19 to Sunday 21 November, InterClassics Brussels pays tribute to the most successful Belgian racing driver of all time: Jacky Ickx. During the sixth edition of the classic car fair in Brussels Expo, the most iconic cars from Ickx’ impressive racing history will be on display, including the Porsche 911 “953” Paris-Dakar and Lotus Cortina. Each car marks an important point in his career. Ickx is known as a multi-talent so the collection covers many racing classes. Formula 1, Le Mans, Paris-Dakar and touring cars are not missing.
1984 Porsche 911 “953” Paris-Dakar
Jacky Ickx has proven himself to be a gifted desert driver. He participated in Paris-Dakar for the first time in 1981 with a Citroën CX, unfortunately without success. The following two years he took part again, this time with a Mercedes-Benz G-Class. In 1983 he was the only Belgian ever to win the gruelling rally. Both the Citroen and the Mercedes-Benz can be admired in Palace 5. Things got really interesting in 1984 when Ickx convinced Porsche to build a 4×4 version of the 911 especially for “Le Dakar”. The expected success for Jacky Ickx did not materialise. After a cable fire he dropped back to place 139 but still managed to finish 6th. René Metge, also a works racer for Porsche tasted the champagne. For Porsche, this success left them wanting more, after which the 959 was developed. To this day, this Porsche is regarded as the most advanced Dakar racer ever.
Both the Porsche 911 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class are provided by the Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen and Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, respectively.
1964 Lotus Cortina
Like many historic touring cars, this sports sedan began life as a neat English family car. Tackled by sports car manufacturer Lotus, the Ford Cortina proved capable of much more! The improved suspension, engine upgrade and lightweight parts made for a racer that the established order should reckon with. In order to promote the new Cortina, the importer of Ford Belgium decided to put up-and-coming talent Jacky Ickx behind the wheel. This turned out to be the breakthrough for the young Ickx. He created a furore and at the age of 19 he drove his first international race. In Budapest, Ickx was at the start with a Cortina from the Mann Racing racing team. Because this was a factory team, Ickx was allowed to share the car with “racing royalty”. Previous drivers who took place in the Cortina were Jim Clark and Graham Hill. Together they won 4 F1 championships. This particular Cortina is from a British private collection and therefore a unique part of the Ickx exhibition at InterClassics Brussels.
Besides the Ickx exhibition, InterClassics also highlights the history of the British Elva. Unknown to the general public, it was the forerunner of the successful McLaren sports car brand. In cooperation with Minister of State Guy Verhofstadt (Elva connoisseur and collector) and McLaren Brussels, the short but fascinating history is presented during the fair from 19 to 21 November 2021 in Brussels Expo.
InterClassics Brussels will take place from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 November 2021 in Hall 5, 6, 7 and 9 of Brussels Expo. The classic car fair traditionally attracts many buyers and enthusiasts. Tickets can be bought online at a discount: online price adults € 15,00 vs day cash desk price adults € 17,50. Children up to 12 years of age are free. Entrance is on presentation of your COVID-Safe ticket, as a result of which measures such as the mouth mask obligation and social distancing are no longer required. More information about the fair can be found on the website www.interclassics.be
Report & photos: Interclassics