Back in 1992, a fabulous event was organized to celebrate the 40 years of Ecurie Francorchamps. It was called FF40, FF standing for Ferrari Francorchamps. Dozens of high-end Ferraris joined Spa-Francorchamps and most of the great figures of the Ferrari world attended the event. When one talks with people today who were there in 1992, you get an immediate sense how exceptional this event must have been. It’s still engraved in the memory of all participants I have ever spoken to.

... MediaCenter gallery with 228 images >>>

20 years later, and a little more than a year after the death of Jacques Swaters, it was decided to organize FF60 in celebration of the memory of Ecurie Francorchamps and its emblematic team manager, and to raise funds for the Jacques Swaters Foundation.

In no way it can be compared with FF40 as most of the legends who where there in 1992 have since passed away (Gendebien, Frere, Pozzi, Chinetti, Trintignant,...). The ambition was to gather about fifty Ferrari with some significant cars linked either to the Ecurie Francorchamps or to Jacques Swaters for a rally and a few laps at Spa Francorchamps during Spa Classic event.

On Saturday the 26^th of May, the participants had a ‘rendez-vous’ at "Meux" for the start of the rally. Among the cars present were 250LM 5899, 250 TDF 0763GT, 500 mondial 0536MD, a pair of 250 GT/L, a white Daytona Spyder, some Dino 246, 275 GTB, 330 GTS,... A very special car was also accounted for – the ex Giovanni Agnelli 166MM 0064M that for decades had belonged to the Swaters family. It was driven by Jacques Swaters’ daughter, Florence Swaters.

Then it was time to head towards the castle of Modave for lunch through the narrow roads of Belgium’s countryside. All the cars were aligned in the courtyard of the castle where the lunch was being served. In the afternoon it was time for every car to head to Francorchamps where a few free laps were offered to the participants after the races of Spa Classic.

At Francorchamps, a few additional cars of the Ecurie Francorchamps were on display, such as 250LM 6313 (which finished 2^nd at Le Mans 65 for the Ecurie Francorchamps), 365 GTB/4 competizione 15373, 500 TRC 0682MDTR, a 348 GTB competizione, a Talbo Lago Grand Sport, and a Veritas RS.

Wrapping up the event, an official parade was organized on the track on Sunday. A stele representing the 500 F2 in which Swaters raced in the fifties was also inaugurated in the paddock, and a tunnel of Spa Francorchamps track was officially renamed "Tunnel Jacques Swaters".

Text & Photos:
Thomas Quintin