After two years of absence, Interclassics Maastricht is back. They immediately set the tone again as one of the most important classic car events in the low countries.
Theme ‘Dutch Grand Prix Classics’
As always, Interclassics works with themes, if this year it was singular. One theme and that under the heading ‘Dutch Grand Prix Classics’. Plenty of material and cars to fill a spacious stand, we thought. With the arrival of Max Verstappen and the subsequent reopening of the Zandvoort circuit, interest in F1 in the Netherlands has been fanned. A fitting theme therefore.
The organisers felt the same way, as they feasted on the many F1 cars on display. We pick a few.
Talbot Lago T26C
The Talbot Lago T26C seen above immediately caught the eye. You normally see these almost exclusively in blue (French) colour. This T26C won the Dutch GP in 1950 and 1951 with Louis Rosier at the wheel. We previously placed our GoPro on such a Talbot Lago T26.
Arows-BMW A8
We have come across the Arrows-BMW A8 on several occasions. Not surprising when we know that Belgium’s Thierry Boutsen competed in the 1985 Dutch GP with it. After giving up, Boutsen finished 12th in the standings.
Ferrari Sharknose
A Ferrari cannot be missing from the list and what a Ferrari it is. The Ferrari 156 “Sharknose” was driven by Phill Hill in 1961 and he won the Dutch GP. By the way, it would be a brilliant year for Phill Hill as he would also become world champion in 1961.
Shadow-Ford DN9-23
Lammers’ lion it was also called. This DN9 was used by team Shadow in 1978 and 1979. During the second season, Dutch Jan Lammers was behind the wheel. The best result during this season was P9 at the Canadian GP. The Samson tobacco advertisement made the car stand out on track. This advertisement came on the car earlier by chance when Lammers had spent an entire day nagging Herman Voogd’s head for sponsorship. Herman Voogd promised Lammers a sponsorship deal if he got into F1. So it happened and, as a result, the Shadow became perhaps one of the most distinctive F1 cars ever. More info on this car can be found here.
Max Verstappen
Formula 1 cars in the Netherlands without a link to Max Verstappen, no that couldn’t happen. So the Red Bull Racing-Honda RB16B was also on display. It was undoubtedly the most photographed car of all Interclassics, although our attention went mainly to the older F1 cars.
Lots of variety
Outside the F1 square it was feasting on the most beautiful classic cars you can dream of. And there they do make a difference in Maastricht compared to Brussels. Interclassics Maastricht is always just that little bit fancier than Interclassics Brussels. It may be just us, but we both feel that way, reason enough to go to Maastricht every year.
More than a thousand cars
There were a total of about 1,000 old-timers attending. Now, just a correction because we have had different categories for a while now lol. So we have the ‘youngtimer, a clearly on the rise group. The ‘regular’ oldtimer and of course the ‘pre-war’ which, according to this group of owners, are the only real oldtimers. Let us say something for everyone.
To get 1,000 cars together, the whole thing must have some appeal. After all, why go there as a dealer if there is nothing to catch. Well, apparently Interclassics is a pond with quite a lot of fish in it. The dealers attending were also very happy this year and the many ‘sold’ signs confirmed this. Some dealers even sold some cars during the build-up.
Record edition
In just four days, 35333 visitors found their way to Interclassics Maastricht. Some may have been looking for a new classic car, others may have been looking for a nice book or another gadget. But most visitors mainly came to enjoy all this beauty.
Maserati A6GCS Belinetta Pinin Farina
Quite a mouthful to describe a stunningly beautiful car. It will probably be the first classic car you came across even before you walked into the exhibition building. This car was presented in 1954 at the Turin Salon. A 2000 Sport with a closed “berlinatta” bodywork by Pinin Farina. The 2000 Sport was a popular open two-seater in racing. However, due to a sopping Mille Miglia in 1952, several Maserati customers asked for a closed variant. Through an Italian distributor, Pinin Farina was approached and thus four A6GCS/53 chassis were fitted with the elegant berlinatta bodywork. To this day, these cars (all four are preserved) are among the most coveted historic Maserati cars.
Tazio
Can we be a little chauvinistic? Yes we can! The magazine Tazio is thoroughly Belgian and written by Johan Dillen & Dirk de Jager and it is not your average classic car magazine. Most of them are full of screaming advertisements trying to sell you everything. At Tazio you will find peace of mind, a stylish layout printed on quality paper are its hallmarks. The articles posted are also always of a high standard. Our advice, if you have never bought one before, you should definitely do so! It won’t be your last. More info on their website.
Restomod Maturo Stradale
It is becoming such a hot topic these restomods. If you now look at this Lancia Delta HF Integrale by Maturo Competition Cars, you cannot help but be in admiration. According to the company, the ultimate Integrale. With over 100kg less weight and a complete body made of carbon, it could hardly be anything else. To learn more about restomods be sure to check out the book of the same name by publisher Waft.
Conclusion
Like every edition, you are amazed at how they manage to get so much beauty together. Well in Maastricht they succeed every time and it is precisely because of this, together with the rather exclusive look, that we will definitely return next year. We can only recommend the same to you as a reader. So mark your calendars for 2024 on 11, 12, 13 and 14 January and go to Interclassics Maastricht. You won’t regret it.
