Last weekend, Brussels Expo was the location for the tenth edition of InterClassics Brussels, the exhibition for youngtimers and classic cars. With an amazing 29,472 visitors in attendance, we set a new record. ‘This represents a 29% increase in visitors compared to last year’s event and even 10% more than our best edition,’ says exhibition manager Erik Panis. ‘In addition to broad public interest, there is also continual satisfaction among our exhibitors, who saw quite a few cars change hands. This year, not only did we celebrate Formula 1’s 75th anniversary, but the V12s also took centre stage. The latter theme resulted in a great range of hyper- and supercars, attracting a noticeably higher number of young people attending,’ Panis continues. Due to the success of the supercars in Brussels, organiser MECC Maastricht has decided to set up a special Supercars Foyer during the upcoming edition of InterClassics Maastricht (from 15 to 18 January at the MECC).
International character
Erik Panis also emphasises the event’s international character, one of the key factors for the success of InterClassics Brussels. ‘From the UK to Latvia and from Italy to Denmark, these countries are all represented at our exhibition in one way or another. This has contributed to our growth; we have become the largest indoor classic car event in the Benelux. Our tenth anniversary truly felt like a celebration, with a record turnout of visitors – buyers and families, people of all ages – and enthusiastic exhibitors. If you look at the sales figures, the classic car sector is still seeing positive movement and this is an extra nice boost for our organisation and partners.’
BEHVA
One of these partners is the Belgian Historic Vehicle Association (BEHVA). ‘It was a more than successful edition for us as well,’ says Sofie Verheyden, Head of Communications at BEHVA. ‘This year, we made a concerted effort to support students and teachers in vehicle and automotive engineering education. We offered them special exhibition conditions so that we would be able to welcome groups of students and supervisors from VIVES, the Damiaaninstituut, Syntra, VDAB, the Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences and others last weekend. It was a great opportunity to build a bridge between the training centres and the professionals.’
Network and future opportunities
InterClassics Brussels was also a bull’s eye for Sandra, a 23-year-old from Mechelen and first-year automotive technology student at the Thomas More campus De Nayer in Sint-Katelijne-Waver. Together with her fellow students, she played an active part in the exhibition, manning BEHVA’s stand. As a seamstress-upholsterer, she attracted an unusual amount of attention. ‘With their presence at the exhibition, both BEHVA and Thomas More gave me the push I needed to go for self-employment. I’m a
young student entrepreneur, so this will become a business soon (laughs). I’m really pleased. In addition to the public interest, quite a few companies approached me to discuss working together. It was a unique opportunity that opens up a huge network for me. It’s very promising for the future.’
Next year, InterClassics Brussels will be held from 20 through 22 November 2026 at the Brussels Expo. Those who can’t wait that long are always to attend InterClassics Maastricht at MECC Maastricht from 15 to 18 January 2026. There are still tickets available at a discount. For further information on both events, visit: www.interclassics.events.
Impression of InterClassics Brussels 2025 – Gerlach Delissen Photography
