Zoute Grand Prix 2021 a great success again – a report

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Purchasing classics there

On Thursday 7 October, the participants of the Zoute Rally were expected on the Zeedijk for the scouting of their car. Then they had to complete a prologue in the hinterland to determine the starting positions for Friday morning. Friday at 8 a.m. the participants lined up in a long line on the Zeedijk for the start of the rally. One was more nervous than the other.

By: Dirk Ivens

In turn, a participant in the rally and a ballador (without regularity) departed alternately for a beautiful trip through the polders to the historic heart of Bruges. In Bruges, the participants were welcomed by a proud mayor amid massive interest. The beautiful cars were displayed on the market while the participants enjoyed an extensive buffet.

Some damage on Friday afternoon

In the afternoon the tour was continued via many beautiful roads towards Knokke. A participant with a beautiful Bentley was unfortunately grabbed in the side by a motorcyclist who approached at high speed and did not give right of way. The car and motorcycle were unable to continue driving, but luckily there were no injuries.

Part two of the rally

The start of the second part of the rally took place on Saturday 9 October. In the standings, the first 20 participants followed each other very closely. It was a matter of a few seconds, leaving many potential winners. The cars drove to the Netherlands, where some tests still had to be completed. In the afternoon, the participants finally arrived back at the Zeedijk, which in the meantime was black with the people. The sun will certainly have contributed to this. On arrival, the participants were offered a glass of champagne, while the presenter on duty gave a word of explanation about the car.

Result of the rally

  • Winners of the Rally was the team Verstraete/Verstraete
  • 2nd the Team Gijbels / Gijbels
  • 3rd Team Beeuwsaert/Beeuwsaert

Competition and auction

On Saturday, a GT tour was also driven by some 60 modern sports cars. They left in Deinze to arrive in Ostend under the watchful eye of mayor Bart Tommelein.

On Sunday, the participating cars in the concours d'élégance could be admired at the Royal Zoute Golf Club.

Best of show pre-war was a Lancia Lambda Casaro.

Best of show post war a Lamborghini Countach LP400.

At 14 pm sharp, Bonhams then led the Zoute Sale, in the large Prado Pavilion that was set up on the beach. The Auction raised a total of €12.000.000 million. A very rare 110 Bugatti EB 1994 SS changed hands for €2.242.500 incl. premium and a Ferrari F40 for €1.840.000.

The Cadillac of 194 in which King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola married in 1960 was also auctioned for € 86.250 including premium. Fortunately, the car remains in good hands in Belgium.

In the Pavilion of Prado Zoute there were also 18 beautiful cars such as the Ferrari 296 GTB, the McLaren Artura, just like the F1 RB16 car that Max Verstappen drove last year and the Alpine A521 of the 24-year-old Frenchman Esteban Ocon.

For this year an event with generally nothing but smiling faces. Some, however, could only moderately appreciate the high entrance prices. It is also a pity that the GT and Concours cars were no longer on the podium on the Zeedijk on Sunday.

Be sure to mark 5 to 9 October 2022 in your calendar for the 13th edition of the Zoute Grand Prix.

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5 comments

  1. Well, you're right. Money rules! Ultimately, there is no place for the real enthusiast. The beautiful DS or Triumph Trident that you bought 30 years ago for little you now get more than before. Racing was much cheaper than now. Now your loved one is worth more, but you can't do much with it because driving it becomes impossible. Running is no longer possible……. only together (in the man cave)

  2. Too bad the prices are too high these days. Just like the 6 heures Spa. As if only the people with (f) old money are entitled to it. (I mean here mainly with “t”)

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