We returned to Spa again this year, making it a stable item on our agenda. And so is the event’s programme: the categories may change, but Spa Classic offers a bit of everything to the spectators. Our favourite aspect is still the unrestricted access, as we can go pretty much everywhere. All the tribunes, the catering facilities and even most pits are open to visitors.
This is also due to the fact that most visitors are part of the spectacle. Car clubs form a major part of the entertainment. Clubs are more than VIP attendees: the dozens of classic and modern Nissan Z cars or TVRs are a spectacle in their own right. This year’s offering is certainly less than the previous one, but if you are interested in classic BMWs, the club is your place to be.
The event also hosted the usual installations, like a hipster barber shop, entertainers, simulators and a dozen tents hosting artists and memorabilia.
The classic car races are based on Peter Auto’s iconic classic car circus, with probably the best fleet in the world.
The Group C category is still their flagship, and they brought an impressive selection of cars. We took care of them in the previous years’ posts, but the Mercedes was new to us.
We missed the iconic Peugeot 905 but saw four specimens from Jaguar’s XJR endurance series (XJR 9 and XJR 10). And, of course, many Porsche 956 and 962 cars.
Those longing for race cars with the shape of an actual vehicle are best served with the touring car categories. Peter Auto’s Heritage Touring Cup recalled the golden age of touring cars and quickly became the owners’ and drivers’ favourite.
The cars in this category were entered in the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) between 1966 and 1984. BMW was one of the most loyal participants as, over three decades, the Bavarian manufacturer entered a whole string of models ranging from the T1800 Ti in the 60s to the famous M3 in the 90s.
The classic fleet at Spa reflects this perfectly, as collectors amassed half a dozen Batmobiles (the 3.0 CSL coupés with lots of spoilers). The rest of the field is also a true Bimmerfest with many other iconic cars like the 635 CSI or an early 2002 Ti.
Ford is also up there with several segments, from the lightweight Escorts through the imposing Ford Capri to a king-sized Mustang.
As for the rest of the field, the Peter Auto series guarantees an impeccable car spotting experience. Cars from every decade and category are there, from the ’50s onwards to relatively modern cars (like LMP cars).
Classic Porsche 356, iconic Ferrari 250 SWB and 275 GTB, through Porsche 911 2.0 and BMW M1 to modern LMP endurance cars, you get to see them up close and on track. Even when the vehicles are not on the track, they offer a great spectacle already in the pits and tents. This is where the all-access makes a big difference.
We went on Sunday, but from the programme we had the impression, it would have been better to chose the Saturday with a longer and more complete timetable (including night rounds). Nevertheless, you will find action on any day of the event.
