From 7 to 9 October, old-timer and young-timer enthusiasts rejoiced in Leek. The Sports Center in Leek hosted the 26th edition of the Oldtimer and Classic Fair. Anton Rosema and his colleagues combined traditional hospitality with the most surprising classics during the past weekend. And Leek offered even more tradition: every year you find several surprises as a visitor and you greet many familiar faces. This year was no different, as it turned out to our delight.
The organization spoke of a well-attended fair, which is always combined with an old-timer ride on Sunday. Moreover, the collaboration with Hofman in Leek is always excellent. The fair and the classic specialist reinforce each other in good harmony. It is typical of the pleasant and accessible atmosphere that makes Leek and its surroundings such a pleasant environment, a relief even.
The latter qualification also applies to the way in which Rosema and his followers keep an eye on every visitor every year. While visitors and the press could go about their business, Rosema visited everyone. He put the stock market on the map until closing time, and the local media could contact him at any time. There is nothing forced about that, it signifies the organizer in a positive sense.
Investing in the second post-COVID edition of the fair in Leek for a year resulted in a great collection of classics and youngtimers. The trademark in Leek is the theme in which the French cars are central. This year, the various French automobile clubs brought together a number of beautiful classics and youngtimers of a sporty design. We were particularly captivated by the historic Peugeot 404, which won the 1967 East African Safari rally. Thanks to Henk Visscher (remember that name, he is responsible for a beautiful museum in Buren) in Leek. The Simca Rallye 2 and a completely restored 1100 TI also stood out. They were both in top condition, and in Leek they belonged to the extensive collection of sporty classics and youngtimers from La Douce France.
The varied French street (not a square this year, but a street) could be found in Hall 2. And there was also a selection of other classics, which had been brought together by the traditionally present clubs (such as the Taunus M club, the HAV, MG Noord and the Veteran Car Club) and private individuals. They all provided a beautiful classic set, which offered pleasant surprises. Pure enjoyment, and it was not for nothing that we lingered there longer. Very special was the trio of exclusive classics that had been brought to Leek by an anonymous collector. A 300 SL (from a limited series), a 300 SL Roadster and an Aston Martin DB6 Superleggera showed the super car idea of yesteryear. On the other hand, we really enjoyed a 1.1 Kadett B 1969, newly delivered to the Netherlands, which had just been acquired by the owner and which shined with its high degree of originality. Beautiful.
Further on - in Hall 1 it was also delicious. What is striking is that the occupation there again showed familiar companies and faces. Gerard Kramer Classics took six extremely beautiful classics with him, including the immaculate and original Volvo 121 (B20). Further on, Nosstalgia Classics had brought mainly Beetles. The offer included the 1985 Jubilee Käfer painted in Aubergine, a version that was built in this color exclusively for the German market. The two Baja globetrotters, whom we portrayed for the magazine last year, were also there again. The Beetle was excellently represented over two halls, the Typ 1 remains a figurehead in classic country.
Hofman Leek was of course also present. Our eye fell on the stand, especially on the NSU Prinz 4 and on a special Mini 1275 GT, which we will soon be doing something beautiful with. The Mini (note: original) has a nice story attached to it. Other professional dealers (such as Jansma and Le Classics Automobiles) also provided a beautiful interpretation of the exhibition floor in Hall 1. And if you were specifically in the market for a classic BMW motorcycle, you could contact Van Houten Motoren from Marum. Right next to it was another pearl: the unbelievably beautiful Audi 100 S Coupé. He attracted a lot of attention, and rightly so.
Last but not least: the parts dealers, and the sellers of books, miniatures and other classic-related items brought something for everyone. Our eye was particularly drawn to a beautiful vintage toy garage, with ditto miniatures. Of course it changed hands. That too makes Leek attractive. You will always find something to your liking. And even if you don't look for anything in that direction: for that still dirt-cheap entrance fee and a free parking space, you as a visitor will be extremely richly rewarded.
It's the power of a compact fair, worth visiting year after year. You can walk around there for a day, and you get a pleasant atmosphere as a gift. And an always surprising offer. That is a major achievement. And it shows that the quality of a fair does not depend on its size, but on the organizational and communication skills of those responsible. As a result, Anton Rosema and his colleagues have also set up a huge fair this year.
Below you can see a number of photos of the Oldtimer & Classic Fair in Leek. See more? Then go to the message on our Facebook page.
Henk Visscher organized the French Day a number of times in Culemborg, where I live. His Simca Rallye's 1 and 2 (orange and green) were also always present. I've attached a photo from Aug.'19 showing the green Rallye 2, with my Tomos 4L (oldtimer moped) next to it. My brother used to have a Rallye 1 and a Kreidler (both orange). A little later I bought a second hand red Audi 2 Coupé S, which could also be seen in blue in Leek. So many points of contact!
Was a very nice fair. Also saw cars that I have never seen before in the wild, such as the Vauxhall Vedete and the 4 Honda's was also delicious.
And as icing on the cake, lots of nice young and old timers in the parking lot.