The top vintage car show of the Netherlands, Interclassics & Topmobiel celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. Main themes of this edition were 100 years Aston Martin and Bugatti Grand Prix Cars. Thinking of an Aston Martin, most of us think about luxury and elegance, and ofcourse the well-known James Bond who made the DB5 an iconic car. In cooperation with the Aston Martin Owners Club, Interclassics & Topmobiel gathered about 30 exclusive cars, representing the complete history of the British brand.
Another amazing highlight in the show, was the Bugatti Grand Prix Cars exhibition. In the 20s and 30s of last century, Bugatti was one of the most succesful cars in Grand Prix racing. The exhibition at the Interclassics & Topmobiel showed us only Grand Prix cars, including a Bugatti Type 35. This type only achieved over 2000 race victories from the mid twenties to the early thirties of last century.
Next to these 2 thematical exhibitions , there’s ofcourse a lot more to discover during the 3 days the show lasts. Hundreds of cars from all periods and all makes shown by dozens of exhibitors could be admired. People that were looking for a part to continue restoration might have been a little bit disappointed. Yes, you could find some spare parts, but the Interclassics & Topmobiel is definitely not a place like the Veterama Show in Mannheim, where dozens and dozens of spare part suppliers can be found. Nevertheless, whenever you were in need of a rare part, there was a chance to find it, so there’s absolutely no reason to leave the show next year for what it is. Just join the party and enjoy, and who knows you might be lucky.
Traditionally, lots of Porsches at the Interclassics & Topmobiel, proving once again the strength of the dutch Porsche scene. The Porsche Center Eindhoven had a lovely Porsche 356 pre-a on display , and for sale for 125K Euros. To my surprise one exhibitor had an original 4cam Carrera engine, completely rebuild. Those looking for such a rare piece, I’m sorry, the engine was not for sale. The same exhibitor had a rare Devin Porsche, build on a 356 Chassis and this particular car had a 356 engine and transmission installed. Some more Porsches 356, both Coupe and Cabriolet offered and ofcourse lots of Porsches 911. A few pre 73 911s which , as most of you know, are heavily wanted nowadays. Lots of early 80s Porsches 911 could be found, and maybe somewhat surprisingly for the 356 and early 911 generation, but even the Porsches 924 and 944 start showing up at the vintage car events. Even though these are not my favorite cars, it pleases me that these cars start being seen as classics. At a rather low prive, youngsters can buy a piece of history, and start appreciating the great cars from Zuffenhausen. See you all in Maastricht in 2014.
Text : Tim Havermans
Pictures : Liebe zu Ihm
