Nearly 1,000 Oldtimers Gather Under Vlooybergtoren in Tielt-Winge: 'There Is No Car Like This For Me'

Tielt-Winge, Belgium, became a haven for automotive enthusiasts as the Vlooybergtoren served as a backdrop for the 15th edition of the Summer Sweetness festival. An estimated 800 to 1,000 classic vehicles, ranging from cars and buses to tractors and mopeds, converged on the site, drawing a crowd of around 3,000 visitors.

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He has only 40,000 kilometers on the odometer. That makes him a truly unique piece.

The festival showcased a diverse collection of vintage machinery, with owners eager to share their passion. Ben, who brought his 1983 Porsche SC, highlighted its originality, including the paintwork, and noted it had only 40,000 kilometers on the odometer. He performs most of the maintenance himself, a time-consuming but rewarding aspect of his hobby.

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I like driving it around and I do most of the maintenance myself. That takes a lot of time, but it only makes the hobby more fun.

Benny arrived in his 1955 Chevrolet truck, emphasizing that his vehicle is not just for display. He recently drove it to the coast, proving its roadworthiness. For Benny, the passion for classic vehicles extends beyond the machines themselves; he values the friendships forged at such events and believes the effort and cost involved in maintaining his truck are worthwhile, especially after renewing the entire chassis for safety.

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I drove it to the coast just last week. So it doesn't just come out of the garage for a meeting like this.

Beyond the impressive vehicle displays, Summer Sweetness offered a vibrant atmosphere with a market selling vintage items and clothing, various food trucks, and a bar. The evening featured live performances by rockabilly and cover bands. A special children's area included a petting zoo named Marie's Beestenboel, a touching tribute to a former organizer's daughter who passed away at a young age. The event's proceeds are dedicated to supporting local associations and good causes.

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It can cost a bit of money. The entire chassis has been renewed, because safety comes first. It's still worth the effort to spruce it up, because for me there is no car like this. And the friendships you make here also mean a lot.