By now the leaves have fallen from the trees, the days are getting shorter and shorter and whether we like it or not, winter is coming. With a few exceptions, the outdoor events are now all over and the period of exhibitions, fairs and trade shows is coming again. We have selected for you 10 events that are definitely worth a visit and can thus bring some light into the gloomy winter months after all.
1 – AUTOWORLD MUSEUM BRUSSELS – EXHIBITION 75 YEARS FERRARI
This first expo is currently already running at the Brussels Autoworld museum, this until 04 December, and puts the 75th anniversary of the prancing horse in flowers. It is a so-called “small” expo and some 15 exclusive Ferraris are taking part in it.
2 – AUTOWORLD MUSEUM BRUSSELS – EXPO SUPERCAR VERSUS RACE VERSION
In this big winter exhibition with 40 cars, we will mostly see homologation cars. These are cars that were specially built to participate in races such as a BMW M1 or a Ford Sierra Cosworth. So the street version will be next to the racing version. This exhibition is a follow-up to last year’s successful supercar expo and will run from 9 December to 23 January.
3 – INTERCLASSICS BRUSSELS
Same city, but now at Brussels Expo on the Heysel there is Interclassics Brussels between 18 and 20 November. Once again there is a celebration of 75 years of Ferrari but fortunately there is a different theme with the relationship between the Belgian Ecurie Francorchamps and the Scuderia Ferrari. Jacques Swaters was already active in 1952 with his yellow Ferraris in many races such as the 24 hours of Le Mans and the Grand Prix. This created a unique bond between him and the great Enzo Ferrari.
In addition to the Ferrari theme, Belgium is finally hosting an expo on 50 years of BMW M of Motorsport. It is indeed 50 years since this motorsport department was founded in Munich. In these 50 years, great successes were achieved and BMW M also became an independent manufacturer with its famous M series cars.
4 – PREWAR DAYS – KORTRIJK EXPO
Fans of prewar cars can head to Kortrijk Expo between 9 and 11 December for the Prewar Days fair. Various oldtimer clubs, international exhibitors and of course an audience, specifically interested in this category of cars, can meet there.
5 – BOND IN MOTION – BRUSSELS EXPO
After London, Los Angeles and the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, the “Bond in Motion” exhibition will descend on Palace 1 of Brussels Expo from 9 December and until 14 May. One or more vehicles from each Bond film will be present. Top model is of course the Aston Martin DB 5 from “Goldfinger” but also the Vantage on its ski slats from “Living Daylights” and the Lotus Esprit “submarine” from “The Spy who loved me” will sign present. Besides the cars, helicopters and aircraft such as “Little Nellie” from “You only live twice” will also be presented. The expo will further feature photographs and gadgets from the vast James Bond archive. This is one for both car and film lovers. Definitely not to be missed.
6 – INTERCLASSICS MAASTRICHT
After the end-of-year festivities, we head to Maastricht for the Interclassics fair. This international event with nevertheless many foreign exhibitors and visitors returns to the calendar after two years. It was originally planned to be organised in early 2021 with a theme on the return of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. However, Covid threw a spanner in the works and the 2022 edition also had to be postponed. The time has finally come in early 2023 and the 2021 theme is still on the programme. Interclassics will present a unique collection of Formula 1 cars from the history of the Dutch Grand Prix. All this will take place at the MECC in Maastricht between 12 and 15 January 23.
7 – RETROMOBILE PARIS
Two weeks later, it is then off to Paris for Rétromobile. From 1 to 5 February, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles will be the place where many international classic car enthusiasts gather. Not much info is known at the moment but Rétromobile is always worth a visit. You will see unique and exclusive cars there.
8 – ANTWERP CLASSIC SALON
From 3 to 5 March, then Antwerp will be the venue for the Antwerp Classic Salon. One of the oldest organisations in Belgium for classic automobiles. Traditionally, Antwerp Expo is the venue for this fair. Themes include: 60 years of Jaguar E-Type ( postponed to 2021 ), French Delage and 60 years of Renault 4. In Antwerp, there are also always many oldtimer clubs that put their best foot forward to present the most beautiful stand. More than worth a visit.
9 – RETROCLASSICS STUTTGART
This fair in Stuttgart lends itself perfectly to a city-trip. After the 140,000 square metres of expo space is finished, a visit to the city of Stuttgart is definitely worthwhile. The museums of Porsche and Mercedes are therefore in close proximity. Both brands are also prominent in both the city and the fair itself. Themes are currently not yet known but the Rofgo Gulf in 2020 and the Porsche Group C expo in 2021 were in themselves the must-see to drive to Stuttgart. Retro Classics from 23 to 26 March 2023.
10 – TECHNOCLASSICA ESSEN
In April, we end the winter with a perennial favourite: Techno Classica Essen. With 190,000 visitors, this is the topper among fairs. Traditionally, the German brands play a home match here and they are all present. In addition to the 12 halls of the Gruga complex, there are also 4 open squares where more than 2,000 cars are offered for sale. Technoclassica Essen: from 12 to 16 April 2023.
We hope this series has nevertheless made you warm to visit at least one of these organisations. If not, you can certainly count on us. We will visit most of this list and, as always, you can then expect a comprehensive report on them.