Karel Paap
Karel Paap | |
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| Born | 18 March 1960 |
| Occupations | Used-car dealer, garage owner, business owner |
| Known for | Owner of Paaprijk |
| Criminal charges | Reckless driving, excessive speeding |
| Criminal penalty | Driving licence confiscated |
| Spouse | Married |
| Children | 4 |
Karel Paap (born 18 March 1960) is a Dutch used-car dealer, garage owner and business owner from Spijkenisse, Netherlands. He is the owner of Paaprijk, which became the largest used-car dealership in Vriendendam by 2026. The company is located in the north of the city at Vriendstraat 32A, near the Schroeter Museum.
Early life
Karel Paap was born in Spijkenisse on 18 March 1960. He grew up around illegal street racing and became known in local racing circles for driving modified second-hand cars on public roads. In 1998, he was stopped by police after driving 130 km/h through a residential area in Spijkenisse. His driving licence was confiscated after the offence, ending his regular involvement in illegal street racing. He retrieved his licence in 1999 after the driving ban connected to the case ended.
Career
In 2000, Paap moved to Vriendendam. He first opened a garage where customers could bring cars for servicing, repairs and inspections. The garage operated from Vriendstraat 32A in the northern part of the city, close to the Schroeter Museum.
In 2009, Paap expanded the garage into used-car sales and started selling second-hand vehicles from the same location. The business later became Paaprijk. By 2026, it was the largest used-car dealership in Vriendendam.
Personal life
Karel Paap lives in a house on the outskirts of Vriendendam. He is married and has four children.