Belgian Car Enthusiasts Pay Homage To The Centenary Of The Spirit Of Ecstasy

GOODWOOD, UNITED KINGDOM – Sept 22, 2011: More than 30 vintage cars from Belgium arrived at the Home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars at Goodwood, West Sussex on Monday. Over 100 drivers and passengers made their way from Belgium to England, starting six days ago, travelling from Kortrijk via Beaulieu to Goodwood.

Organised by the International Automobile Federation, the history of the National Classic Tour dates back to 2001. The Tour is open for cars of all makes built between 1930 and 1965. This year’s entrants originated from Belgium, France, Luxemburg and the UK.

Jacques Bruyns, tour organiser, said, ‘I am very proud to have brought my rally to this prestigious manufacturing plant in such a beautiful location. I am also pleased to provide our enthusiasts with a tour that salutes Rolls-Royce for everything that the company has done for the British motor industry, and that celebrates the magnificent history of our European neighbour.”

Stephane Sertang, Dealer Principal of the Ginion Group, sole Rolls-Royce Motor Cars dealer in Belgium, said, “We feel very privileged to support this unique journey to the place where the heart of Rolls-Royce beats, in particular as the Spirit of Ecstasy is celebrating her 100th anniversary this year. The entrants of the National Classic Tour stand for decades of automotive engineering and our visit to Goodwood pays tribute to an icon of the automotive world - the famous Flying Lady.”

Ashley Andrew, Regional Director Europe and South Africa, welcomed the car enthusiasts from Belgium and said, “I would like to take the opportunity to thank the participants of the National Classic Tour for taking time to visit us here at Rolls-Royce, and to celebrate their endeavour. The Tour arrives at an exciting time for Rolls-Royce - we have just announced an expansion of the Goodwood manufacturing plant - and are confident that the Spirit of Ecstasy is looking into a bright future.”