One of Ferrari’s most celebrated distributors and race teams, Garage and Ecurie Francorchamps brought fame and glory to Belgium and the Ferrari name through the crucible of international motorsport. Founded in 1952 by Belgian racing driver Jacques Swaters, Charles de Tornaco and Geoff Richardson, Ecurie Francorchamps earned a name for itself on the international stage in the 1950s and 1960s in sports car racing, competing regularly at events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans in an era when Ferrari dominated the field.

Off the track, Swaters was named Ferrari’s official importer for Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg in 1952. Garage Francorchamps became one of Ferrari’s most important dealerships worldwide over a period of over fifty years, and Swaters himself was a keen collector of all things Ferrari.

This fascinating Fiat 900T Service Van played an interesting role in that legacy. Purchased new by Garage Francorchamps in September of 1978, previous Belgium registration documents on file confirm the van’s provenance. During Francorchamp’s ownership, it was used for race support and parts delivery and surely would have been an exciting site for any car enthusiast whilst roaming Belgium’s roads. The Fiat remained in service with Francorchamps for a decade before it was parked in 1988 in the workshop of Ferrari Antwerpen.

Today, the car presents in largely original condition, and its charming Francorchamps livery advertising Ferrari’s road cars of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s is very attractive. Although the engine is running, it is advised that the van receive further restoration and service work before being driven on the road. Nevertheless, it would make an incredible addition to any Ferrari collection, especially one in its native Belgium.