Today’s write up is more of an update instead of an article, but here are some exciting things are coming up.
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Time off
I’ve been hard at work for a long while without a break and finally on early September I have about 10 days away in Italy (our first time!) where you will not hear much about me.
Hoping to come back recharged and ready because when I’m back I’m going to…
Wheels Mariënwaerdt 2026
Just like a year ago, we are going back to Wheels Mariënwaerdt!
If you can’t make it there yourself, you can look forward to experiencing the event like you were there through (probably several) “Living Cars” articles.
You’re in the right place!
What to look forward to
There are many things on the programme this year, and I will try to cover everything during my visit.
These are not all of them, but here are some of the highlights on what to look forward to and you can see what catches your attention the most.
Concours d’Elegance
Just like last year, expect beautiful cars. Lots of them. An open field with several pretty faces of car design, some very rare, in great shape and conservation, ready to be judged in the Concours.
There will also be several Car Clubs present, which makes the context even more exciting. I am very shy but will try my best to add some “person to person” coverage this year, if I manage to get a bit out of my comfort zone.
Super Car Paddock
Ferrari, Lamborghini, Koenigsegg, hopefully Spyker again. Anything super or hyper car is game here.
Spyker collection at Wheels Mariënwaerdt 2025
Unattainable for most of us, but always a treat to see up close. Can’t wait to see what’s prepared for this year. And speaking of Ferrari…
Ferrari Collection
It’s not a secret that I love Ferrari (up until around 2015 or so haha). So every time I get to see one up close, it’s really a treat.
I have seen many in my life, but there are two elusive ones that it looks like I will be able to cross off the list: the F40 and 288 GTO.
I have weirdly seen an F40 LM before a standard F40, when I was at the Goodwood Festival of Speed some years back. And I have never seen a 288 GTO, one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
Ferrari F40LM at Goodwood Festival of Speed
As per Wheels Mariënwaerdt:
Not the Big 6, not the Big 12, but so much more.
At Het Koetshuis, we are presenting a unique Ferrari collection that is unparalleled in the Netherlands. The six legendary flagships—the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, LaFerrari, and F80—form the heart of the display. Surrounding them is an equally impressive selection of rare classics, exclusive Icona models, and the very latest hypercar from Maranello.
From the 250 SWB and 500 Mondial to the SP1, SP2, and SP3. From the 599 GTO and 812 Competizione to the 849 Testarossa and the FXX K Evo. Ferrari history side by side, as you have never seen it before in the Netherlands.
I can’t tell you how excited I am to see these in the metal, and as a bonus that wasn’t mentioned in my previous paragraph: 250 SWB! One of the most beautiful cars from the older, rounder Ferrari era.
What a treat.
And more
You can check all you can expect, and also get your tickets if you want to join, in the Wheels Mariëenwaerdt 2026 website.
It doesn’t make sense for me to keep detailing what’s up and coming, but some of the things that are there and I hope I can bring to you as an experience are the Car Talks (although probably in Dutch so I won’t be able to bring you much, for now), the Pre-War Sprint which was there last year but I totally missed, also a celebration of the 50 Years of GTI, and much more.
Creating something new
There are also more news regarding the Creating Lightly store which I am not fully ready to share yet, but you will read about soon enough. Just know that if you were looking to buy something from my store, is not a bad idea to do so now.
What I am ready to share is that I want to start “creating something new” in alongside my articles.
The articles will not be the only output of the coverage. Some new things will be created alongside the articles in the future, that I think you will love and it will feel very special.
With that said, I would be lying if I told you that I know exactly what I will do, but I expect to be inspired by the event to get that answer, as well as create different things related to different articles.
Not every article will have the same “companion creation”, so to speak.
Super excited for what’s coming, so stay tuned!
I’m writing and illustrating a book!
There’s a waitlist you can join within the “Living Cars” newsletter if you are not in yet.
People in there have a behind the scenes look at the development and process of creating my upcoming book. The book’s topic is “Homologation Specials”.
If this is something that interests you, I invite you to join the waitlist with the button below.
[Work in progress] Screenshots from the upcoming “Homologation Specials” book I’m illustrating and writing.
You will receive the regular newsletter articles and also the extra ones, specific for the book. I have it set up like this not to overwhelm people with details on the book if they don’t feel like it.
If this sounds like something for you, join by clicking the button below:
If you’re still not convinced you will like it, read more about it here.
And if you feel like gifting yourself or someone else something original and made with love from the Creating Lightly store, you can join other happy customers by getting something for yourself in the button below:
As always, thank you so much for your support.
I hope you have a great rest of your day.
Juanma