Record edition of 8th InterClassics Brussels

‘No fewer than 26,865 car enthusiasts were at Brussels Expo last weekend. The celebration of 100 years of Le Mans, the presence of Team Feryn with Koen Wauters, and the car sales were all huge hits!’

Fans of classic cars, supercars, youngtimers, as well as the classic-car lifestyle all attended the 8^th edition of InterClassics Brussels which was held at Brussels Expo. With 26,865 visitors, the exhibition set a new record; in 2022 this figure was around 24,000. The big hits this year included the 100^th anniversary celebration of the 24-hour Le Mans race, featuring an impressive replica of the race track in the patio, including 25 former participating cars. The presence of Team Feryn with rally drivers Koen Wauters and Pascal Feryn also scored major points with the attendees. In addition to the presentation of their new rally car, Koen’s signing session on Sunday afternoon was an overwhelming success. Amid the many dazzling classics, a 1953 DB2/4 MK1 Aston Martin was named ‘Best Of Show’. ‘We are more than satisfied with the recent edition for a variety of reasons. With 26,865 visitors, we set a new record. There was also a boost in car sales and many cars changed hands in transactions totalling several million Euros. Finally, it wasn’t just car enthusiasts and collectors, but this year, many families also made their way to the Belgian edition of InterClassics. We will be back in Brussels from 15 to 17 November 2024 for the 9^th edition. Those who can’t wait that long can always come to InterClassics Maastricht at MECC Maastricht from 11 to 14 January 2024,’ says exhibition manager Erik Panis on behalf of InterClassics. 

Koen Wauters

Koen Wauters, Pascal Feryn and the 22 members of Team Feryn will be participating in the Africa Eco Race for the first time in January 2024, driving their brand-new  Toyota Hilux Overdrive. In addition to the exclusive presentation of their new race car, the rally team went all out at InterClassics, showcasing their race truck, a mini-bivouac and their famous Toyota 2000 Land Cruisers which they have driven in several editions of the Dakar race. Visitors had no trouble finding their stand, and were also present en masse Sunday afternoon at Koen Wauters’ photo and signing session.

Le Mans

Spread out over 40,000 square metres, three Heyzelpaleizen halls and the patio, the exhibition has grown to become a regular fixture in recent years. ‘We have received compliments and signs of appreciation, not only from our visitors, but also from the numerous exhibitors during this recent edition. Without question, the showstopper was the celebration of the 100^th 24-hour Le Mans race,where we recreated the world-famous racetrack on our patio, including 25 race cars that once participated in this race or even won it. The Dutch- and French-language tours were fully booked all weekend. The atmosphere got a great boost thanks to the 600 guests who attended our exclusive Preview Night on Thursday evening, where two-star Dutch chef Soenil Bahadoer (De Lindehof) did an amazing job of hosting the dinner,’ says Erik Panis.

Special Jury Award

Stéphane Meeremans, CEO of BRITISH SPORTS CARS in Overijse (Belgium), was one of the winners at InterClassics Brussels: ‘We received the Special Jury Award for a 1928 Imperia, a Belgian car of all things, for which we are looking for a new owner. We already have two interested parties, but we would prefer to sell it to a Belgian. These days, it’s not just visitors but also exhibitors attending, and it’s not “just a fair”, but InterClassics. That’s how much of a strong concept and established value it has now become. Our stand was very busy, and we even had to pay special attention to make sure visitors could safely see everything in it over the past few days. We had a Porsche 918 Spyder (ed: with a current value of over two million) on display, and at a certain point, we had to retract the spoiler because there were so many people at the stand.’

Efficient

Aalst-based Xavier Molenaar of Oldtimer Farm also considered it to be a successful weekend: ‘We have been participating in InterClassics Brussels from the very beginning. Over the past eight editions, we have seen the event grow in terms of participants and visitors, but also when it comes to quality. We have 300 cars in stock, so making a selection for the exhibition was quite a challenge this year. For us, this is the ideal way to connect with our customers in an efficient manner. Cars are sold here for amazing amounts of money, which, while this is nice for us, it’s not our priority. We love it when people come to visit our company after the InterClassics to take a test drive, because you really have to feel a car (laughs).’

Informative

‘The secret to InterClassics Brussels’ success is the varied offering and the broad audience we are now playing to. The Heyselpaleizen exude the same history as the many cars you will find at our exhibition. Collectors of enamel signs emblazoned with car makes, car seats and accessories will also find what they are looking for here. We combine the cars with a certain lifestyle and a modern experience. We are also informative, thanks to cooperation with BEHVA, amongst others. The sessions on topics such as maintaining a classic car in these times, market value, safety, as well as e-fuels or the so-called energy-neutral fuel attracted many interested parties. We have the efforts of many people to thank for the fantastic attendance. The disappearance of the Brussels Motor Show, but certainly also the first-time participation of several car importers such as D’Ieteren Luxury Performance, Aston Martin, Lotus and Donkvoort also played a part in our growth. We will continue to invest in our story in the coming years,’ according to Erik Panis.

The 9^th edition of InterClassics Brussels will be held from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 November 2024 at the Brussels Expo. InterClassics Maastricht will be held at MECC Maastricht from 11 to 14 January 2024. For further information:  https://interclassics.events