant extension of the life cycle of our cars. With our hobby and passion for a full life, we make a positive contribution to society.”
Dirk's treasury
In addition to the Mercedes 280 SE, Dirk also owns a 1985 model with the shining star on the nose, in soft blue. His girlfriend Rucháma shares the joy with her Volvo 142 de Luxe from 1974. Dirk's love for classics is further demonstrated by a project car, a beautiful Opel Olympia Coupé that is getting a second life. Together with Rucháma and the friends of the Pioneers Guild – Authentic Outdoor – they are full of enthusiasm, each with their own wonderful stories.
The crowd of friends
Are classics cool? The Pioneers Guild – Authentic Outdoor proves it. Some of the cars of these enthusiastic young people include a Saab 99, Audi 100, Mercedes 280 SE, Renault Master MK 1, Citroën CX, Volkswagen Beetle, Volkswagen Polo, Volvo 144 S, and Volvo 245, together with Dirk and Rucháma's “pets”: the two Mercedes models, the Volvo 142, and the Opel Kadett Olympia.
Appreciation
What is to be appreciated is how they make more and more young people enthusiastic about driving a classic, pass on history, and command respect for our driving mobile heritage. Their hobby and way of life demonstrate passion to the public, the beauty of their activities and of course the elegance of classic cars.
Both the Volvo and the Benz are already with their 6th owner in the relatively short time that they have been in the Netherlands.
That always gives me some questions, why is there a whole line of enthusiasts who throw away such a car after 2 years?
In addition, they have had the cars in their (own) name for barely a year.
So they probably haven't had much trouble yet.
Breakdowns on the road, MOT inspections that suddenly turn out to be very disappointing, etc., and those kinds of “experiences” sometimes cool the love for classic cars.
It makes me very happy when young people also enter the classic car scene, that gives hope for the future, but what if the first "insta-unworthy" problems arise? . . ..
I like the Olympia the most.
I have nothing to do with Mercedes and Volvo.
Indeed, it is often forgotten when purchasing a classic car cheaply: cars that were very expensive to maintain when they were new do not suddenly become cheap to maintain because they are so-called road tax free and the purchase is not expensive.
You can buy a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow in drivable condition with a bit of luck for 10.000 euros, but the maintenance is just as expensive as a new one. These are not Fiat Panda maintenance prices.
Unfortunately, the Mercedes factory has become just as arrogant as the rest of the German “order”. “was sich liebt, neckt sich”, said a certain man, Nietsche”? It is simply, moronically, that it is impossible to finance the restoration of an MB these days! I restored a good 12 SLC from '450 74 years ago. Technology, electricity, interior 100%! Cost 12k including spraying. Only purchase 3k!! new bumpers, sills, all lower parts. Nowadays ; E. 4 double ?? …..
The W116 280se is a beautiful, stately car.
280 SEL was the slightly longer version
280 S was the carburetor version
There was not much difference in power between the 280SE with 180 hp and the eight-cylinder 350 with 200 hp, but there was an extra 6 liters of gasoline per 100 km.
At the time, a 280se was about the price of a small house or apartment, yet 450.000 units were sold.
Unfortunately, the steel was of lower quality than that of Volvo.
The key is to find a good example and give it thorough rust prevention, then you will have a very nice car for a long time.
Unfortunately, the parts are Mercedes-too-expensive.