From Friday, November 19 through Sunday, November 21, 2021, InterClassics Brussels will pay tribute to the most successful Belgian racing driver of all time: Jacky Ickx.
This sixth edition of the classic car show on the grounds of Expo Brussels will feature the most legendary cars from Ickx's impressive racing history, including the Porsche 911 "953" Paris-Dakar and the Lotus Cortina, both of which mark a significant point in Ickx's career. Ickx was known as a multi-talented driver, so the collection covers many racing classes: Formula 1, Le Mans, Paris-Dakar and touring cars are among them.
Porsche 911 "953" Paris-Dakar from 1984
Jacky Ickx proved himself to be a gifted desert driver. In 1981, he took part in the Paris-Dakar Rally for the first time in a Citroën CX, unfortunately without success. In the two years that followed, he took part again, this time in a Mercedes-Benz G-Class. In 1983, he was the only Belgian to win this challenging rally to date. Both the Citroën and the Mercedes-Benz can be admired in Paleis 5.
Things got really interesting when Ickx was able to convince Porsche to build a 4x4 version of the 911 especially for "Le Dakar" in 1984. The expected success for Jacky Ickx did not materialize. After a cable fire, he dropped back to 139th place, but still finished sixth in the end. René Metge, also a Porsche works driver, was able to pop the champagne cork. Porsche acquired a taste for this success and developed the 959, which is still regarded as the most advanced Dakar racing car of all time.
The Porsche 911 is provided by the Porsche Museum in Zuffenhausen, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class by the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
Lotus Cortina from 1964
Like many historic touring cars, this racing car began its life as a well-kept English family car. In the hands of sports car manufacturer Lotus, however, the Ford Cortina proved to be significantly more powerful. The improved suspension, engine upgrade and lightweight parts resulted in a race car that the establishment had to keep an eye on. To promote the new fast Cortina, the Ford Belgium importer decided to put the up-and-coming talent Jacky Ickx behind the wheel - the breakthrough for the young Ickx. He caused a sensation and drove his first international race at the age of 19. In Budapest, Ickx was at the start in a Cortina from the Mann Racing team.
The Cortina on display comes from a British private collection and is therefore a special piece at the Ickx exhibition at InterClassics Brussels.
Elva special show
In addition to the Ickx exhibition, InterClassics is also showcasing the history of the British car manufacturer Elva. Less well known to the general public, this was the forerunner of the successful McLaren sports car brand. In collaboration with former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt (Elva connoisseur and collector) and McLaren Brussels, the short but exciting history will be on display at the trade fair from November 19 to 21, 2021 in the halls of Brussels Expo.
InterClassics Brussels will take place from November 19 to 21, 2021 in Paleis 5, 6, 7 and 9 of Brussels Expo. The classic car fair traditionally attracts many buyers and enthusiasts. Admission only on presentation of a 3G certificate (vaccinated/vaccinated/tested), thus eliminating measures such as compulsory masks and social distancing.
Further information about the fair can be found on the event website.
