InterClassics Presents: Legends Of The Rising Sun

May 30, 2025

As always, the classic car year kicks off at MECC Maastricht! InterClassics Maastricht will take place from January 15 to 18, 2026. After the record-breaking success of the anniversary edition of InterClassics Maastricht, they are looking ahead with great energy. They are proud to present the theme of the 31st InterClassics Maastricht: Legends of the Rising Sun. In 2026, iconic sports and racing cars from Japan will take center stage.

The Japanese automotive industry brought forth unforgettable models such as the Toyota 2000GT, Nissan Skyline, and Honda NSX. Japanese factory teams also left their mark in motorsports: Honda in Formula 1, Mazda at Le Mans, and Toyota in the World Rally Championship. These sports and race cars embody the Japanese work ethic, uniting craftsmanship with culture.

Through around twenty legendary models, they will tell the story of the Legends of the Rising Sun.

Ticket sales start on 1 September 2025.

Note: Ticket sales for InterClassics Brussels begin next week. Order quickly and benefit from the generous Early Bird discount!

2000GT Targa

It’s well known that Toyota built several 2000GT Roadsters for the James Bond film You Only Live Twice. Less known is the Targa prototype that preceded them. The story goes that Sean Connery wasn’t clearly visible in chase scenes, leading to the decision to scrap the Targa version. This extremely rare model is now part of a Belgian Toyota collection.

Rotary engine

Thanks to the Mazda RX-3 (1971), rotary engines became mainstream. Where brands like NSU, Mercedes, and GM failed, Mazda overcame the technical challenges. With over 280,000 units sold, the RX-3 brought the rotary engine to the masses and proved the concept could work.

€934,375

You read that right: the Honda NSX has now become a million-euro car. The vehicle in question – a white NA2 NSX-R from 2003 – was auctioned this past weekend for this record-breaking amount at the Villa d’Este Concours.