Flower Power – Spring is here!

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If you have ever seen historic photos of the old Tulip Rallye finishers, or modern ones of the historic version of the event, you may have noticed the strings made of tulips or – more commonly – hyacinths draped over bonnets, grilles and scuttles. It’s a Dutch thing. And not just for rally entrants. Although these motor garlands are considered a bit old-fashioned now, you can still find them for sale along the B-roads in the flower-growing areas when the season is there. And that season has now officially started, as spring is here!

These three Dutchies (and their dog – did you see it?) are ready for a drive to celebrate the season – or perhaps something else. Their fine clothing suggests a festivity of some kind. The car is believed to be a 1934 Willys ‘77’ sedan, which seems quite right. That model was powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder side-valve engine, which would later also be used in the WW2 Willys Jeep, but little did they know about that at the time.

Words Jeroen Booij; Pictures Vintage Cars & People @ Flickr

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