On Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, the early history of the automobile will come to life at De Haar Castle. During Salon des Automobiles Pionnières A unique collection of historic automobiles from the first decades of the 20th century is on display on the Picnic Meadow.

The exhibition is made possible in part by the Pionier-Automobielen Club (P.A.C.), whose members are bringing their unique automobiles to De Haar.

Baron Étienne and the Automobile

The location for this exhibition was not chosen by chance. Étienne Baron van Zuylen van Nijevelt was one of the pioneers of European motoring. He was a co-founder of the Automobile Club de France and played a key role in the founding of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), of which he was the first president.

During Salon des Automobiles Pionnières For a brief moment, that history returns to De Haar. The automobiles on display date from the time the rebuilt castle became habitable until the year of Baron Étienne’s death. Together, they illustrate how the automobile developed at breakneck speed over the course of just a few decades.

From a 1908 International Harvester and the famous Ford Model T to elegant Bentleys, Packards, and Rolls-Royces: there’s plenty to discover for lovers of history, technology, and unique automobiles.

Which cars are on display?

The exhibition lineup differs on Saturday and Sunday. Therefore, a visit on both days will offer a different experience. The automobiles on display are subject to change.

Sunday, September 20

• International Harvester – 1908
• Mathis M – 1920
• Bentley 3 Ltr Speed Boattail – 1924
• Chevrolet AD Universal 2-Door Saloon – 1929
• Rolls-Royce Phantom I Boattail – 1929
• Packard Seventh Series Standard Eight 733 Roadster – 1930
• Packard 733 Sedan (7-passenger) – 1930
• Chevrolet Independence Series AE Special Sedan – 1931
• Austin Seven Tourer – 1931

Preceded by: Lecture on “The Rise of the Automobile”

Friday, September 18 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

One day before the historic cars make their debut at De Haar, we’ll delve into the story behind the rise of the automobile during a lecture.

Peter Staal, director of the KNAC (Royal Dutch Automobile Club), discusses the rise of the automobile in Europe, the baron’s fascination with technology and speed, and the significance of the automobile to the Van Zuylen family.

During the lecture, you’ll discover the story behind the historic automobiles that can be admired at De Haar on Saturday and Sunday.

Practical information

When: Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Picnic Meadow at De Haar Castle

The cars will be on static display; they will not be driven around the estate.

Planning to visit for multiple days?
Would you like to attend both the lecture on Friday and Salon des Automobiles Pionnières Planning to visit on Saturday and/or Sunday? Then a Gardens Annual Pass A great value choice right from the start. This ticket gives you one year of access to the gardens of De Haar Castle and allows you to attend every lecture throughout the month of September. Select this option in the ticket menu under “Castle Gardens Tickets.”

Courtesy of

The Salon des Automobiles Pionnières is made possible in part by the Pionier-Automobielen Club (P.A.C.) and the owners who are showcasing their historic automobiles at De Haar during this special weekend.

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