DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

Whilst some of you were enjoying the beautiful East Sussex countryside and the hospitality of C&G, Marcus (Decapman) and I were given an extraordinary opportunity to attend this past weekend's 36th 356 International in Vaals, Holland.

The sun shone for the entire event which was fortunate as we had been loaned a wonderful 1963 Super 90 B Cabriolet. The car was a revelation in its build quality, power and ride. Surprisingly considering its age it felt as reliable as any 911 I've owned or driven - maybe even more so. A superb car.

Thanks to Fred F, Hendrik & Angela, Mike Smith, John & Valerie, Michael E, Bob G and the many more folk who make up the 356 community for being so friendly and welcoming to us 'newbies'. The Netherlands 356 Club deserve a special mention for their flawless organisation; they have set the bar very high indeed for the Italians to match next year in Milano - good luck, guys!

Unreserved thanks to Mike V for the car & opportunity.

136 cars attended the event, I believe.

Anyway, a few photos:

Our castle:





The Sussex like countryside :



Car parking for lunch Friday:





Lunch venue (Saturday):

A number of Brits made the journey - here are some of their cars:

Secure multi-storey Maastricht style:

A few 911s attended including this gorgeous early car:







An Italian spec Touring as Lightweight (or replica - hell, what do I know! ):

There looks to have been some lovely cars there (as always) & some great 'resting places'.

Thanks for posting the excellent photos - makes me want to get back into 356's ...

Thanks for posting Steve.
Shame you guys missed all the Sussex rain.

Looks like the money you spent on the Leica and all that coaching was well worth it. Your photos tell the story well.

The 356's look great, a very high standard. Some of that fiberglass looks perfect, almost ripple free.

Ferry Man wrote:Looks like the money you spent on the Leica and all that coaching was well worth it.

I wish!

Hopefully I'll find time to post the remainder including those showing the Dutch version of a hill climb (it consisted of one car, the largest indoor ski slope in Europe and no Health & Safety concern whatsoever ).

Ferry Man wrote:Thanks for posting Steve and all that coaching was well worth it. Your photos tell the story well.

Ah the proud master craftsman and his apprentice

Nice pictures Steve, looks like a great event.

Yes it was a great event, one of the best ones I've been on.
Nice to meet you Steve and Marcus, I promise to put some photos up in the next couple of days too!

Possibly my fave coupe - great stance although not particularly well captured here:



Some blue cars:







Nice accessories:

We never met the owner of this beast but had the number plate read 'beatngu' I would not have been surprised (movie ref for you horror fans ). Marcus's favourite, I believe:









Not everyone was interested in getting the bucket & sponge out every morning:











The enthusiastic owner of this four cam Carrera engine had had it fitted to his immaculate Roadster. I was told the engine took a year to rebuild and he had to sit tight for two years before his turn on the waiting list:

looks a great event Roof down most of the time ?

hot66 wrote:Roof down most of the time ?

We left Kent at 06:15 last Thursday - roof down, of course!

Apart from overnight parking it stayed down until the drive back as heavy rain was forecast (and they were correct). We did overtake a hardcore couple approaching Calais in a Speedster in heavy rain although, by all accounts, their caps offered as much protection as a Speedster roof.

Finally some photos.

Arrival:





A few PreAs









View from my balcony



Gathering on Thursday evening





The Stig makes an appearance