Antwerp captivated by classic steel for three days

Sometimes there are those fairs that you're already in the mood for before you even step inside. Antwerp Collection Cars is one of them. For three days in March, Antwerp Expo will once again transform into a playground for classic car enthusiasts. Not just because there are hundreds of cars on display, but especially because you get the feeling that everyone here has a bit of the same bug.

From March 13th to 15th, it's that time again. Antwerp Collection Cars is celebrating its third edition since its relaunch in 2024 and seems to be firmly established as one of Flanders' most impressive indoor classic car events. The format is familiar, but has been refined. There's a greater focus on unique collectors' items, on cars you don't see every Sunday in a parking lot, while still offering plenty of affordable classics for enthusiasts to simply browse and dream about.

Wandering among 350 classics

Anyone who's been there before knows what it's like. You step into a hall and everywhere you see gleaming chrome, patina, and stories. Exhibitors who know their cars down to the last bolt. Collectors who linger over a detail. Younger visitors perhaps looking for their first classic car. That's what makes these kinds of shows so enjoyable... the audience is just as interesting as the cars themselves.

Around a hundred exhibitors are expected in Antwerp again, representing approximately 350 classic vehicles spread across three halls. Together, they cover an exhibition floor area of ​​approximately 12.500 square meters. That sounds large, but once you're inside, time flies. You'll wander from Italian elegance to British sports cars, from American muscle to understated European classics that will surely make you pause for a moment.

120 years of Lancia

One of this year's highlights is a tribute to 120 years of Lancia. For many enthusiasts, it's still a brand with an almost mythical reputation. Innovative, distinctive, and often just a little bit different. This is beautifully illustrated in Antwerp with a selection of models that together form a kind of mini-history of the brand. Think of names like Delta, Fulvia, and Beta. Cars that are not only beautiful but also evoke memories of rally success and Italian engineering with character.

Porsche as an art object

Porsche also plays a creative role on the show floor. The Porsche Art Cars project showcases a series of unique 911 models where automotive design and art collide. This often results in surprising combinations. The familiar shapes of the 911 remain recognizable, but artists transform them into something completely different. The kind of car you automatically walk around twice.

Also a bit of a circuit feeling

Besides watching and talking, there's also a bit of action. Visitors can win so-called Spa After 6 sessions at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. These are two-hour evening sessions at the track, designed for enthusiasts who want to put their car through its paces safely. While not a race, it's a great opportunity to experience what a track like this actually does to a car.

Why you actually just want to go here

What makes Antwerp Collection Cars so special is the atmosphere. It's not a clinical car show where everything is behind ribbons. You walk up close to the cars, overhearing conversations about restorations, parts, and forgotten models. Sometimes you catch snippets of someone telling you where they once found that rare coupe. Those are the moments when a show like this suddenly becomes more than just a collection of cars.

For those who just want to spend a few hours browsing, it's worth it. For the true enthusiast, it'll likely be another one of those days where you keep thinking, "Just one more hall." And before you know it, a few hours have passed.

And perhaps that is exactly the intention.

Very briefly

Antwerp Collection Cars will take place from March 13th to 15th, 2026, at Antwerp Expo in Antwerp. The fair is open Friday from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visitors can expect approximately 100 exhibitors and around 350 classic vehicles spread across three halls. More information and tickets are available at: www.flanderscollectioncars.be