It was a quick decision on Friday before our start to Italia a Zandvoort. We did hear of it and saw many pictures of this exquisite museum online and in the relevant magazines and the distance to our hospitality at Noordwijk an Zee was just 33 kms. When you enter The Hague it is a sophisticated city, but before you obviously enter the city’s center at the left, the navigator directs you to the right and suddenly you are in the typical Dutch surroundings before you reach your destination after a short while – the Louwman-Museum.
The building is impressive but you don’t imagine what treasures is holds on display for you, how big it is inside, what modern interior it has without ignoring the historic surroundings the cars on display deserve. To be honest, this is not the typical Ferrari-related report as there are a few Prancing Horses at all, but it is the fascinating walk through all periods of mankind using wheels for transportation that make the museum that attractive.
The Louwman-Collection is a true old collection that was started by Pieter Louwman, the today’s owner, Evert Louwman, father. Pieter Louwman was the Dutch importer of Dodge who bought a 20 year old Dodge in 1934, the car became the starting point of the collection of about 300 cars. Beside the chronological display of the cars, many artifacts are accompanying the exhibition: memorabilia, give-away articles, painting and posters, all fitting the endearing display of the cars.
The new building of the Louwman-Museum opened up on July 3rd, 2010 after the display had been in Leidschendam (until 1980) and then in Raamsdonksveer. The “leftovers” of the famous Rosso Bianco Collection are included in the Collection as well.
Whenever you may have the chance to go to The Hague, pay a visit to the Louwman-Museum, it is breathtaking and amazing, it is the best automotive museum we have seen to date, an absolute must to be seen. Additional information can be taken from the museum’s website www.louwmanmuseum.nl.
The Ferraris on display:
The absent friend to be mentioned first, S/N 02, the 375 Indianapolis, nicknamed ‘Grant Piston Ring Special’ was recently on display at Maranello.
019S 166 Inter Touring Coupe Paris Show Car 49 Rosso Corsa/Brown RHD EU, Aerlux roof, notchback
0440M 750 Monza Scaglietti Spider 54 Rosso Corsa/Nero RHD
0712 625 GP Monoposto 57 Rosso Corsa/Nero CHD eng. # 0672
6267SF 330 GT 2+2/500 Superfast #13/37 8/64 Verde Pino Met Italver 20453/Naturale 3218 LHD EU eng. #6267SA PF Job #99592, ex-Prins Bernhard
08031 275 GTB/6C #280 65 dark Red/Nero LHD EU int. eng. # 866, Longnose, Alloy
We will provide a pdf with pictures of this report within the “Event Reports” the next days.