From Thursday, January 11 to Sunday, January 14, 2024, the MECC Maastricht will once again be the focal point for classic car enthusiasts in the Benelux countries and neighboring Germany. More than 800 classic cars, youngtimers and supercars will be on display on an exhibition area of 35,000 m².
This edition of InterClassics looks back on Ford's 120-year history and highlights the American brand's racing past. Ford Performance presents the fastest and sportiest models of the American automobile giant.
Henry Ford once said: "Motor racing began five minutes after the second car was built." And so Ford has been active and successful in almost all forms of motorsport since its beginnings: from rallying to Formula 1 and from endurance racing to NASCAR. InterClassics sheds light on the global rise of motorsport through the sporting milestones of the "blue oval". The vehicles come from various museums, private collections and the Ford Europe factory collection.
Sim Expo is also celebrating a major comeback with over 60 professional simulators from leading manufacturers, where visitors can perfect their racing skills.
Ford performance
For decades, Ford racing cars have formed the basis for numerous motorsport categories. In the 1960s, Ford ventured into sporting heights and explored every conceivable motorsport category
Thanks to reliable technology and relatively affordable models, race tracks and rally stages were dominated by Ford vehicles or vehicles with Ford engines. Ford is still involved in international racing today. Next year, the Ford Mustang will make a comeback at Le Mans and from 2026 Ford will return to Formula 1 thanks to a partnership with Red Bull.
Ford Quadricycle in Maastricht
An absolute highlight is the very first car that company founder Henry Ford presented to the world: his self-built Quadricycle.
Other highlights include two variants of the Ford Capri: the fire-breathing Turbo Zakspeed and the powerful 3200 RS. These two vehicles, as well as other vehicles, come from the private collection of Ford Europe in Cologne. The organizers are proud to be able to present such a collection, which has not been accessible to the public for years.
In addition to the models already mentioned, various versions of the Escort and Mustang will not be missing - including the American Mustang 'Trans Am', with its intimidating design and well-known 'John Player Special' tobacco advertising.
Premiere from Denmark - racing cars from Agile
The newly founded manufacturer Agile will be presenting a road-legal racing car at the show: the SCX.
In addition to the production of the open-top sports car, Agile has specialized in the development of composite materials for formula and Le Mans cars. Thanks to this in-house expertise in lightweight materials, the car lives up to its name. The Agile is described as sporty, light and fast. Weighing just 600 kg, the Ford-powered sports car sprints to 100 km/h in 4 seconds.
According to the designers, the Agile SCX should deliver top performance on the race track, but also be comfortable to drive on the road. Nevertheless, it should be affordable for the average car enthusiast. However, only 20 cars per year and a total of 99 vehicles are planned for production.
Sim Racing Expo
A seminar, €10,000 prize money and hot races
Sim Formula Europe is presenting the Sim Expo for the fourth time. With an area of 3,000 m², this trade fair has developed into one of the largest of its kind.
The InterClassics sub-event takes place in the Forum Passage of the MECC Maastricht. The latest sim racing equipment and technology from leading brands will be on display, from experienced sim racers to enthusiastic newcomers.
The Sim Expo program
Friday is all about the Esports Seminar. The manufacturers Simucube and D-Box will inform participants about the latest hardware developments such as direct-drive steering wheels and motion platforms. Marcel Offermans (former director of rFactor) will also provide insights into his newly developed simulator. The program will conclude with a panel discussion on the topic of esports in Limburg.
The last race of Sim Formula Europe will take place on Saturday. Twenty sim racers have proven themselves in the online qualifiers of the championship and will now compete against each other "in real life" in Maastricht. The winner will receive the top prize of 3,000 euros and the title of best sim racer in Europe.
On Sunday, the visitors themselves will take a seat in the driver's seat. In the Hot Lap Challenge, participants are challenged to set the fastest lap time. The winner of the 2024 edition will be announced at the end of the day.
The 28 Ford vehicles on display
1896 Ford Quadricycle
1917 Ford Model T Racer cul pointu
1912 Ford Model T Speedster
1932 Ford Model 18 "Golden Deuce"
1964 Ford Lotus Cortina Mk1 'A frame'
1966 Ford Escort RS 1600
1974 Ford Escort Mk1 street
1986 Ford RS200
1998 Ford Escort WRC
1969 Ford Escort RS 1600 Mk1 "Frami Racing"
1975 Ford Escort Mk2 RS 1800 WRC
1974 Ford Capri 3200 RS Gr. 2
1981 Ford Capri Turbo Zakspeed Gr. 5
1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
1982 Ford Mustang GT size A
1984 Ford Mustang "Roush" SCCA Trans Am Series
1965 Ford GT40
2021 Ford GT "Liquid Carbon"
2004 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS 500
1989 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS 500
1971 Brabham-Ford BT35 F2
1987 Benetton-Ford B188
1997 Formula Ford "Van Diemen" RF97
1982 Lotus-Ford 87
Of course, the fair also offers everything to do with classic cars, from accessories to collector's items.
As this is the first industry get-together of the year, clubs will once again be gathering and inviting many club friends to the New Year's reception.
Further information can be found on the website of the Classic Car Show Maastricht
