Old-timer day in Alphen

A rainy day in Alphen

The Oldtimerday in Alphen aan den Rijn was once organized by a few classic-loving middle class people. The party has since been completely woven into Alphense. Classic drivers from the wider region register and can show their vehicles to the public for a day. The owner usually stands by the displayed goods and usually knows a lot about his pride. The 35^th edition goes into the books as 'cozy, quiet, because very wet'.

The atmosphere is informal. There is usually a lot of interest and the only thing the organization cannot control, that is the weather. Last Saturday it rained almost all day. But luckily most registered people showed up and it became clear once again how 'different' such organized by the local middle class - and sponsored! - day is compared to a more regular encounter: The range of viewing material is incredibly wide. And the stories that go with it too.

A Simca 1000 Coupe for example

For example, how long has it been since you saw a Simca 1000 Coupe? The copy that we saw was also lavishly labeled. And that exuberance had a reason. The restoration of the Simca had steered its owner through a difficult period. He therefore wanted to make it something colorful and exuberant. And Fina was of course not only a fitting gasoline brand, but Fina is also the name of his partner. So in the Simca he is now always dealing with Fina.

The neat Mercedes-Benz with a Spirit of Extasy on the grille naturally also had a story. The Rolls-Royce figurehead ended up on the spot of the star after the family Rolls-Royce died. The transplant sometimes leads to frowned eyebrows, but luckily no rejection symptoms occur.

Vintage cars in all types and states

In Alphen, a top-of-the-line NSU 1000 can stand in the same row as a convincingly proprietary-free, but classically edgy, fat American V8 with exhaust pipes like tree trunks so thick. A Borgward Coupe with rust damage that worsens every year, a Landrover from 1952 that has been brought in absolute top condition, some motorcycles and mopeds. All very nice.

The further classified range consists of company cars, buses, fire engines, tractors, two-wheelers, caravans and inland vessels.

But this year you didn't miss much because of the bad weather. The local hospitality industry also had a bad time, just like the exhibitors. But on 35 Alphense Oldtimerdagen, one can always rain. In principle, the Oldtimerdag is a family outing. And the ladies present can shop when dads and kids watch cars. And when the sun is shining ...

Hopeful

We saw a relatively large number of 'young' participants in Alphen. And not as in 'youngtimers', but as in 'people under forty'.

The buildings on which a set of construction cranes fell on 2015 have now been neatly rebuilt. But apparently some bridge sections will be switched off and on in the region.