An unforgettable day at the Zoute Grand Prix Car Week: adventure and elegance on four wheels

The Zoute Grand Prix: the meeting point for luxury cars

Every year, the Zoute Grand Prix emerges as an unmissable event on the Belgian coast, particularly in the coveted city of Knokke-Heist. In 2025, the excitement is palpable, as this iconic event has been transformed into a true Car Week running from October 8 to 12. More than just a gathering, it is a festival dedicated to automobile enthusiasts, bringing together exceptional cars, amateurs, and professionals. The Belgian roads become the stage for a fascinating encounter between automotive history and the art of driving.

This gathering celebrates elegance and power, with vehicles ranging from pre-war models to contemporary hyper cars. Participants discover not only breathtaking cars but also a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Events include rallies, elegance contests, and auctions that attract attention beyond Belgian borders. Each year, prestigious brands like Ferrari, Bugatti, and Lamborghini stand out in this celebration that captures the attention of car enthusiasts from around the world.

Visitors can admire unique collections. Characterful cars like the Bentley and Jaguar share the stage with iconic models such as the Mercedes-Benz and Aston Martin. In recent years, the Zoute Grand Prix has become a mirror of the evolution of the automobile by bringing together not only classics but also innovations that fascinate the public. By offering a platform to showcase these wonders, the festival also allows collectors to present their treasures.

The long-awaited return of the Concours d'Élégance

The Concours d’Élégance is back after a noticeable absence in previous editions. It would be inconceivable to imagine the Zoute Grand Prix without this captivating spectacle. In 2025, more than 50 cars were selected, divided into nine categories, from pre-war vehicles to modern hyper cars. Such diversity delights purists and novices alike, all awed by the feats of automotive art.

The oldest cars present include historical models like the Sava SPMY and the Minerva AD, both dating back to 1925. These vehicles evoke a bygone era, when automotive innovation was just beginning. From Japan, the legendary Honda NSX made a splash, as did the Mitsubishi 3000GT and the small Toyota S800. These models reflect a time when performance and design intertwined to create unforgettable vehicles.

Car lovers were also able to admire Italian marvels. At the top of the list is the Ferrari 375 Plus Spider Pinin Farina from 1954, which won the "Best of Show" award, along with the Fiat 8V Supersonic Ghia from 1953. These rare pieces remind us that automotive design transcends generations. Moreover, the event honored the DS to celebrate their 70th anniversary, while also gathering models such as the Alpine A110 1600 SX, the Venturi 400, and speed icons like the Lamborghini Countach LP400S and the Ferrari F40.

• Sava SPMY (1925)
• Minerva AD (1925)
• Honda NSX
• Mitsubishi 3000GT
• Toyota S800
• Ferrari 375 Plus Spider Pinin Farina
• Fiat 8V Supersonic Ghia

BMW Art Cars Exhibition: a fusion of art and mechanics

During the Zoute Grand Prix Car Week, a unique exhibition has supremely captivated art and car lovers: the BMW Art Car World Tour. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to discover the alliance between artistic creativity and automotive engineering. This year, ten iconic cars were showcased, including several BMW 3.0 CSL, as well as a 525i and a 635CSi.

These cars, much more than mere vehicles, become true works of art, crafted by world-renowned artists who saw in them a medium for expression. Each captivating model presents a unique story, a fusion of technical performance and creative imagination. Car enthusiasts who missed this event in Belgium can rejoice, as it is set to become the central exhibition at the upcoming Rétromobile show.

This initiative attests to the growing importance of associating art with automobiles, thus creating memorable experiences for visitors. By combining elegance and boldness, the BMW Art Cars perfectly illustrates how brands can innovate beyond mere mechanical performances. Thus, the magic of automotive design takes on an additional dimension, captivating the senses of visitors.

Bonhams and Broad Arrow Auctions: a golden opportunity

The auctions are a fundamental pillar of the event, and this year, Bonhams excelled with an impressive selection of 114 lots, including a range of Automobilia that delighted collectors. Among the items found, a diorama in 1:43 scale depicting the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1968 particularly caught attention. Nearby, a Riva Olympic Speed Boat from 1972 made a splash, adding a nautical touch to the tableau.

On the automotive side, Bonhams once again impressed with offers ranging from the Nissan GT-R V-spec II to iconic models such as the Ferrari 250. Among the lots, a Maserati MC12 Stradale particularly stood out. Additionally, Broad Arrow Auctions also made its entrance, offering a carefully selected range of cars for a first edition, even if they quickly left the golf course after the auction.

The auctions attract not only potential buyers but also create a valuable connection between enthusiasts and the vehicles they dream of. This mix of auctions, collections, and direct interactions between sellers and buyers makes the experience of the Zoute Grand Prix even more rewarding. Sometimes, these moments are an opportunity to uncover unique stories related to each car, an aspect that enriches the entire automotive universe.

• Bonhams Auction: 114 lots
• Diorama 24h of Le Mans 1968
• Riva Olympic Speed Boat 1972
• Nissan GT-R V-spec II
• Maserati MC12 Stradale

The Zoute Rally: an adventure on Belgian roads

The Zoute Rally is undoubtedly one of the highlights of this Car Week. About 225 cars paraded along the picturesque roads between Knokke-Heist and Antwerp, in a blend of flair and tradition. Divided into two categories — Touring and Regularity, participants competed in skill and style, attracting curious onlookers and enthusiasts along the route.

This year, the roads were filled with many exceptional vehicles, including pre-war Bentley cars, various versions of Porsche 356, and of course, a multitude of Italian cars, notably Ferrari 250 GTE and Fiat and Lancia which added a nostalgic note to the tableau. Additionally, several models of Mercedes, ranging from the 280SE to the legendary 300 SL, also made a remarkable appearance, both in Gullwing and roadster versions.

Spectators had the chance to see these mechanical beauties evolve along the small streets of the seaside resort, making the hearts of true car lovers race. These moments of sharing on the road remind us that automotive passion transcends generations, uniting participants around a common love for beautiful machinery.

In summary, these five exceptional days of automotive excellence not only constitute a celebration of beautiful machines but also an immersion into car culture. The memories created, the stories shared, and the connections woven during this event make it an unforgettable experience for all participants. The passion for automobiles here knows no boundaries, and every thrill felt on these roads resonates in the hearts of every enthusiast.

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