Old trucks: the history and the brands that enthusiasts continue to collect

Old trucks are more than vehicles. They are rolling reminders of an era in which road transport built up the Netherlands. After the Second World War, the truck grew to become the backbone of the economy. Factories, construction sites, and distribution centers ran on the backs of trucks that drove day and night. That story is palpable in every preserved example.

Moreover, old trucks have something that modern trucks lack: character. The tilting cab of a DAF from the sixties, the torpedo nose of a classic Scania, the solid build of a Mack from the fifties. Every detail tells something about the time in which the vehicle was made and the people who worked with it.

In this article, you will read how the truck evolved, which brands are most popular among collectors today, and what makes Metropole Sales so special. Also, take a look at the current selection of old trucks at Metropole Sales.

The rise of the old truck in the Netherlands

The first truck with a gasoline engine was built in 1896 by Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz. However, it took another few decades before road transport truly took off. In the Netherlands, the horse-and-cart was the norm for goods transport by road well into the 1920s.

Subsequently, development accelerated. The diesel engine made its debut in 1928, first in a Mercedes-Benz. This made the truck economically viable for longer distances, as the diesel engine consumed significantly less fuel than its petrol counterpart. The Netherlands quickly benefited from this development due to its central location in Europe and the high demand from the Port of Rotterdam.

The real breakthrough followed after the Second World War. Reconstruction demanded large-scale transport. Manufacturers such as DAF, Volvo, Scania-Vabis, and Mercedes-Benz supplied trucks en masse to Dutch transport companies. Thus, a golden age for Dutch freight transport emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, which has left its mark on today's collectors' world.

From long nose to tilt cab: the major technical shift

Anyone studying old trucks sees a clear dividing line in history: the transition from the long nose to the tilting cab. The first trucks had a hood in front of the cab, similar to a passenger car. This provided protection for the driver but took away valuable cargo space.

Therefore, manufacturers sought alternatives. The cab-over-engine configuration placed the cab directly above the engine. This resulted in a shorter, more compact truck that could tow the same trailer. In Europe, the front-steering truck definitively broke through in 1962, partly thanks to the introduction of the tilt cab. This made engine maintenance considerably easier.

Nevertheless, some manufacturers remained faithful to the long nose. American-oriented brands like Mack and GMC continued building trucks with a prominent hood for decades. That appearance makes them recognizable and desirable today. For the long nose has a timeless quality: the wide grille, the imposing front end, and the presence on the road are qualities that a modern front-wheel drive vehicle simply does not possess.

Would you like to know more about a specific brand from this era? Then read our article about the vintage Scania truck and the models that made the Scania name big.

Which brands of old trucks are the most popular?

Not every brand attracts the same amount of attention among enthusiasts of vintage trucks. Popularity depends on rarity, recognizability, and the availability of parts.

DAF is the most trusted brand for Dutch collectors. This has everything to do with the company's Dutch roots. DAF was founded in 1928 by Hub and Wim van Doorne in Eindhoven. The brand grew into one of the largest truck manufacturers in Europe before being largely taken over by Volvo in the 1980s. As a result, a classic DAF is not only a beautiful vehicle but also a piece of Dutch industrial heritage.

Moreover, DAF trucks were always delivered in large numbers in the Netherlands. As a result, a relatively large number have been preserved, and parts are more readily available than for rarer brands. This makes DAF a logical starting point for a first classic truck.

Scania has a loyal following due to its solid construction and long history in Dutch transport. Volvo is known for its technical sophistication. Mercedes-Benz and MAN attract enthusiasts who value the precision engineering of post-war Germany.

Rarer, but all the more willing, are the American brands. Mack, GMC, and Autocar have a small but fanatical group of enthusiasts. Their long noses, powerful V8 engines, and typically American appearance make them eye-catchers at any event. The same applies to the rare Italian Lancia and the virtually forgotten Dutch Hogra, a brand that has built only a few dozen trucks.

What makes old trucks attractive as collector's items?

Old trucks have only seriously come onto the radar of collectors in recent years. For a long time, they were seen as tools, not as heritage. That perception is shifting. There are three concrete reasons for this.

First, scarcity. Classic passenger cars have been preserved in large numbers. Classic trucks, however, are much less so. Many examples were scrapped when they became technically obsolete. As a result, well-preserved and roadworthy examples are rarer than one might expect. This scarcity translates into a stable or rising market value.

Secondly, the experience. An old truck attracts more attention at any truck show than an average classic passenger car. The size, the sound, and the presence are of a completely different order. Moreover, the community of owners is close-knit and accessible. Owners help each other with parts and knowledge in a way that is less common in the passenger car world.

Thirdly, the fiscal attractiveness. Trucks 40 years and older qualify for an exemption from motor vehicle tax. This makes ownership cheaper than one might think at first glance. However, the rules change as of July 1, 2026, with the introduction of the truck toll.

Do you want to know exactly what that change means for your classic truck? Then read our article about the truck toll for classic cars for a complete overview of the new rules.

Metropole Sales: more than 40 historic trucks under one roof

Metropole in Druten is one of the few places in the Netherlands where more than 40 historic trucks are on permanent display. This makes it one of the largest truck museums in the country. Furthermore, Metropole Sales is active in the buying and selling of classic vehicles. In this way, the museum combines the experience of history with the opportunity to take a piece of that history home.

Owner Roy Bolks personally selects every vehicle. In doing so, he ensures that every example in the inventory has a story. After all, a classic truck without documentation loses a large part of its value. At Metropole, you know what you are buying: every vehicle is inspected in their own workshop and fully documented.

Every truck in our collection tells a unique story about developments in technology, design, and the crucial role these vehicles have played in economic growth.

The range includes virtually all major brands: DAF, Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, MAN, Scania, Bussing, GMC, Mack, Lancia, and the rare Dutch Hogra. Above that, there are tankers, box trucks, removal and tow trucks, low loaders, and tractor-trailer combinations. By Dutch standards, that is an exceptionally varied range.

View the full range immediately old trucks at Metropole Sales or contact us for a viewing by appointment.

Metropole Sales

Metropole Sales is located in the iconic Metropole building in Druten and specializes in the purchase, sale, and restoration of classic vehicles. Owner Roy Bolks personally selects each vehicle based on character, condition, and documentation. With its own workshop and an international network of enthusiasts, Metropole is one of the most specialized providers of classic trucks in the Netherlands.

FAQ

What can I use an old truck for?

Old trucks are used for truck shows, events, commemorations, and promotional purposes. Some owners use them for recreational driving. Commercial use is possible, but in that case, the road tax exemption lapses. As of July 1, 2026, the regulations for heavy vehicles will change with the introduction of the truck toll.

How old does a truck have to be to qualify as a classic?

In the Netherlands, a limit of 40 years applies to motor vehicle tax, based on the date of first admission on the registration certificate. Vehicles older than 40 years are exempt from motor vehicle tax if they are not used commercially. The term 'oldtimer' is also colloquially used for younger classics, but from a tax perspective, 40 years is the official limit.

Are parts for old trucks still available?

For popular brands like DAF, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz, parts are still reasonably available through specialized suppliers and clubs. For rarer brands like Mack, Lancia, or Hogra, this is more difficult and requires a good network of enthusiasts and importers. Through its international network, Metropole Sales has access to knowledge and contacts for rare parts.

Where can I buy a classic truck?

Metropole Sales in Druten has one of the largest and most varied collections of classic trucks in the Netherlands. Each vehicle is personally selected by owner Roy Bolks and inspected in their own workshop. View the current inventory via metropole.nl/sales/vrachtwagens-machines/ or contact us for a viewing by appointment.

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