Autoworld was one of the first museums to open its doors when deconfinement was announced with, in rapid succession, out of the ordinary exhibitions promptly making our museum the focal point of conversations. During these two holiday months their team had brought about numerous initiatives, such as the Lego challenge for children, a Cars&Coffee allowing the owners of classic cars to exceptionally return to the Esplanade du Cinquantenaire, a super pop-up bar under the colonnades, daily runs of old timers in front of the museum …

So many actions to the delight of the visitors. Despite that, the absence of foreign tourists and the constraining measures implemented by the Belgian Government reduced the number of visitors by 40%. When external events are contrary to the norms, it forces them to leave their comfort zone. And that is exactly what they are doing!

The end of summer promises to be just as exciting … with, to kick-off, a tribute to the Audi Quattro, the model thanks to which the four-wheel drive saw the light of day and became widespread. This will be followed by a Mazda celebration on the occasion of its centenary as also a weekend fully focussed on the Gillet motorbikes.

Without having to wait too long, upcoming weekend they are welcoming the renowned Bonhams house for a top of the range auction sale.

WEEKEND OF 5th & 6th SEPTEMBER: BONHAMS AUTUMN SALES @ AUTOWORLD

This weekend, the prestigious auction house Bonhams is their guest for an auction in which no less than 67 classic and sports cars and motorcycles will be sold.

True to Autoworld museums’ reputation for showcasing what is unique and noteworthy in the automotive world, Bonhams will have on offer various lots of exceptional cars of all eras.

Among the highlights, worth noting a Jaguar E-type Series 1 dating from 1961 and a Mercedes-Benz 630 Sports Tourer from 1928 and a Porsche 997 Speedster from 2012.

All participating cars and motorcycles will be on display on the first floor of the museum during the weekend of 5 and 6 September and is open to all visitors.

The sale will take place on Sunday at 14 hrs.

More informartion: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/26494/

The post Weekend of 5th & 6th September: Bonhams Autumn Sales @ Autoworld appeared first on Brussels Express.

Citroën is celebrating its 100th anniversary and Autoworld’s major summer exhibition is dedicated to the make with more than fifty models which, all in their way, left their mark on the history of the make bearing the double chevron.

Renowned for its 2CV – but also its legendary « Traction Avant », its DS, ID — not forgetting the numerous innovations brought about by its founder, André Citroën, such as the famous hydropneumatics suspension on the four wheels, not to mention the revolutionary and audacious lines for those days, the make now celebrating its centenary is undoubtedly one of the most mythical of French car makes.

The exhibition organised in collaboration with Citroën Belux and the Belgian Clubs Citroën, as also with the Conservatoire Citroën (loaning us several gorgeous competition version models) will offer up a wide historical fresco taking in the most emblematic Citroën cars as also several spectacular vehicles.

From the Type A through to the C3 Pluriel, by way of the ‘sweet’ Rosalie, two plateaux will display the historic evolution of the make. The Traction has its very own plateau with no less than six different models.

No doubt the not so young among us will recall the radical change brought about when the twin-cylinder Dyane, Ami6 and Méhari appeared on the market… they will all be present, and many others also, fitted with special coachwork, LCV vans and a Kegresse, one of the first halftracks.

The competition and rally cars will be well represented by, among others, the Xsara WRC and the C4 WRC of Sébastien Loeb, 9 times WRC World Champion with Citroën, not forgetting the AX Superproduction…

Numerous other models are to be admired from 27th June through to the 3rdSeptember at the Autoworld museum, as also the range presently available with, among others, the « Origins » the collector edition, specially designed to celebrate the make’s centenary. C1, C3, SUV C3 Aircross and C4 Cactus will each have this elegant collection version.

On the exhibition’s periphery: 10 showcases and tables will display scale models. Historical videos will be projected in the museum’s media-room and children’s entertainment is also foreseen.

The start of the story in a nutshell.

