InterClassics Maastricht 2026. Admire with a smile on your face

Early in the morning, I'm getting ready for the opening of the international classic car season. I want to be there, and because of the Preview Day, I've chosen to enjoy the offerings in relative peace. And the privilege of writing for a great magazine. Yes, I'll have to cross the entire Netherlands for that, driving almost literally from north to south. By Dutch standards, that's quite a distance, but because I've been regularly driving much longer distances for love lately, the three and a half hour commute to Maastricht is easily manageable. Besides, I enjoy driving, and the Omega easily covers long distances effortlessly and comfortably. And that happens with a cheerful driver, because the preview day of InterClassics Maastricht 2026 beckons.

I park the Opel, fairly close to the entrance, and even before my colleague Bouckaert greets me, I see a promising entrance to the MECC in Maastricht. Five Ferrari Dinos welcome the visitors, and the tone is immediately set. In a pleasant way. Soon there's coffee and a lot of conviviality on the Auto Motor Klassiek booth, which will serve as our base of operations. To start with: there's interest all day long, fellow exhibitors know where to find us, and serious conversations alternate with peals of laughter that can be heard all the way to Liège. Visitors sign up for subscriptions, and our own catering is also excellent. In that sense, not much has changed in all the years that Auto Motor Klassiek participates in trade fairs. Even within the chic Maastricht setting, we act normally, and that's the foundation for sincerity and conviviality. Moreover, the concepts of "toastie without ham" and "coffee in the morning" now have a different meaning for me, let's put it that way.

Of course, I'm not coming to Maastricht just for that. In fact, I'm overwhelmed by what passes before me, and it all happens in a friendly atmosphere, which is also created by people from different countries. I hear a lot of French, German, and Italian around me, and somehow that reinforces the European feel. Wonderful. The ongoing collection in the Limburg capital surrounds the main theme, which is colored by cars from the Land of the Rising Sun. Japanese classics are growing in popularity, and the Legends of the Rising Sun are displayed within two pavilions. Within a pink-colored setting and matching decor, they form the heart of a fantastic fair. From the Toyota S 800 to Formula 1, the selection is dominated by legendary Japanese cars; in plain clothes, the exotics mingle with rally and circuit icons. The exhibition is magnificent, and its presence shines through in the offerings of various participants.

At De Croon Classics, my eye falls on a Toyota Corolla from the KE20 series, a car in top condition, newly delivered in the Netherlands. And here and there, I see more beautiful cars from Japan, nicely spread across the spacious floor space within the charming MECC. And my soft spot for cars from the Land of the Rising Sun is strong; I feel it again. Traditionally, InterClassics in Maastricht has also been an exclusive attraction for those who embrace Italian design. Well, this year's edition also makes clear why. Genuine vintage cars and modern classics meet, spread across the exhibition floor. Alfa Romeo spirit is high, and that extends from the Giulias and Bertones to the Montreal and a truly stunning 6C 2500 Sport Sperimentale IV Series. A stunning convertible, it's a delight to behold on the Bonhams stand. Now we just need the money and everything will be fineDreaming is allowed, and I realize it will remain a dream. Just as InterClassics allows many visitors to dream, and above all, to enjoy.

Many Ferraris also attract attention, such as the magnificent 250 GTE on the stand of Auto Moto d'Epoca, the event taking place in Bologna in October. I know I absolutely want to go. Without any Italian charm offensive, the representatives easily win me over.
Yes, I'm sticking with the Italians, because the truly breathtaking Lancia B20 GT on the Tachyon stand has me having conversations with myself, much to the surprise of a few dapper gentlemen in quilted jackets. Further along, I find an Ogna Fiat 750 Giannini, which participated in five Mille Miglia editions and is now for sale—with a price upon request. You still have the most beautiful car of the InterClassics Maastricht 2026, in my opinion. I'll let you know that it also comes from Italy.

I'm walking around Maastricht feeling very content and happy, and the mood gets even better when my dear friend's intensive workday in Austria is over, and we regularly catch up. In the meantime, I see and discover so many beautiful things. Every InterClassics stand has a charming secret in store. I see a number of beautiful 1950s Americans, and the British heritage is also very much in evidence. My goodness, what a gem of a car is the Jaguar XK 120 Alloy, which, together with other British cars (Land Rover First Series 80″, Aston Martin DB 2/4 Mk I and a pre-war Bentley MK IV Saloon Cabriolet) competes for the most beautiful British representative in Maastricht for me. And of course, you can't ignore the large Porsche selection, which, in both its young and old forms, is primarily a tribute to the 911 and 912 era, the first of which continues to this day. And let's not forget: diagonally across from us is a stand with classic Bugattis, and that one is also very much worth a visit.

Also what is known is loved Under the atmospheric lighting at MECC Maastricht. Exclusivity is everywhere, tangible in many forms, even though you're not allowed to touch it. At Metropole, I see a really nice Trabant with 82 kilometers on the odometer and a beautiful Amphicar. The booth also features a fun meeting place: a food truck from Bremer Tempo, and it turns out the truck is still operational.

As always, I'm looking for the gadgets that make me happy. Gulf bags, merchandise, automobilia, and books once again capture my full attention, and as so often happens, I linger at the miniature car stands. And as if it were meant to be: at a Flemish exhibitor, I find the model of the 2CV, which completed the Paris Persepolis trip in 1971 and which still belongs to the historic French collection. I withdraw cash at the main entrance of MECC Maastricht, walk back, and shortly after, I'm two 1:43 scale models of the 2CV. Or rather: the 2CV, as the 2CV is called in Flemish-speaking Belgium. I'm delighted, and can't resist picking up a Fiat 1100 TV Spider (also in 1:43 scale) further down the road from an equally friendly exhibiting couple. To my later regret, I pass on the Appia and the Fulvia in the same size.

It doesn't spoil the fun. I'm happy with my trophies from the day, which are undeniable. Because, as I haven't mentioned yet, the InterClassics organizers had everything perfectly organized, and the participants and spectators created an exceptionally pleasant and courteous atmosphere. I thrive on that. At the end of the long Preview day, I say goodbye to the people who provided the laughs at our stand. And I text my beloved Ruslana in Austria; she doesn't have to worry about my journey home. So, I calmly prepare for departure; I have three and a half hours ahead of me, and I'll soon be leaving the south with a certain sense of nostalgia.

The MECC is quietly emptying, and will undoubtedly draw a large, large crowd in the days that follow. And rightly so, because what a fantastic event InterClassics Maastricht is. And there's one more thing I'm certain of: the Bizzarrini 1900 GT is by far the most impressive car I saw at the 2026 InterClassics. Sometimes words fail, and you only have to look at the photo to understand. This orange classica GT Italiana It's the icing on the cake, making the whole day a great success for several reasons. And my seven hundred kilometers in one day are more than worth it.

InterClassics can be visited until January 18th. Click here for opening hours and prices.