Praised as one of Europe’s leading Concours d’elegances, the Concours d’elegance Paleis Het Loo was more spectacular than ever this year. Held over the weekend of 3-4 September, the event was in its sixth year running and counted around one hundred fine historic and classic cars. As with every year, the popular event was staged on the greens in front of Paleis Het Loo, a marvelous medieval palace situated in the city of Apeldoorn. The palace itself was refitted in the 17th century, and has served since as a residence for several generations of Royal Dutch figures, who have all contributed to the interior of the palace by leaving behind paintings, and furniture objects. The most recent inhabitant of the palace was Queen Wilhelmina.

Upon entering the grounds via the VIP and press entrance, we immediately noticed the Italdesign Brera concept car being maneuvered around the greens in front of the palace. The combination of such fine modern car design against such a magnificent setting was quite a rare sight. A few steps further we ventured into our first paddock. A fearsome bare metal car acted immediately as the centre of attention, its sheer size and visual muscle attracting crowds of people around it. Although not an Italian car, the extremity of this particular item deserves attention. Quite literally built around a colossal Rolls-Royce Merlin V12 engine, the fully functioning sculpture was a newly built car, the realization of a Dutch man who believed that this is what a Bentley should look like. Later on, the characteristic splutter of the Second World War Spitfire engine filled the air, complemented by delicious fumes as the car was skillfully maneuvered around the narrow tree-lined avenues of the palace, the driver using minimal throttle to prevent the rear tires from lighting up. Blue flames occasionally licked from the dual exhausts, as the low-revving torquey engine tried to literally break free from the sculpture within which it was crafted. Having been mentally placed in a dream world, the full glory of the event could now be taken in.

An interesting selection of Italian cars were present, with a 1951 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Coupé Villa d´Este “Helvetia” without doubt representing the most beautiful of all. Presented by German specialist Axel Schuette, this aluminium bodied Villa d’Este was built originally for the Swiss Alfa Romeo importer, and was displayed at the 1951 Geneva automobile salon. The car is currently for sale for 238.000 euros. 

On either side of the Alfa Romeo 6C Villa d’Este, Axel Schuette presented a pair of Ferrari 250 GT’s. On the left, a fabulous dark red 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Ellena sat neatly on the bark chippings, a tastefully restored car with its interior baring a beautifully untouched patina. On the right, a rare 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta with steel Scaglietti bodywork gleamed in the sun, a high quality car with matching numbers. Both of the Ferrari’s are also for sale. One of the many cars with a rich history was a 1954 OSCA MT4 1100 (s/n 1143). This particular car was raced continuously from 1954 until 1962, taking part in major events such as the 1954 Le Mans 24 hours, the 1954, 1956 and 1957 Mille Miglia’s, as well as less well known races around local Italian tracks such as Circuito di Reggio Calabria, and the Circuito di Santa Gorizia. An entire volume of books could easily be dedicated to this one car’s racing history. 
 

 
A stunning Maserati 250F ‘Tipo 3’ “Piccolo” was also on show, although not to be confused with one of the original two development cars. The car in question bears chassis number CM7, referring to the Maserati expert Cameron Millar. Millar possessed five different 250F’s in the 60’s, and often travelled to the Maserati works to purchase spare parts. At the end of the 60’s, he bought the complete Scuderia Centro-Sud inventory off Mimmo Dei in Milan. From the parts collection, five and a half 250F’s could be reconstructed, alongside two accident chassis and a new engine. Millar also acquired tools for the production of parts and design plans. Millar’s name is connected to the fabrication of ten additional Maserati 250F’s, built to a very high standard with factory support. The most recent car was completed in 1996. In fact, Juan-Manual Fangio once examined one of the Cameron Millar cars, and could find no deviations from the original cars he raced. In comparison to the original 250 F model, the “Piccolo”, as the name suggests, is both shorter and lighter with a smaller wheelbase. CM7 also has a factory prototype engine.

Other interesting cars on show included a 1953 Nash Healey Convertible, with golden Pininfarina bodywork, a rare Fiat Balilla Sport, two Iso Grifo’s, an Alfa Romeo GTC and a Ferrari Daytona Spider. Lamborghini’s were also present, in the form of a beautiful blue Miura and a sleek metallic black Espada.

Possibly the most original classic on display, and certainly a rarity, was a green Alfa Romeo Alfasud which, despite having covered over 90,000 km’s, was still in mint condition with no signs of rust or damage. Still wearing its original paint, the Alfasud also showed no interior wear whatsoever, and clearly belonged to a very caring enthusiast. Not far away from the Alfasud, a new generation of Alfa Romeo cars was parked, for the Concours d’elegance served as one of the two debut locations for the new Alfa Romeo 159 in Holland. Alfa Romeo importer Kroymans are very confident that the car will be a successful contender in the Dutch market. 

The starting of engines signified the ending of the superb event, with the air once again filled with a deliciously addictive oily perfume as streams of rarities cruised the fields with their throbbing engine notes. The sixth Concours d’elegance Paleis Het Loo was certainly a successful one and will hopefully pave the way to an even more exclusive and action packed event next year.

By Paddy & James Granger

Photo Gallery I

Photo Gallery II

Photo Gallery III

Photo Gallery IV

Italdesign Giugiaro Gallery

Alfa Romeo 159 Gallery