Zoute Grand Prix in Knokke-Heist opens with rally for “young” classic cars

In the Zoute Grand Prix Gallery, a large, luxurious tent on the seafront, you can see the latest models from the most prestigious car brands, some of which are being shown in Europe for the first time. Classic cars that will be auctioned by Bonhams auction house on Sunday are also on display.

One or more rallies or tours are also planned every day. And for the first time this year, there was also a rally for younger classic cars. ‘These are cars built between 1976 and 2005,’ explains Philippe Quatennens of the Zoute Grand Prix. 'In previous editions, there was a rally for cars built before 1974 and one for more recent cars. But cars from the eighties, nineties and noughties were left out. We found that particularly unfortunate, because these cars increasingly have nostalgic value. They are more and more sought after because they are the cars that many of today's adults dreamt of as children.'

However, the competition did not get off to a flying start. ‘Two months after we announced the Zoute Iconic Rally, there were barely six entries,’ admits Quatennens. 'Often, these are expensive cars. A Ferrari F40 can easily cost more than a million euros. Lamborghini Countachs and Jaguar XJ220s are also expensive cars. And not all owners were immediately enthusiastic about taking them out of the garage. But gradually, enthusiasm and confidence have grown, and we now had around 80 participants, whereas we had hoped for around 50."

One of the most important classic car auctions in Europe

On Sunday, the last day of the GP, another exciting event is scheduled: an auction of classic cars by Bonhams. ‘Last year, a record number of cars were auctioned here,’ says the Zoute Grand Prix, 'more than at similar auctions in Paris, for example. We hope to do at least as well this year'.

The full programme for the Zoute Grand Prix can be found here .