Remembering the past events makes it easy to describe the Dutch’s enthusiasm and soft spot for Classic Cars. The 2008-edition may have been the last event for the celebrations of Ferrari’s 60th Anniversary, but, man, did it have class. No other indoor-show did present a comparable high-class collection as the FCN did then.
The typical entering-procedure starts with cueing in at the car Park, six levels going in single file. And be sure, to meet the drivers again ahead of you at the box office, a kind of flair like going to a soccer game or a pop concert.
This year’s main focus of the fair was Mercedes-Benz’s 125th Anniversary. As always, the cars have been presented fondly, regardless if presented by Dealers or Clubs. The four halls, plus the additional used upstairs section for Mercedes-Benz should not be compared with the space used at Paris’ Rètromobile or even Essen’s Techno Classica, it’s more a haimish ambience, but fits perfectly. A good starter for the year.
Beside Mercedes-Benz, Austin-Healy was surprisingly strong represented. Afterwards, I have learned that the Dutch do have a very strong and active Austin-Healy-section. The Prancing Horse-fraction was disappointing small. Only six cars were on display. The Dutch, without doubt, know to spread highlights. Not for sale, but on display close to a fashion show was 250 GT SWB #2251. The 54th SWB was delivered new in a bluish green shade and was purchased by Belgian Michel Oprey in the 1980s out of the US. The car was now already Red like it is today and registered in the Netherlands. Oprey entered the car frequently in historic races and concours.
Shown in the same Hall was 275 GTS #7189 in rare Oro Chiaro with Nero leather fitted with a dark Grey met. Hardtop for sale by Lusso Classics from Naarden. This 1965 car has covered 82,000 km and the asking price was 425.000 EUR. This was the one in every show, where the salesman refrains to share the Serial Number, but, we would not be experts if we would not find out, wouldn’t we? The car shows ass. # 75 and was delivered new in Red/Nero by AutoBecker in Düsseldorf and was on offer several times within the last 15 years.
The rest of the bunch represented, to quote our friend Mike Sheehan, the Fiat-era. Two 308, one a Berlinetta, one a GTS QV, a 512 Berlinetta Boxer and a 400 i Automatic. And that’s orl, Folks. The nice event as usual, the wonderful ambience, the nice presentation, the good Belgium waffle with a cup of coffee and the wonderful Dutch enthusiasts gave us a good time. And, not to forget and no surprise, the nice folks from book-seller Gelina from Italy with a huge supply of Motoring-Books, some bargains, my Book for sale and I did purchase the Auction Year Book this time. And if you will be there the next time, don’t forget to visit Mr. Holsheimer. He is one of the painters and one of his highlights are pictures of shopping bags from car manufactories, I have a customized one he did for me in 2006. I still love it, like on the first day.