Number 1250. Pride. And love for classics

It's finally here. Today I published my 1250th online article for Auto Motor KlassiekAnd that's the contribution you're reading now. It's remarkable to reach that number, especially when I think back to how it all began. On my own website, I wrote about classic cars, a mix of news and opinion, and current automotive news. And through my own channel, I also wrote about the proposed changes to the classic car regulations, which were made public in the fall of 2012. The proposed and implemented measure sparked considerable debate among the classic car enthusiasts, a storm of reactions, criticism, and questions. It feels like yesterday, but it's been more than ten years since then.

Editor-in-Chief Maarten Wilbers picked up on my contributions and asked if I'd write for AMK. To this day, I'm grateful for this opportunity. My debut was online; magazine articles and a regular column followed. Thus, a childhood dream came true: writing about what interests me and sharing it with a wide audience. I'm not vain, but writing for a national publication remains special for a passionate car enthusiast. Online, and certainly for the magazine in print.

In my 1250 online contributions, I wrote about various topics. Driving impressions, rallies, news, model car descriptions, car anniversaries, the experience of reporting days, opinion pieces combined with news, reports from classic car shows and outdoor events, personal experiences with my own classic cars, and columns about my automotive past. Political issues (local, national) were addressed, and I also described encounters with the great rally world champions of yesteryear. That was my passion, and that certainly applies to the opportunity I had to get up close and personal with Toyota's rally history. That, just like the people around it, made a deep impression. And so on. There's a common thread: each article is a snapshot of developments, car history, and daily life in the world of classic cars.

A constant in all these contributions is my love for a number of brands and models. I must remain objective in this, too, without losing my fondness. The past plays a part, my childhood plays a part. It's not for nothing that you read about the romance that every Citroën from the past has transferred to me. That remains very special. I'm also a fan of many brands, of many classic car cultures. And you certainly can't have missed my interest in Peugeot classics and the world around them. The brand was always just a little bit different. I always feel a little more comfortable in them. That's certainly true for the classic models, which perfectly fit the three-component juncture of convention, individualism, and understated chic. The brand has its own character, with a subtle distinguishing detail that makes each model special. The appeal of Peugeot models from the past has remained undiminished for me all my life.

I think the 404, and certainly the 204, are a prime example. This Peugeot is perhaps the most surprising classic car I've driven. In many ways, it stands out from its competitors of yesteryear, without being overbearing. It did that as a new car, and it does that as a classic car. Sophietje, Arie-Jan Vreeken's car, proved this again last April. The owner, photographer Spijker, and I shot a photoshoot in and around Utrecht featuring this 1975 classic. A nice side effect is that Arie-Jan and I have been collaborating on Peugeot events ever since. And it works out wonderfully. The collaboration with various people from the beautiful classic Peugeot world is exceptionally appealing. I'd especially like to mention Ellis Blase. She proved herself a true ambassador for the brand, both in terms of heritage technology and innovation.

Back to the anniversary. 1250 contributions online—that's a remarkable number. And remember: writing never becomes a routine task. Writing remains educational. Every contribution requires research, making connections, and communicating information clearly. Sometimes you discover an unexpected link between the past and the present. Sometimes a detail only truly comes to life during the writing process. AMK offers the space for this: to inform, share, and express an opinion. Always with respect for you, the reader.

The articles certainly have a personal side. They foster friendships, praise from unexpected quarters, and the occasional critical note. The internet opens you up, and that continually inspires me to write a good, reflective article. I've done that online 1250 times now, not to mention all the magazine contributions. And I'm not done yet. Not by a long shot. I'll continue to enjoy it. Just like my fellow editors do. In my own unique style, as you've come to expect from us. Sharing knowledge, compiling stories, and discussing cars makes working for AMK so valuable. Our platform is more than just a publication; it's the place where information, experience, and personal stories converge. And sometimes in an interactive way.

The classic car world is alive and kicking. And there are still many topics and stories to cover. Cars to follow, classics to report on, shows to visit, and experiences to share. Each new contribution aims to inform and paint a picture of what's happening in the world of classic cars. It's the world I love to be in. And it's the world I write about with love and pleasure. With a classic car heart and a nostalgic soul. And I intend to continue doing so for a long, long time.