Dutch supercar maker Spyker plans to bring its C8 Spyders to two car events at Monaco.
The first is the luxury and supercar show Top Marques, from 5-8 May 2005, which will see Spyker's second consecutive attendance and the second is the Monaco Grand Prix. While not actually taking part -- a Minardi might beat it -- Spyker reckoned that this is the fifth consecutive year that the company has obtained exclusive permission from the Automobile Club de Monaco to demonstrate its cars on the Formula 1 race track.
Spyker boss Victor Muller said, “Monte Carlo is the natural habitat for our cars. It offers all ingredients to show our cars to their best advantage. This is one of the reasons we always attend these exciting events in Monaco. Other than that, car enthusiasts and (potential) clients from all over the world flock to Monaco in May for these events which coincide with the Film Festival of Cannes and several public holidays.
Therefore, international exposure is very high and boosts our brand recognition. Other than that, what beats the thrill of driving a Spyker on an empty Formula 1 race track at high speed, right through the narrow winding streets of Monaco?”
Top Marques, one of the world’s most exclusive automobile events, takes place from Thursday 5 May to Sunday 8 May 2005 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo under the high patronage of his Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco.
Spyker will present a Spyker C8 Spyder, a right hand drive car with a jet black exterior and a forest green interior (chassis number 036). The car comes with a hard top and is fitted with an optional turned aluminium dashboard fascia. Spyker will also have a C8 Spyder present for test drives.
Top Marques features a selected group of automotive producers whose marques are recognised for luxury, speed and rarity. Many of them produce in very low volumes and rarely exhibit at motoring events.
Spyker will be present during the 64th GP F1 Monaco organised by the Automobile Club de Monaco. Spyker will bring two Spyker C8 Spyders to the spectacular Formula 1 weekend on Thursday 19 May to Sunday 22 May 2005. They will be parked in front of Café de Paris in Monte Carlo for the entire weekend -- though presumably not during the 263km race itself.
On several occasions CEO Victor Muller and his team will demonstrate the two C8 Spyders on the race track taking potential clients for a test drive in between races and practices.
A race car version, the C8 Spyder GT2R, will compete in 24 Heures du Mans on 18-19 June, with a second GT2R as backup.