DOUBLE CHEVRONS

André Gustave Citroen is born in Paris on 5th February 1878. He is the son of a Dutch father and a Polish mother. During his youth, and while studying at the polytechnic, he travels to his mother’s homeland and comes across something that would change his life: chevron gears which can transfer more power with less strength, and far more silently. He acquires this invention and, once back in Paris, improves it and has it patented, as also other iron and steel applications.

VISION

Recommended by his brother, André Citroën – in the meantime his name is now written with the diaeresis on the « e » for a more French pronunciation – is appointed to the management of the Mors car factory in 1908, not only to increase quality, but especially for his remarkable ideas in the fields of advertising and marketing. In less than ten years he multiplies the turnover by a factor of ten! After the war he acquires the Mors factories which will exist up until 1925, after which the buildings of the 15th district in Paris are converted into the laboratories of the Citroën Design Offices.

At the start of the First World War in 1914, he soon discovers that the French Army has a shortage of ammunition. He prepares a business plan to produce shells on a big scale, and he makes a fortune. He manages to convince the general staff of his ideas and in 1915 he converts allotments at the Quai de Javel, in the south-west of Paris, into a war factory. Without exception all his workers are women, seeing the men have gone off to war. Citroën realises that he needs to adapt and provides them with crèches and grocery shops, highly unconventional in those days.

POPULAR CAR

The visionary André Citroën does not believe that the Great War will last long. He plans his future: the mass-production of cars for the general public. He wants to take advantage of his experience of mass production of shells and decides to produce a vehicle for the general public. In 1917, following his trip to the United States, and more specifically to the Ford factory, where he discovers mass production; he purchases several cars and has these dismantled by his engineers. Jules Salomon, designer of French cars sold under the make of Le Zèbre, designs the first Citroën 10HP. The prototype is presented at the end of 1917 to the general staff in the Roanne barracks. But it would take another twelve months before peace is declared in western Europe. As from that moment Citroën can truly start to create his own car make.

11th November 1918, end of the war: Citroën’s project materialises. Some ten days later the 10HP Citroën is presented at the Service des Mines in France, with a view to obtaining the authorisation to drive the car on French soil. Following various modifications, the service grants permission. It would take a further six months before the first models are delivered to impatient clients. Brilliant communicator, André Citroën promoted his make with audacity and ingenuity. Citroën very quickly becomes the top car manufacturer in France, even in Europe.

The first Citroën Type A, in 4-seater model under a soft hood, was a type of French Ford T version. They were only available in Artillery Grey – it seems that André Citroën was able to acquire a limited quantity of paint from the army.
To recognise one of the very first Citroën models one merely needs to look at the headlights. There is no bar between these. It would appear as from 1920.

Showing no interest for company policy, the business soon experiences financial difficulties, which brings the expensive development of the « Traction » into jeopardy. On the verge of insolvency in 1934 André allows Michelin to take over control of his company and he dies in 1935. He would therefore never see the success of the « Tractions » in its 7-11-15 versions. After the war the incredible 2CV, the Type H van and the fascinating ID/DS ensure that Citroën would belong to the legendary makes out of automotive history.

And in Belgium

In Belgium, Hector Evrard is appointed as the representative. He lives 19, Rue du Gouvernement Provisoire in Brussels – an imposing town house nothing like that of a car garage. Hector Evrard would immediately be contacted by Marc Devergnies from Binche, who wants to become a Citroën concessionaire. On 6th May 1919, the first payment is made to Evrard, who passes it on to the company in Paris. The present Citroën concessionaire of La Louvière still carries the same name and is most probably to oldest Citroën garage in the world.

In 1924 Citroën’s first foreign branch is established in Belgium, rue de l’Amazone, and two years later a showroom opens its doors on the Boulevard Adolphe-Max. In the ’30s, the iconic building located Place de l’Yser opens its doors and would remain the headquarters of Citroën Belux up until 2012.

PRACTICAL INFO:

Autoworld Museum Brussels

Parc du Cinquantenaire/Jubelpark 11, 1000 Brussels
Metro Merode

Opening Hours :
Open daily 7/7 from 10am until 6pm

Entrance fee to the museum :
Adults : 12 €
Seniors : 10 €
Students : 9 €
Children 6-12 years : 5 €

The post The Summer Exhibition at AutoWorld: CITROËN 100 YEARS appeared first on Brussels Express.

