With a total sales of 45 million euros across two international car auctions and a Ferrari fetching a record 5.1 million euros, the Zoute Grand Prix Car Week has wrapped up its 17th edition with impressive figures. For five days, Knokke-Heist was dedicated to exclusive dream cars, spectacular rallies, and numerous Belgian and European premieres. The presence of H.K.H. Princess Claire, the 65,000 euros raised during the gala evening for the Queen Paola Foundation, and the successful introduction of the new 4x4 Village in Heist were also highlights. This new component fulfilled the ambition to spread the event throughout Knokke-Heist.
The two prestigious auction houses, Broad Arrow and Bonhams, achieved an impressive result of 45 million euros in car sales. On Friday evening, Broad Arrow made Belgian auction history with a 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari, sold for 5.1 million euros – the highest price ever bid in Belgium at a car auction. During the Zoute Sale by Bonhams on Sunday, a 1970 Lamborghini Miura P400S changed hands for 1,725,000 euros. These results confirm Knokke-Heist's international appeal to collectors.
Another special moment was the presence of H.K.H. Princess Claire, who attended the arrival of the Zoute Classic Rally by ASL on the Zeedijk on Saturday. The Princess was present in her capacity as honorary chairwoman of the Queen Paola Foundation and also attended the subsequent gala evening. During this event, a charity auction raised 65,000 euros, which will fully go to the organization dedicated to supporting children and young people in vulnerable situations.
The introduction of the 4x4 Village by Mazu on Heist beach was an immediate success. Visitors could admire exclusive off-road vehicles and discover their capabilities on a specially constructed course. The 4x4 Rally on Saturday was also well-received by participants.
The rest of the program offered plenty of spectacle for the many visitors who flocked to Knokke-Heist. On Wednesday, over 100 iconic cars from the period 1976-2005 started the second Zoute Iconic Rally by Integra Private Equity. On the same day, well-known faces from sports and entertainment participated in a fun sprint race on the Zeedijk. Organizer Marc Coucke took part with Michael Verschueren as pilot. In the Gallery by EY on Albertplein, visitors could admire exclusive dream cars, including the Ferrari F80 and various Belgian and European premieres.
On Saturday morning, a new surprise unfolded on the Zeedijk. At the start of the Zoute GT Tour by Curbstone, four exceptional Koenigsegg hypercars from Esser Automotive made an appearance. Three of them participated in the rally. The Koenigsegg One:1, Jesko Attack, Agera R, and CC850 represent a combined power of 5,458 hp and a value exceeding 20 million euros.
Younger car enthusiasts were also catered for with the Zoute Kids Rally by Broad Arrow on Saturday and the Zoute Kids Concours by Broad Arrow on Sunday. The presentation of the Best of Show Awards during the Zoute Concours d’Élégance by ING Private Banking provided a stylish conclusion to the five-day event.
The next edition of the Zoute Grand Prix Car Week is scheduled from Wednesday, October 6 to Sunday, October 10, 2027.
