Anybody who is aware of something about Belgian automobile tradition will likely be aware of GR8 Journal, which has been reporting on the native scene for over 20 years. On the again of this has come the GR8 Worldwide Automotive Present, an annual occasion that pulls in additional than 40,000 spectators over two days at the beginning of each new summer season present season.
This 12 months was my first time attending the GR8 present, and I need to say, now that I’ve been, I remorse skipping earlier editions. Though I needed to drive a lot additional into Belgium (from the Netherlands) than I normally would for an occasion, it was effectively definitely worth the effort.
The occasion was held at Kortrijk Xpo, one of many largest conference centres within the Benelux Union (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg). The venue must be massive too, as a result of there’s nothing small about this present.
Eight halls have been used this 12 months, with effectively over 500 automobiles displayed between them. Of all these automobiles, round 100 had travelled from outdoors the area – the UK primarily.
Some halls have been themed, with the one devoted to supercars very fashionable with showgoers. That was to be anticipated with at least 5 Koenigseggs and a number of RWB builds on show.
The air-cooled/VAG corridor was partly remodeled right into a seashore scene full of Volkswagen Buggies, Beetles, Busses and a few curious package automobiles.
I actually appreciated this Berg-Cup-inspired VW Polo; its huge arches, aggressive diffuser, and ultra-wide PLS wheels give the small automobile a imply look.
There was a truck corridor, and one other devoted to modified automobiles – the latter being the supply of many pictures on this submit.
The centrepiece was the Liberty Stroll stand, which displayed 15 automobiles – essentially the most LB automobiles ever assembled in Europe.
One of many latest Liberty Stroll builds is that this silhouette-kitted FD3S Mazda RX-7, powered by a Nissan SR20. Who needs to see a full function on this wild mash-up?
It was very cool to see a show of modified mopeds, a scene that was once large in Europe. Modified scooters have been a giant a part of my life rising up, since you might legally journey them as quickly as you turned 16 and components have been fairly reasonably priced. This was the gateway to automobile tradition for me and lots of of my pals.
Subsequent to the mopeds was a pleasant collection of early 2000s European tuner builds – suppose massive bumpers, full audio boot installs, pearlescent paint and chrome wheels. You must love that these builds nonetheless exist to remind us of what as soon as was the peak of modifying style. With out these Quick and Livid period builds, automobile tradition wouldn’t be the place it’s now.
The crew from RevWorks, who additionally featured in my 2024 IAMS protection, had a good stand displaying some hardcore builds. They adopted up this occasion with slightly meet that I additionally attended, so look out for a narrative on that quickly.
My spotlight from the occasion was seeing some traditional JDM wheels on a few Euro automobiles. Blitz 03s on a Mk4 Golf or RAYS Volk Racing GR.Cs on a Mk3? I’ll take each!
If this style of the 2024 GR8 Worldwide Automotive Present has left you wanting extra, don’t fear, there’s a lot extra to take a look at from the occasion within the gallery under.
Collin Tiemens
Instagram: collinclicksphotos
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