Occasions Sélectionnées: Cries of recognition for Dirk.

You would think that after all these years of various government measures and with so many searching Dutch enthusiasts, the number of classics that are just sitting in the grass or between the bushes would have run out. But Dirk's photos prove the opposite: some are in poor condition, but there are also some that can be restored. 

The 4-door Renault 5 has lost its shine; the Peugeot 504 could certainly get a second life, just like the Renault 16. The Renault 6 is a car that you hardly see anymore in the Netherlands. The Peugeot 604 now has the designation “verkeerd afgelopen" got. But that does not apply to the Renault 4, the popular French car that can hopefully be saved so that the engine roars happily again. 

There were also many cars in remarkably good condition, cars that could easily hit the road. The Renault 16 and the Renault 6 in particular seemed perfect. We can always warm up to beautiful models from times gone by.

Love for classic cars

Dirk: “What makes rusty car wrecks so attractive? Is it the dream that this faded glory can still be saved through restoration? Strolling around these places is truly an amazing experience! The rusty wrecks are sometimes a beautiful still life and also proof that everything is transient. Searching for scrap metal gives you a kick! For me it is a combination of delving into the automotive past and my love for classic cars.”

Armed with the camera

Dirk: “It is so much fun to capture the old cars with a camera in hand. This is possible at old garages in the French countryside, because at scrapyards it is almost impossible to rummage through the old stuff anymore. It's a shame that many cars don't make it in the end, and I like to capture them as a kind of tribute.”

The man cave

Most of the “occasions” recorded here belonged to a retired man who has built up a nice collection over the years. There was a sign along the road: “Private museum, entrance 5 euros”. It was a kind of man cave on the site with a shelter where you could get a cup of coffee for 1 euro. The owner said his friends often came here and the welcome felt warm. There was a special atmosphere: in addition to cars, there were also many mopeds and nice French miniatures in different scales. It was a voyage of discovery, but also proof that despite the strict measures taken by the French government, not everything has disappeared.

Medical concerns?

Dirk loves everything that drives and rolls, especially cars from his youth. According to him, there are many who inhaled petrol fumes at an early age and became addicted to anything that runs on fuel. As far as we know, there are no medical objections, so it is worth sharing with the readers Auto Motor Klassiek is the best recipe.