Knokke-Heist (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): The 15th Zoute Grand Prix, now owned by Belgian businessman Marc Coucke, attracted 12,500 visitors and raised 22 million euros at auction. Koen Van Hout has been appointed CEO, ensuring a promising future for the event despite earlier challenges.
The recent Zoute Grand Prix celebrated its 15th anniversary, and it’s special because Marc Coucke, a well-known Belgian businessman, has bought the event. This is important because there were concerns about the future of the Grand Prix earlier this year. With Coucke’s support, the event is expected to get new energy and resources, helping it stay important in the luxury and classic car world. Koen Van Hout has been named the new CEO, bringing his experience to guide the Grand Prix in the future.
What innovations will Marc Coucke bring to the Zoute Grand Prix in Knokke-Heist?
Despite facing challenges earlier this year, the Zoute Grand Prix provided a experience for visitors and participants, who didn’t know about the event’s uncertain future. This shows the organizers’ dedication to offering a high-quality event even in tough times. With Marc Coucke now owning the Grand Prix and Koen Van Hout as the new leader, the future looks bright, suggesting a strong foundation for success and growth in the coming years.
The rallies of classic and modern cars attracted a large crowd at the Zeedik, with 12,500 visitors attending the exclusive car exhibition in the beach pavilion at Albertplein. The event concluded on Sunday with the Zoute Sale auction, where auction house Bonhams sold 70 luxury cars, raising 22 million euros 5 million euros less than last year, which featured nearly double the cars. A standout sale was a 1956 Porsche 550RS Spyder for 2.53 million euros, while a 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss surprised everyone by selling for 3.22 million euros. However, a 1951 Ferrari 340 America Berlinetta, expected to sell for 4 million euros, did not find a buyer.
