This historical photograph from the Roel Dijkstra collection captures a striking moment in the Port of Rotterdam, where a classic Chevrolet is carefully hoisted onto a cargo ship. During the 1950s and 1960s, the import of American cars was booming, and Rotterdam played a crucial role as Europe’s most important transit hub.
In the foreground, a group of dock workers closely monitors the precise loading of vehicles into the ship’s cargo hold. The gleaming bodies of the stacked Chevrolet models reflect the luxury and distinctive American designs of the era: large fins, chrome details, and powerful engines.
This photograph is an iconic representation of an era when Rotterdam was a key player in global trade and the rise of the American automotive industry in Europe. A must-have for enthusiasts of vintage cars, maritime history, and Rotterdam’s port photography.