‘Giel Doesburg’ a guest at Gallery Mercedes

When Giel Doesburg visits Gallery Mercedes in Eemnes, he sees on display more than 25 years of work history. While walking past the 50 Mercedes-Benz cars selected from the Ockhuisen Collection, his memories come back to us. Giel can tell exactly what he has done to the cars, which he pauses for a moment. Painters sign their works, but you will not find Giel’s signature on these cars. Yet his signature is recognizable. After all, he delivers ultimate perfection.

Nico Ockhuisen (right) en Giel Doesburg

The collaboration between Nico Ockhuisen and Giel Doesburg originated in the mid-nineties. An employee of the marina in Baarn pointed out to Nico that Autoschade Doesburg is located in the nearby industrial estate De Drie Eiken, a company with a good reputation. Nico and Giel meet and their click led to a long-term collaboration.

Giel Doesburg

The first steps in the classic car world

For Giel this meant the first steps in the classic car world. The two visited the well-known Oldtimer & Classic fairs in Germany, where Nico had to coach the enthusiastic Giel every now and then. In Germany it is not appreciated that visitors come to the cars without being asked, in other words, first introduce ourselves and then we tell them what we are looking for. It was then obvious that the cars were viewed from the outside and inside.

Over the years Giel’s work on the Ockhuisen Collection has given him the opportunity to get to know the Mercedes-Benz brand in detail. The collection has more than 80% of the cars in original condition. The original factory paints were brought back to showroom condition by a combination of grinding, conditioning and preserving. He makes trim strips and chrome bumpers sleek and can be re-chromed if desired. Upholstery, such as canopies, are usually still supplied by Mercedes and can therefore be replaced if desired.

Giel Doesburg

Restoration W112 in good hands by Dutch top restorer Giel Doesburg.

With this W112 300 SE a top model was presented, a model that should certainly not be missing in the Ockhuisen Collection.

In August 1961, the top model of the W112 series, the 300 SE Heckflosse, was presented. In appearance and technical concept it was very similar to the 220 SEb model, but many technical specialties were included as standard. The basic equipment included not only the 4-speed automatic transmission and the newly developed power steering, but also air suspension, which was used for the first time on a Mercedes-Benz and which enables a combination of sporty handling and maximum driving comfort.

The carressorie of the W112

July 2022, editorial OckhuisenCollectie.nl

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