Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Antwerp Classic Car Event (ACCE) returns on May 3-4, 2025, expecting 15,000 visitors to see over 1,000 classic cars to Brasschaat and 25,000 visitors expected in Antwerp. Free parking for classic cars will be available at the renovated Scheldekaaien.
The Antwerp Classic Car Event (ACCE) will return to Cockerillkaai on May 3 and 4, 2025. Authorities mentioned that this location is important because it is where the event first started. This year, around 15,000 visitors are expected to come to Brasschaat. They mentioned that they will see more than 1,000 classic cars, including many GT models.
The event was held in places like Brasschaat and Kapellen before. However, those areas had grassy and rough surfaces. Marc Reijntjes from ACCE is happy to be back in Antwerp. He said the city’s changes to Cockerillkaai make it a better place for the event. Now, both participants and visitors can enjoy a smoother experience.
What new rules allow classic cars to enter Antwerp for the ACCE?
According to authorities, in the past, the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Antwerp made it hard for older cars, like classic cars, to enter the city unless they paid a fee. Recently, the city changed the rules. Now, classic cars can register for free just once. This means they can enter Antwerp without paying extra.
They mentioned that this new rule started last year to help owners of vintage cars follow the city’s environmental rules. Reijntjes said the event was popular in other cities before. Now that it is back in Antwerp, the organizers are excited for a bigger and better celebration of classic cars in a place that fits the event’s history.
“The city asked us to come back and we are very happy that we are welcome again,”
Says Marc Reijntjes of ACCE.
“We have been well received in Brasschaat and Kapellen in recent years, but that was in a park area. The grass and the unpaved surface caused a lot of problems with the old-timers.”
Marc Reijntjes believes many more people will attend now that the event is back in Antwerp. He thinks about 25,000 visitors could come if the weather is nice. He mentioned that the event will have new attractions, like the Tour Amical participants, who will bring around 300 classic cars. There will also be two-day rallies with 100 cars each. In addition, 500 to 1,000 more classic cars are expected to visit.
“We expect a lot of people. in Brasschaat we had 10,000 to 15,000 visitors. In Antwerp, if the weather is good, that could go up to 25,000, I think.”
Marc Reijntjes
The Tour Amical is a special event for classic car fans. It will happen from May 7 to 15, 2025. The tour starts in Vienna and ends in Saint-Tropez. Authorities mentioned that participants will drive through beautiful areas and stay in nice places. They mentioned that adding it to the Antwerp Classic Car Event (ACCE) will make it even better.
According to Mayor Bart De Wever from the N-VA, parking will not be a problem during the Antwerp Classic Car Event. Every visitor who comes with a classic car can park for free at the renovated Scheldekaaien. This area is usually car-free, but it will be open for classic cars during the event.
Mayor Bart De Wever has mentioned that the city will act like a parking lot for this special occasion. This change will make it easier for car lovers to enjoy the event without worrying about where to park. He said that attending the Antwerp Classic Car Event is free for everyone.
“Every visitor who comes with a classic car can park for free once on the renovated Scheldekaaien, which is normally car-free.
Mayor Bart De Wever says.
