Classic cars and the stories they tell attract enthusiasts of all ages. This also applies to Sam Linssen, an 18-year-old old-timer enthusiast from Central Limburg. His passion for classic cars started at a young age, fueled by his father who has been driving an Opel Rekord D for over 20 years. As Sam told us, at the age of 11 he was browsing newspapers and online classifieds looking for his own classic gem.
Sandmann
His dream car, an Opel Rekord D, first appeared during a meeting of Rekord D / Commodore B enthusiasts in the summer of 2021. The car immediately stood out for its classic appearance and unique history. It was once featured in a German Opel tuning magazine under the name “Sandmann”, and had built a strong reputation in the classic car community. Sam immediately felt a strong connection to the car.
Drowned in an underground garage
Unfortunately, his dream car was destroyed a few weeks after the meeting by floods that hit the south of the Netherlands and West Germany. The Opel Rekord was parked in an underground garage that was completely flooded. But fate had other plans for the car. Sam learned that the owner was considering selling the Rekord. Determined to save this historic car, Sam convinced his parents through a Powerpoint presentation and bought the car just before his 17th birthday.
And so it turned out well with the Sandmann Opel Rekord
Together with a friend who helped with the restoration, he brought the Opel Rekord back to life. Now the car shines in its former glory again and has a proud, young owner who keeps the classic car fire alive.
Sam's passion for this Opel Rekord is inspiring. Although he also has a modern Toyota Aygo, he prefers his Rekord on summer days. Sam's story reminds us that a love of classic cars can span generations and that it's never too early to appreciate the charm of a vintage car.
🌟 Do you also have a special story to tell? 🌟
At Auto Motor Klassiek we are always looking for the stories behind the cars we write about. Whether you have restored a rare classic car, or just want to tell us about the beautiful moments you have experienced with your classic, we want to hear it!
Share your passion, adventures and knowledge with a community of like-minded car enthusiasts. Your story can inspire others and further fuel the love for classic cars. How's that going? You can see that this page.
A nice move indeed. Often a cup is lost under the car. I sometimes wonder how much cultural heritage has survived the floods (also in Germany and Belgium) less well.
Are there numbers on that?
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CAR, always found a beautiful model.
Beautiful car!
Good choice of rims. This is really great. Wishing you many happy kilometers!
As chairman of the oldtimer club “Oldtimer Vrienden Berghoes” location Posterholt, so also in the middle of Limburg, I hereby offer Sam an annual membership worth 45.00 Euro for his great work and preservation of our cultural heritage, very welcome!!!
Hi Ton, you could possibly send me a PM via messenger, I'm from real myself
Beautiful! In my opinion the most beautiful Rekord, the D and Opel's design language from the early 70s was extremely strong, Ascona and Manta A, Rekord D, Kadett C (much more than the B), second generation KAD. This is a great restored example and of course Sam will hear some moaning about the rims, lowering and front seats…. whatever. It has my attention!
I think, unfortunately for you, the Kadett B still exudes more character than the whole C.
The B was much more like a small yank, while the C was more uniform.
I hope that Sam can enjoy his Rekord for a long time to come, by the way, repairing water damage properly requires a lot of work ...
Father will certainly be 'guilty' for this, but it remains remarkable that someone so young should take on such a responsibility. A lot of adults can suck a point on that. And once again bring it to a good, no, excellent result. Hats off!
Sam Linssen has done his restoration work neatly. The Rekord is among the living again. Of course, that could have turned out completely differently with such water damage. I don't even want to think about that..... Tribute Sam, well done!!