Now, a totally new area has just been created, forging a stronger link between the current car museum and its history: Salon 1910.
Not many people know. The magnificent building that has housed Autoworld for more than 30 years hosted the very first Car and Motorcycle Exhibitions between 1902 and 1934, when the exhibition halls housing the current Car and Air Museums were linked and the Esplanade still did not exist.

“Salon 1910” presents a step back in time and, over a space of close to 1000m² located in the museum’s right-hand wing, shows what these first Exhibitions looked like at the beginning of the last century, when cars were custom ordered; the future owner purchased a motorised chassis then went to a coach builder to sort out the bodywork for his new car.

Many photos and photographic enlargements, a showroom exhibiting chassis and cars with custom bodywork , videos from that era and, of course, about thirty cars like those sold at Exhibitions at the beginning of the last century complement the area which is intended to be as educational as possible.

All the cars exhibited were already scattered around the museum. Here they are gathered together in their historical context. It should be noted that, among others, you will find the 1912 De Dion DE2 there, one of the most important makes of that era, as well as a De Dion Torpedo. The Baby Peugeot will remind us that these baby cars already existed over one hundred years ago. A little further away in the museum, a double bodywork Minerva of course makes reference to our industry in the Belgian area, tells the history in detail. Other chassis and customs bodywork will catch your attention, like on the Rolls Royce stand, the chassis of the 1911 Rolls Silver Ghost and the 1921 custom bodywork of the same car. In fact, have you heard of the French make Sizaire Naudin? We are exhibiting one of their cars from 1911. A few motorcycles, such as the Minerva and Piedboeuf, will also be present.
With the “Salon 1910”, Autoworld is completely reconnecting with its history, while making the right-hand wing of the museum more attractive.

Practical Information:

Autoworld Museum Brussels
Parc du Cinquantenaire 11 Jubelpark
1000 Brussels
Metro Merode

Opening hours :
Open daily 7/7 from 10am until 6pm

Entrance fee to the museum :
Adults : 12 €
Seniors : 10 €
Students : 9 €
Children 6-12 years : 5 €

The post SALON 1910: Autoworld’s new historical area appeared first on Brussels Express.

Since 1 January, Euro 2 diesel vehicles and Euro 0 and Euro 1 gasoline vehicles have been added to the list of vehicles already banned in the Brussels Region’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

Failure to comply with the criteria for access to the zone will result in a fine of 350 euros. However, a new fine can only be levied on a vehicle 3 months after the previous one. A maximum of 4 fines per vehicle may be issued, the government of the Brussels Region has said.

All vehicles are affected by the new regulation. For vehicles registered abroad, registration is mandatory via the lez.brussels website. The government of the Brussels Region has warned that any vehicle registered abroad entering the zone without prior registration is liable to a 150 euro fine, even if the vehicle meets the conditions of access of the LEZ. For vehicles registered in Belgium, no action is necessary.

The post Vehicles banned in Brussels: Fines of up to 350 Eur appeared first on Brussels Express.

A music festival, organised in homage to Bob Dylan, was to experience an unforeseeable crowd and up until then never equalled (50,000 persons were expected – half a million attended!), at the root of a true phenomenon which fifty years later is still being spoken about, all generations mixed.

That year Neil Amstrong, for the first time in history set foot on the moon. That year, the VW Bugs and Combis were already getting around; favourite mode of transport of the festival-goers of all kinds and the globe-trotters. The “Love Bug” film had already made this charming little car famous – and almost human.  Since then it has become one of the symbols of the amorous.

Today there are more than 700 Buggies left in Belgium. During the month of February Autoworld will be exhibiting a dozen or so Belgian Buggies.

