Cars & Coffee at the Kopje
Kopje van Bloemendaal. The historic Dutch dune landscape formed thousands of years ago by wind and sea, has always been a spot where people come to take in the stunning view. Once a backdrop to grand country estates of the happy few, it is nowadays a popular go-to destination for walkers, bikers and day-trippers. But last Sunday the Kopje played host to a very different kind of ritual: Cars & Coffee..
Rumble
On this early Sunday morning the hill comes alive with the soft rumble of engines. Classic Porsches, ‘70s American muscle, vintage Alfa Romeos, British finesse, modern supercars and even some pre-war brass carefully parked up on the top of the hill and the winding roads towards it. This is quite a spectacular scene. Over 250 cars present yet the Kopje doesn’t lose its calm, it simply absorbs the moment.
Scenery
Coffee cups in hand and the occasional foldable chair pulled out, enthusiasts gather to admire cars and share stories. Conversations drift easily from restoration projects to weekend drives while the sun lifts over the dunes. From the top, you can still see what has drawn people here for centuries: rolling sand hills, the green edge of the city of Haarlem and even a faint line of sea on the horizon.
Sleeping beauty
Classic Steering Wheel Shop brought their signature car to the event, a 1973 Alfa Romeo 1300 Super. It was the first outing for our own sleeping beauty after being rescued last summer from a 17 year period of storage. Over the past winter we brought the little Alfa back to life after a comprehensive technical restoration; Engine, drivetrain, fuel system, brakes, suspension, the works.
Having found a good parking spot surrounded by epic classics we were able to connect with many enthusiastic owners and soon ran out of stickers and business cards too.
The quit returns
Around noon, the gathering slowly fades. Engines start, one by one, and the cars disappear back down the hill. What remains is the same quiet landscape that has always been there, patient, and waiting for the next story to pass through. And if it’s car related…we’ll definitely be part of it. 🏁
