The event has only existed in its current form since 2012, but according to Porsche is already an absolute must for fans of historic cars and motor sports: the Historic Grand Prix Zandvoort. From 28 to 30 August, Circuit Park Zandvoort is the host for the fourth edition of the event. As in previous years, Porsche will also be prominent.
Gijs van Lennep
The Porsche 917 with the starting number 22, executed in white with the Martini colors red and blue, is a major attraction. It is the car with which our countryman Gijs van Lennep together with the Austrian Dr. Helmut Marko in 1971 won the 24 Hour of Le Mans. The car comes from the Porsche factory collection. For safety reasons, it is no longer driven. The chassis made of magnesium has become brittle over the years. Van Lennep and Marko set a record during the 24 Hour of Le Mans of 1971 with a covered distance of 5.335,16 km that lasted until 2010. Obviously, the sympathetic Gijs van Lennep, who was chosen by a professional jury in 1999 as the Dutch 'Driver of the 20 century', will be present on Saturday and Sunday during the Historic Grand Prix Zandvoort to hand out autographs.
"50 year Porsche 911 Targa"
Another important theme in the presentation of Porsche during the Historic Grand Prix Zandvoort is '50 year Porsche 911 Targa'. The much-praised targa concept provides the known and characteristic fixed bracket in the center of the car and has a fixed rear window in combination with a removable roof between the bracket and the windscreen. Porsche is still proud of the construction, which according to the German manufacturer combines protection, comfort and the pleasure of driving open. The evolution of the Targa philosophy is portrayed in the form of a timeline with seven Targa generations.
Real racing atmosphere
A novelty on the Pon Porsche Import stand is formed by the racing teams that come into action during the various competitions. This includes a Porsche 904, with which Gijs van Lennep participates in the 'Gentlemen Drivers' class for GT cars until 1965. Various 911s are also present. The cars are presented in a special way: in the Classic Village six pit boxes have been furnished with authentic decoration and accessories, where the Porsches are maintained before and after their training sessions and races. This creates a real racing atmosphere and there is regular activity with cars entering and leaving.
More information about the Historic Grand Prix Zandvoort can be found via: www.porsche.nl/classic