From Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 January 2023, MECC Maastricht will be, as always, the center for classic car enthusiasts in the Benelux. After two years of absence due to Corona, InterClassics Maastricht is back. More than a thousand oldtimers, youngtimers and supercars are exhibited on 35.000 m2 of the exhibition floor. And this edition there is special attention for the Formula 1 history of Circuit Zandvoort.
Dutch Grand Prix Classics
Since the overwhelming success of Max Verstappen, race-loving Netherlands has been under the spell of Formula 1. The return of the Dutch Grand Prix in 2021 is the icing on the cake. To celebrate this, InterClassics pays tribute to these Dutch Grand Prix Classics. For example, the organization of InterClassics Maastricht presents Formula 1 cars from all decades of the Dutch Grand Prix.
First ever Dutch Grand Prix winning car
Visitors can see the very first winning car of the Dutch Grand Prix: a Talbot Lago T26C driven by French driver Louis Rosier. Other highlights include the Ferrari 156 Sharknose and Lotus 21 of F1 world champion Jim Clark, both cars finished on the Zandvoort F1 podium in 1961. The poster of this edition features a Lotus in John Player Special livery. InterClassics Maastricht presents no fewer than two of these black and gold racers, including the Lotus 87 of world champion Nigel Mansell.
Patriotic pride
In addition to the car of national racing hero Max Verstappen, the Shadow DN9 of his compatriot Jan Lammers can also be seen during InterClassics Maastricht. The car is etched in the memory of many Dutch racing fans because of the exuberant Samson tobacco advertising. A lesser known name is Dries van der Lof. He was at the start with an HWM in 1952 after the KNAC (Koninklijke Nederlandse Auto Club) paid him 2.000 guilders to drive as a crowd puller. By the way, he didn't make it to the finish. Furthermore, the Louwman Museum in The Hague is making the Porsche 718/2 of Carel Godin de Beaufort available to the fair. As was customary at the time, the car is decorated in the Dutch racing color: orange.
first
Visitors to InterClassics Maastricht can look forward to the premiere of a very special Lancia Delta Integrale. The Dutch Maturo Cars is launching a completely revised version of the popular rally car from the 90s at the fair. A trained eye will recognize the many advanced upgrades that make this Group A racer a reliable rally car. The further developed Stradale takes this a step further.
“10.000 hours development time”
Maturo co-founder Marco Geeratz explains: “Many people think that a road car and the rally variant are largely the same. The opposite is true! The reinforcements to make a car rally ready are endless. The Maturo Integrale contains more than two thousand custom-made parts, also because this car delivers almost twice the power of the original. To translate this into a competitive, but pleasant-driving street car, there are more than 10.000 hours of development time.”
Sim Racing Expo
Upon entering, enthusiasts of virtual racing will immediately get their money's worth at the Sim Expo. This is organized by Sim Formula Europe. Here visitors can take a seat themselves in the set-ups of leading simulator developers and try them out. On Saturday in the Sim Arena, the world's best sim racers will compete for a prize pool of 10.000 euros. One of the participants is Jarno Opmeer, the Dutchman is the official simulator tester of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team. This race takes place on a virtual circuit through the streets of Maastricht. Those who stay at home can follow the race live via the internet and on regional channel L1. Access to the Sim Expo is free.
More information
InterClassics Maastricht will take place from Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 January 2023 in MECC Maastricht. In addition to the themes mentioned, there are traditionally many exhibitors, clubs, private individuals, collectors and other classic-loving participants. True to tradition, they provide an excellent composition within an exclusive setting. Tickets are available online at a discount. The online price for adults is €17,50. Adults pay an entrance fee of € 20 at the box office. Children up to 12 years old can enter for free. More information about the fair can be found at the website from InterClassics. You can also order your tickets there.
