On Sunday 14 June, the Nijkerk region was given over entirely to historic motorcars and charity. The fifteenth edition of the Gijs van Lennep Legend Rally drew an impressive field of 95 classic cars. This one-day classic car rally combines sportsmanship and cultural heritage with a fundraising drive, this year in aid of the Bibian Mentel Foundation.
The rally set off early on Sunday morning at a special location: Hooper International in Arnhem. Surrounded by the exclusive Peja collection of Rolls-Royces and Bentleys, the right tone was set straight away. After a demanding morning stage through the surrounding area, the convoy of 95 crews rolled into Nijkerk around midday. At the atmospheric Landgoed de Salentein estate, drivers and navigators sat down to a generous lunch before the engines fired up again for the afternoon programme.
One of the afternoon’s most eye-catching stops took place in Nijkerk itself. There, the gleaming classics pulled up at the brand-new Spetters Carwash. As a token of appreciation for their participation and sporting spirit, the crews received an official commemorative trophy from the hands of owner Marlous van Laar. The scene drew plenty of attention from local residents and car enthusiasts along the route.
The Gijs van Lennep Legend Rally supports a charitable cause every year. This time, participants drove in aid of the Bibian Mentel Foundation, a charity that works tirelessly to get children and young people with a physical disability back into sport and to help them realise their dreams.
The organisers look back on a particularly successful fifteenth edition, with a fine turnout, glorious weather and a flawlessly run route.
Photos: Kees van den Heuvel
