It was at the dinner held by the Maserati Club on the evening prior to their Concours in May that I learned that Scot Crane and Andy Heywood would be attending the Maserati Classic International in Belgium in Scot's Ghibli Cup. On hearing this, I mentioned that I was thinking of 'popping over' to take a few photographs on the track day at Spa. Fellow member Prag Mistry, also expressed an interest, so plans were laid for the trip.

I had another very good reason for visiting the rally and that was to see George Lipperts again, and to return the photographs, brochures, press packs, magazines and a valuable original A6G 2000 handbook which he had kindly lent me.

We decided that my Ghibli was best suited to make the journey and I booked our ticket for the Channel crossing and secured accomodation in a charming little hotel at Bütgenbach, about 20km from the circuit.

The Maserati Classico Belgio were hosts to this year's Maserati Classic International Rally which was held in the picturesque surroundings of Spa in Belgium. Spa is of course close to the site of the famous Spa-Francorchamps race circuit.

I would like to congratulate organisers Julien Appels and Jef van den Broeck on the success of this prestigious event and to thank them on behalf of all the Maseratisti who were fortunate enough to attend.

I cannot continue without mentioning that I personally was very disappointed in the low turnout. A change in the date no doubt had some bearing but the absence of Maseratisti from Italy was particularly disappointing! I know that Julien, Jef, Walter Baumer, George Lipperts and others had gone to a great deal of effort to ensure the event was a success and to see their hard work rewarded by such a poor turnout was a great pity. I know that the members from the United Kingdom, Holland, France, Germany and Sweden who made the effort, had a fabulous time and enjoyed every minute of it.

For the participants with a competitive spirit, the highlight of the event was of course the track day at the Spa-Francorchamps Grand Prix circuit on the Saturday, when they were able to blast their treasures around this world famous circuit. I am happy to report that all the drivers and passengers who ventured out onto the circuit reported back safely. For my part it was great to meet Danny from the Netherlands and Koen from Belgium who are frequent visitors to my site. It was also a pleasure to finally meet Bjoern Schmidt whose photographs currently grace the Barchetta and the Deutscher Maserati Club web sites.

For those of a more 'social' nature, the highlight would have been the Gala Dinner held at the Balmoral Hotel, Spa on the Saturday evening. Thanks to the generosity of Julien Appels, Prag and I were fortunate enough to attend this dinner. We were seated at the French Maserati Club table and I would like to thank them for their warm companionship!

During the dinner Sig Luca Dondi, a representative from Maserati, gave a short speech in which he outlined Maserati's plans for a new Registro. As Italy are hosts for the 2004 event, he announced plans for a special Raduno in Modena to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Casa del Tridente, which, it is hoped, will attract 1000, yes I did say one thousand, classic Maseratis! He then presented Julien with a beautiful polished aluminium model of the new Maserati Quattroporte. A splendid gesture that was well received by all!

The Casino at Spa was the venue for the Concours event on the Sunday morning, but I missed this event as my friend, Prag had to return to England in time for work on the Monday morning. Poor chap!

A more detailed report and an extensive library of photographs, taken by Astrid Appels, webmaster of the Maserati Classico Belgio web site, may be viewed at www.maseraticlassico.be.

More photos, by ace photographer Bjoern Schmidt, can be seen on the Deutscher Maserati Club web site at www.deutschermaseraticlub.