The 11th Love Bugs Parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival

Faithful to its tradition, the Autoworld museum in Brussels is organising, with the support of the Volkswagen make, its 11^th Love Bugs Parade on the Sunday preceding Saint Valentine’s day. Since 2009, VW Bugs and Beetles take pleasure in parading in numbers through the streets of the capital, standing out by their colours, their flowers, their decorations … and their number!

Once again, this year some 300 VW Bugs and Beetles are expected on the Esplanade du Cinquantenaire with their road-going companions, the T1 Combis, on Sunday 10^thFebruary 2019 as from 11.00hrs. The participants have been requested to dress in the spirit of Woodstock and the organisers have foreseen a musical Combi to welcome them. In itself this gathering is already a party for everyone!

Coloured, dressed, personalised, christened, humanised … the Bugs, the Herbies, Numbers 53, Vocho Verde and other Beetles of all colours create the event. Each year it is the same passion that brings together their owners eager to enjoy a day in the spirit of liberty, music and conviviality from the ‘60s and ‘70s!

The general public is invited to immerse themselves in this exceptional atmosphere that will be prevailing at that time in front of Autoworld between 11.00 and 14.00hrs.

At 13.30hrs the starting signal is given! The Love Bugs Parade then moves off in a joyful chaos with blaring horns and cries of joy. The course will take our Bugs up to the new Africa Museum in Tervuren via the royal route, the avenue de Tervuren. Following a few detours in the neighbouring forest, the cars will return to Autoworld around 15.30-16.00hrs.

For the owners of VW Bugs, Beetles and T1 Combis, participation at the Love Bugs Parade is free but it is mandatory to register via email (to patriciaraes@scarlet.be) seeing the number of cars is limited.

So, pencil in the date of Sunday 10^th February in your diaries! Bring out your clothes from the years ’66 through to ’69 and come and pay us a visit!

Good to know:

Autoworld Museum Brussels
Parc du Cinquantenaire 11 / Jubelpark 11 , 1000 Brussels
Metro Merode

Opening Hours :
Every day open 7/7 from 10hrs till 17hrs
(Satuday & Sunday until 18hrs)

Entrance fee to the museum :
Adults : 11 €
Seniors : 9 €
Students : 8 €
Children 6-12 years : 5 €

The post The 11th Love Bugs Parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival in Brussels appeared first on Brussels Express.

Of his car, Ferry said: “I looked all around me and nowhere could I find the car I was dreaming of. So, I built it!” And as such it is the first car to bear the name Porsche.

Over seven decades, from the first 356 through to the present-day hybrids, Porsche has never ceased to evolve in force and beauty.

This end-of-year exhibition at Autoworld will relate the complete history of this evolution with the help of some sixty cars. An exhibition that was brought about thanks to the participation of Porsche Import and the Porsche Museum of Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, as also thanks to the loans from numerous collectors.

To allow visitors to immerse themselves in the Porsche universe and take in the subtle evolutions, the cars are displayed in different zones and configurations.

The earliest 356 family (Keibl – Gmünd – 356 A – 356 B – 356 C) – the first – will be exhibited in their original unrestored state.

Close by, brought together on a podium, some dozen Porsche will retrace the evolution of the make, of which the 356 (a Roadster D’Ieteren), various 911, 914, 924, the 928 Prototype (75 Years Ferry Porsche), the 944, the 968 as also the Boxster and the Cayenne of the first generation … obviously!

The 911 RS (RennSport) will enjoy a prominent place. No less than eight cars – all versions! – will reveal their technological advances and design.

And what about the Speedster models! Ranging from the 356 to the 991 (Phase II 70 years edition!), five vehicles will be on show.

At Porsche, the Motorsport is an integral part of the make’s DNA. With 19 victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Porsche is presently the most important worldwide manufacturer of competition cars. A complete zone is dedicated to such cars as the 917 Psychedelic, the former Jacky Ickx Porsche 935, the LMP2 and other equally impressive machines.

The post 70 years: Discover the world of Porsche cars at Autoworld Brussels appeared first on Brussels Express.

