To mark the exhibition Aston Martin: Elegance in Motion, Autoworld, a Brussels museum with a permanent collection of more than 300 vehicles, hosted a special Cars & Coffee – British Cars Edition on 14 June 2026 on the museum’s esplanade in the heart of the Belgian capital.
The event formed part of a broader initiative celebrating British automotive heritage, with a particular focus on Aston Martin. While organised in conjunction with the exhibition, the gathering welcomed British automobiles of all marques, bringing together owners of classic cars more than twenty years old alongside enthusiasts representing Aston Martin models from across the brand’s history.
More than 200 vehicles attended the event, selected from nearly 280 registrations. Alongside Aston Martin, visitors came to admire an impressive variety of British marques, including Rolls-Royce, Lotus and Caterham, among others. Participants travelled not only from Belgium but also from France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, underlining the international character of the gathering.
According to Vincent Introvigne, Director of AVINTON and a member of the FIVA Culture Commission for Automotive and Historic Vehicles, Autoworld’s exhibition programme changes every two months, with each edition dedicated to a different automotive theme. For Aston Martin: Elegance in Motion, the museum extended the exhibition beyond its galleries and onto the esplanade, creating a direct connection between the indoor display and the cars showcased outdoors.
Vincent Introvigne, Director of AVINTON and a member of the FIVA Culture Commission for Automotive and Historic Vehicles
Among the highlights are the one-off Aston Martin Victor, the One-77, limited to 77 examples worldwide, and the DBR22 speedster, of which only 22 were built.
During the event, we spoke with Paul Vrancken, Board Member of the Aston Martin Owners Club Belgium, about the club’s activities, international tours, his lifelong passion for the marque and the enduring appeal of Aston Martin ownership.
Paul Vrancken, Board Member of the Aston Martin Owners Club Belgium
Interview: Irina Rybalchenko
How often are gatherings of this kind organised?
This event is organised by the Autoworld Museum in Brussels. Our contribution was to arrange a dedicated display area exclusively for Aston Martin vehicles. We were fortunate to secure one of the best locations at the venue, and coordinating that was my responsibility.
How many members does the Belgian Aston Martin club currently have?
The Belgian club currently has 172 members. Most of our active members own modern Aston Martin models. However, we also have a significant number of classic cars within the club. The challenge is that many classic Aston Martins spend more time in garages than on the road, so they are not seen very often.
Which models would you consider the most exclusive?
In a way, every Aston Martin is exclusive. Some models are particularly rare, however. For example, the saloon displayed here was produced between 1976 and 1984 and is considered a highly desirable collector’s car today. We also have several exceptionally rare examples that are among the most valuable Aston Martins ever produced.
How would you describe the experience of driving a car like this?
It is an extraordinary experience. Driving an Aston Martin brings a unique sense of pleasure that is difficult to describe unless you have experienced it yourself.
Does the club organise tours and driving events for its members?
Yes, every year we organise an international tour exclusively for Aston Martin owners. These trips usually last five or six days. The destination changes every year. Last year, for example, we started in eastern Germany before continuing to Prague. This September we are heading to Scotland. Previous tours have taken us through Portugal, Spain, Italy, Germany and many other European countries.
In addition to the international tour, we also organise regular one-day events throughout Belgium.
How many cars usually take part?
Around fifteen cars. The number is intentionally limited because it can be difficult to find hotels that can accommodate thirty people and their vehicles for overnight stays.
The tours are organised for members of the Belgian club. However, we are also part of the international Aston Martin Owners Club, or AMOC, which is headquartered in the United Kingdom.
What makes AMOC different from other car clubs?
One of the unique aspects of Aston Martin ownership is that Aston Martin owners around the world belong to a single global organisation: the Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC).
Whether you are in the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States or elsewhere in Europe, you are part of the same international club. We operate independently at a local level, but we remain connected through the global organisation.
How did your passion for Aston Martin begin?
It started when I was four or five years old. My grandfather lived next door and owned several British sports cars. He was the person who introduced me to the world of automobiles and inspired my love for British cars in particular.
I still remember hearing the sound of his engines. Those memories stayed with me throughout my life.
Ever since I was a child, I was fascinated by the brand. Owning an Aston Martin was a dream of mine. I always told myself that one day I would have one of my own, and eventually that dream became reality.
Which Aston Martin is your favourite?
I love all Aston Martins, to be honest. I currently own a modern Aston Martin as well as a V12 Vantage.
V12 Vantage is especially close to my heart. It is a true sports car with a very distinctive character. I have always been drawn to compact cars with a short wheelbase and a powerful engine.
V12 Vantage originated when Aston Martin engineers decided to install a V12 engine in a platform originally conceived for a V8. The result was a unique machine that many enthusiasts regard as one of the most charismatic models the brand has ever produced.
I was fortunate enough to acquire one of the few examples equipped with both a V12 engine and a manual gearbox. For me, that is the perfect combination.
Perhaps one day the club will visit Andorra?
I have actually been to Andorra before, although not with an Aston Martin. I travelled there in a classic Jaguar E-Type. It is a beautiful country with wonderful scenery and excellent roads. I have very fond memories of my visit.
We would be delighted to welcome you back one day!
Thank you. Perhaps one day we will return with our Aston Martins!
