The global magazine and marketplace for classic car enthusiasts, by enthusiasts.
The global magazine and marketplace for classic car enthusiasts, by enthusiasts.
An Alfonso Hispano Suiza that stood in a wooden crate from 1961 until recently and now drives beautifully again; the oldest car ever to cross the United States from west to east under its own power according to the Guinness Book; an Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Supersport… The stories we heard about the cars that will be on display at PreWar Days could each fill a book. And the best part: next week, they will all be gathered in one place, in Kortrijk.
On 5, 6 and 7 December, PreWar Days takes place. We asked the dealers we know what they will bring. In alphabetical order, you can already read what to expect — and perhaps even what you might be tempted to purchase.
This Belgian dealer kicks things off. With three cars, it may not be the largest stand, but the selection is certainly impressive. They are bringing the Alphi T10 Grand Prix. Unfamiliar with the brand? No worries — the moment you see it, you’ll be impressed. In 1929, its construction cost was three times that of a Bugatti 35, and it shows.
Alongside this racer, they will show a delightful touring car (a 1934 Lagonda M45) and a sporty winter commuter (an SS1 Four Light Saloon).
This Belgian specialist is also present. Known for high-end restoration work (you may recall last year’s article), Arie-Jean also sells cars on behalf of clients. They are bringing an imposing 1914 Premier race car, an impressive machine that always draws attention. They will also present a theme of pre-war ‘Streamline’ cars, including the stunning Talbot of London 105AV Streamliner and an Eddy Hall–inspired Derby Bentley. In addition, they bring the last Rolls-Royce Phantom I.
Often the most thrilling selection of cars can be found at the Auto Veteran Company stand, together with Christoph Grohe — and this year seems no different. Names such as Count Giovanni Lurani, Gioacchino Colombo, Giustino Cattaneo, Colin Crabbe, Brian Dearden Briggs and Raoul Mass are mentioned. Which cars these names correspond to… we’ll find out soon.
If anyone can gather a collection of extraordinary cars to offer for sale, it’s the Northern France–based Bruno Vendiesse. And once again, he has brought something special. First, his SPA, exhibited at the 1913 Salon de l’Auto in the Grand Palais and exhibited again in 2025 in Kortrijk. On his own stand he presents a 1910 Delage Type L with fully documented history since new, restored yet still wearing its original Kelsch coachwork.
He will also display a Citroën B14 Torpedo that retains its original paint and upholstery — a wonderful sight.
And, as expected from Bruno, he brings a Bugatti: a Type 38 ‘Grand Sport’ Torpedo. And a surprise as well — a hint? It’s a barn find!
We already hinted at some suspense while discussing Auto Veteran Company, where Swiss dealer Christoph Grohe shares a stand, but Christoph told us even more. He will display a 1933 Mercedes-Benz 170 Sport-Cabriolet A with a remarkable story. The car has had only two owners since new and has always remained in Olten near Zürich. The first owner, a lady, used it only in summer; her toiletry bags are still delivered with the car.
Included are two suitcases, a tool roll, two sets of keys and wonderful documentation.
The second owner bought the car in 1964 with 72,000 km on the clock; today it shows 111,000 km. Promising indeed!
From Germany, the Dold family comes with top-tier cars. The charming Victoria Dold proudly told us about a Bugatti Type 46 and a T57 they are bringing. And also the 1936 Brooke E.R.A. Monoposto, originally built by Henry Leslie Brooke with a 2000 cc E.R.A. engine and raced extensively in the pre-war years.
The name Hans Compter needs no introduction. One of the earliest car dealers and collectors, he is a true authority. He joins PreWar Days for the first time, bringing two special cars. First, a 1932 Invicta, a beautifully patinated saloon he has owned since 1967. And a 1902 Northern — special because it is the oldest known example of the marque, its full ownership history is known, and it is listed in the Guinness Book as the oldest vehicle ever to drive across the USA under its own power (in 1994). A booklet about the trip is included. The car also completed the London–Brighton Run ten times and reached the finish on seven of those occasions.
At the front of the hall, right after the entrance, we traditionally find Juri Castricum. This time he brings not only cars for sale but also one from his own collection: the aforementioned 1913 Hispano Suiza Alfonso XIII.
Delivered new to Argentina, the car raced there (documented) and won awards, including fastest car in a kilometre sprint in 1923. It participated in the 1922 and 1923 Grand Premio Nacional. Later it was bought by an expat in Buenos Aires, exported to the Netherlands in 1961, and stored in a wooden crate ever since. Juri discovered it last year, performed a mechanical restoration, and returned it to the road. Good news: he will start the car every day during the show.
He will also bring a wide variety of cars for sale, including a 1910 Talbot AB4, a 1936 Talbot 105, his 1923 Vauxhall 23/60, a Locomobile 8-80, a 1931 Ford Model A Roadster and a 1936 Riley MPH Rep.
The Belgian specialist LMB Classic and Vintage Cars originally built its reputation on expertise in Lagonda, but the company has since broadened its horizons considerably. This year, they return to the show with an impressive international trio.
From France comes an elegant Delage D8-120, while England is represented by its British rival: a characterful Bentley Derby 4.25 Special. And should the contest still remain undecided, the charming yet powerful Ford V8 Woody will undoubtedly capture your attention.
The British specialist Phoenix Green Garage always excels in quality. They often focus on Italian beauty, and with the theme Rossa & Eleganza they simply must be present. They do not disappoint, bringing at least a 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Supersport and a 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Testa Fissa.
Friend of the show René will sell several cars from his private collection. Expect an impressive Cadillac 7980 Convertible Coupé. This imposing American car recently participated in Hainan Island, where we were present as well. It attracted much attention in China, and Kortrijk will be no different.
He also brings a veteran car: the second-oldest Oldsmobile Curved Dash in Europe. Reportedly a very original example — and we know for sure that it runs wonderfully!
Another Brit crossing the Channel is Walter Heale. Besides his always friendly and enthusiastic presence, he brings rolling works of art. And PreWar Days will be no exception. He is bringing a Bugatti T37, representing the purest form of a Grand Prix Bugatti, and a 1923 Salmson AL Sports, a true cyclecar in its purest form. With its Skiff coachwork, we look forward to seeing both Walter and his cars!
And then there is of course the PreWarCar.com stand! This year, we present two extremes: on one side a gleaming Talbot AV105 Drophead Coupé, and next to it a rusty but mechanically strong 1935 Standard P203. This single-cylinder features a flat loading floor where we have placed some parts for sale.
We also bring the PreWarCar.com socks, stickers and — as always — lots of good cheer. We hope to see and meet you all in Kortrijk! See you there.
When you want to know the complete story you are welcome at Prewardays.