STORY OF THE DAY: A Belgian Ferrari Survives the Nordschleife

On 19 May 1963, Leon Dernier Eldé and Langlois van Ophem finished fifth in the Nürburgring 1000 Kilometres with the number 59 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Drogo. The Ecurie Francorchamps entry achieved an outstanding overall result against newer and faster prototype machinery.

The achievement was founded on endurance and restraint. The Nordschleife placed exceptional demands on brakes, suspension and concentration, yet the Belgian crew kept its Ferrari competitive through the long sequence of crests, compressions and changing-radius corners before bringing it safely to the finish.

The car combined the compact tubular platform and front-mounted three-litre Colombo V12 of the 250 GT SWB with replacement coachwork by Drogo. Its short wheelbase, stable front-engined proportions and accessible torque made it well suited to sustained competition on the Nürburgring’s varied terrain.

Dernier was a Belgian gentleman driver who commonly raced under the pseudonym “Eldé,” derived from his initials. Van Ophem was likewise closely associated with Belgian Ferrari competition and major endurance events. Their fifth place reflected the preparation, teamwork and mechanical sympathy characteristic of Ecurie Francorchamps.