This is surely a major step for Audi, which aims to integrate the electric market, one of the future options for mobility. The E-tron will enter the Belgian market as of November, and the enthusiastic purchaser should pay EUR 82,400 to have the chance to get it (it’s already possible to order one).

Although the price of clean mobility can raise concerns about affordability and access to everyone, it’s still worth underlining the importance of this technological achievement in Belgium when it comes to this new model.

The E-tron has been designed and manufactured in the Forest plant. While Audi has had a factory in Forest for years, massive works have been undertaken since 2016 to make the plant ready to produce this new car. The four-ring manufacturer has invested more than EUR 660 million over the last years for this purpose.

First of all, a new building has been set up, in order to produce the batteries. This building has been designed with high safety-standards to avoid any accident or fire. The whole factory has also been subject to works, as the design of the E-tron is very different from the A1, which used to be made in the Forest factory.

In case a car producer aims to build eco-friendly cars, it’s worth producing them in a smart and eco-friendly way. Audi has then set up solar panels as well as it made the plant as clean as it could.

When it comes to employment and labour force, investments have also been needed. The staff was trained to manage electric technologies for thousands of hours and more than 300 new workers have been hired.

It is now time to turn a major page. The last A1 model was produced in the Forest factory in August. The new ones will now be manufactured in Spain (Martorell). The Forest workers can therefore focus on the E-Tron, by using electric technology. One that will be sustainable over the upcoming years.

The post Top technology: the first fully electric Audi SUV is manufactured in Belgium appeared first on Brussels Express.

In our country too production started in 1952 with an ‘in-house’ version, the Minerva Jeep, for the Belgian Army and the Gendarmerie. The Land Rover in its original form remained in production until 2016. After 1990 it was known as the Land Rover Defender. In addition to the original 80’ chassis (80-inch or 2.03 m wheelbase), longer versions and various engines also followed. It can also be regarded as the ancestor of the legendary Range Rover.

In September the 70-year history of this iconic workhorse is being outlined by means of 12 cars one of which is the’ first Land Rover that was imported in Belgium (1948) and a “Golden Wolf” of which only 7 were built.

In the seventies BMW had risen into the premium segment. The Bavarian brand dreamed of its own sports car that could take on competition with the big names in the super sports car segment. BMW was already highly successful in touring car races, so it also had to be possible to deploy that newcomer on the track. For homologation purposes at least 400 units of the street version had to be manufactured. The forerunner of the BMW M1 was the BMW Turbo, with gull-wing doors and mid-engine, designed by Giugiaro and his company Ital Design.

There was indecision between an eight-cylinder or twelve-cylinder engine. Ultimately the existing M30 3.5 L six-cylinder was chosen as the basis. A new cylinder head was developed, mechanical petrol injection was installed, and the car was equipped with dry-sump lubrication. Initially there was to be collaboration with Lamborghini for production, but that brand had encountered difficulties and so the Bauer bodywork company was called upon for the final assembly. Until 1981 only 453 M1 street versions were produced. Twenty of these were refitted for the BMW M1 Procar championship. It became an iconic car, and is one of the rarest models in BMW history.

In October ten of these M1s, including several rare race cars, will be displayed at Autoworld.

The post 70 years of Land Rover, 40 years of BMW M1: Autoworld appeared first on Brussels Express.

Although the measure is only to be implemented in 2018 and Saudi clerics have voiced their concerns about the perverse effects driving could have on women’s ovaries, on the promiscuity that could result from the driver’s relationship with other drivers and as well with the police, the truth is that the majority of society welcomed the good news. Especially women.

Following the announcement, a number of carmakers haven’t wasted any time courting the 9 million potential customers who can get behind the wheel and maybe even dare to choose the model and color of the car they will drive – if this is not considered an excess of freedom for the Saudi regime.

The milestone was greeted with jubilation on social media, with the hashtag “Saudi women can drive” being used in a flood of tweets. Ford, Nissan and Volkswagen have immediately released new campaigns using hashtags like #SaudiWomenMove or #SaudiWomenCanDrive

The post #SaudiWomenCanDrive appeared first on Brussels Express.