Over the weekend of 24th and 25th April 2010 this ACI international event brought together thousands of Citroën enthusiasts at the Zolder racecourse, to celebrate 40 years of both the famous SM and the popular GS, two car models which marked the history of Citroën.
Many Citroën and Panhard Clubs and their members responded to the invitation of the organisers and came in large numbers with their precious collectors cars. More than 16OO classic Citroën and Panhard cars of all types came from far and near in Europe. Tractions, ID’s, DS’s and 2CV’s in all shapes and colors, SM’s, CX’s and many other Citroën vehicles filled the large parking spaces during the two days. A special section was reserved for the most beautiful examples of Rear Wheel Drive cars.
Alongside, the 6000+ visitors could admire the latest models of the brand, especially the trendy DS3, the new C3 and C5.
During Sunday’s program the many visitors and guests where able to watch exciting performances on the racing track by a number of famous Citroën rallye drivers. They showed their skills with demonstrations of older DS and SM rallye cars, as well with a ZX Rallye 1993 and the Xsara WRC 2003 which were kindly loaned by the Conservatoire Citroën, Paris. Many amateur drivers in their collectors cars where also allowed to race around the track during special sessions.
But the Zolder meeting had further attractions to offer, including a Concours d’Elégance, a parcours 4×4 with C-Crosser, a DS3 slalom, karting plus many PlayStations and WRC simulators. Collectors had the opportunity to buy spare parts and scale model from the dealers who exhibited along with some well known Belgian and Dutch restoration companies.
This ACI Event of the Year 2010, quite different from other large international meetings of the brand, offered visitors not only racing action on the track, but also a multiple selection of entertainment and attractions for young and old.
The organising team has to be heartily congratulated for having successfully managed and staged such a popular and successful event.
Selected pictures taken by Didier Parjadis:
