Background car news

The National Oldtimer Day Lelystad is for me, Casper, personally more than just a beautiful event full of roaring engines and shiny polished classics. As a little boy, I walked with my parents on Father’s Day full of admiration among the classic cars in Lelystad. The passion for cars might just have originated here.

I can now call myself one of the board members who volunteers to organize the event. It is special now, years later, to contribute myself to the success of this event, which is being organized for the 39th time this year. This is what you can expect on June 15, Father’s Day.

What is the National Oldtimer Day?

The National Oldtimer Day is the largest free oldtimer event in the Netherlands and the Benelux. Every year on Father’s Day, Lelystad fills up with unique historic vehicles, special stories and thousands of visitors. The 39th edition will take place in 2025, with a wide range of pre-war cars, classic sports cars and elegant models from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.

Visitors will not only get to see static heritage. The day is all about heritage that moves: during the traditional tour and concours d’elegance, the vintage cars really come to life and also drive through the city.

Themes connecting past and future

Each edition is dressed up with special themes. Think anniversary models or brands, special vehicles or other historical milestones. This year there are several unique themes emphasizing the connection between the present and the past.

Renault Special: heritage in evolution

One of the eye-catchers at the National Oldtimer Day 2025 is Renault, especially the Renault 4 and 5. Here you will encounter classic Renault models from the 70s and 80s, recognizable by their compact design and charming character. At the same time, there is plenty of attention for the newest offspring. The Renault 4 has only just arrived in the Netherlands and can be admired in Lelystad. Of course, the Renault 5, voted Car of the Year 2025, also shines here, as does its sporty brother, the Alpine A290. This special symbolizes how Renault honors its history and remains future-oriented.

Ford Special: a family of icons

Ford is also in the spotlight at the National Oldtimer Day. The classic Capri, a sporty coupe that colored the streets in the 1970s, stands side by side with its new electric successor. The new Ford Capri pays homage to the past, but with modern technology and a fresh look. In addition, the Mustang also features prominently – both in the form of classic models and in the guise of the Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s electric SUV. Together, they tell the story of a brand that cherishes its roots but also dares to innovate.

BMW 3 Series: 50 years of driving pleasure

The BMW 3-series is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and this will be celebrated extensively at the National Oldtimer Day. Models from different generations will be displayed side by side on the theme square. From the first E21 with its characteristic round headlights to the latest version with high-tech gadgets: it shows how the model has developed over the years without losing its character. The 3 Series has been a fixture for decades when it comes to driving pleasure and appearance, which has remained unchanged all these years.

70 years of Karmann Ghia: elegance on wheels

The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is also being highlighted. This model was born 70 years ago from a special collaboration between the German coachbuilder Karmann and the Italian design house Ghia. The result was an elegant, almost sculptural sports car that still makes the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts beat faster.

Technology, youth and interaction at National Oldtimer Day

A striking part of the National Oldtimer Day is the Youth and Technique Square. Here young people from the Porteum Technasium and the ROC Lelystad present their projects in the field of restoration, sustainability and technology. By doing so, the organization shows that love for technique is alive and well, even among the younger generation. This plaza is a must-see for everyone, but especially for young people, who in this way are brought into contact with the technology of driving heritage.

More than just vintage cars: water heritage and virtual races

The National Oldtimer Day is all about “heritage that moves,” but that doesn’t have to be just on wheels. On the water of the Bataviahaven, moving heritage will also be on display, but sailing. In cooperation with the KNRM and the National Historic Lifeboat Day, several classic lifeboats will be on display. Some of them are even open to the public, so be sure to come aboard!

In addition, there is room for the drivers among us in the form of SIM Racing. In high-tech racing simulators, you can get behind the wheel of the fastest virtual racing cars! This is your chance to accelerate yourself, digitally, but lifelike.

Permanent crowd-pleasers of the National Oldtimer Day

In addition to all the new themes, the familiar parts of the National Oldtimer Day are also present again. For example, classic fire engines – the so-called Firefighters – will once again stand proudly on the grounds. Also truly classic vehicles from the beginning of the twentieth century, from the Belle Époque and Roaring Twenties periods will once again make their appearance. So the offer is rich and diverse, including activities and dining options on the grounds. In short, this is a perfect outing on Father’s Day.

Practical info for your visit

📍 Location: Bataviaboulevard, Lelystad
📅 Date: Sunday, June 15, 2025 (Father’s Day)
🕘 Times: 10:00 – 17:00
🚗 Parking: At Batavia Stad, special daily rate of €4.00
🎟️ Admission: Free

Stay informed about National Oldtimer Day

For the full program, the latest news on participating vehicles and atmospheric impressions, follow National Oldtimer Day on Instagram and Facebook, or take a look at the website for all information and the full program.