javier romagosa
The truth is that the tenth edition of Classic Auto Madrid It has not been bad at all. As soon as you entered and went up to the main floor, the third, you could enter a raffle to win a Seat 600. From there, if you turned your head to the right you could admire a Delahaye 135 Sport, and if you turned it to the left two pioneer Harleys and an Indian which, in the company of large scale models of the Seat 600, were quite impressive. In my opinion, and even with its weaknesses, I could tell you the same about the rest of the fair.
Opposite, on the same floor, the Motos HD stand, with several veteran units with perfectly restored sidecar, was to take off your hat. The same as the little corner of Lancia organized by Motor Clásico that brought together a AureliaCoupe, a Fulvia Sport Zagato and a GammaCoupe. To his left, the Protuguese Jorcar space was packed with tall youngtimers, with a Lancia Delta Integrale, a BMW M3, a Mercedes 190E 2.5 Evollution II and a very rare Maserati Shamal all in tremendous magazine condition.
Immediately after both stands was the one who was probably the king of the hall: The Hispano-Suiza T30E of 1922 from the official competition team of the La Sagrera brand. Apparently it is a unique specimen whose restoration has finally been successfully completed by Coupe-Pueche. Very close was the stand of these professionals with 50 years of experience behind them who gathered for the occasion a Hispano-Suiza H6B, an MG TA with compressor, a Delahaye 135, a beautiful Maserati Sebring or a Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer, among others. .
Citroën and More at Classic Auto Madrid
Deviating a little to the right, one could enjoy another of Classic Auto's pearls: The space set up by Citroën's centenary. Quite coquettish, it welcomed several units of the French brand, from a nice 5CV 'boat tail' to a Citroën 11 Cabriolet, from a Tiburon to several 2CVs through an SM or a Mehari. It was quite an interesting sample
As was also, to a lesser extent, yes, the stand of the restorer Juan Lumbreras. Although I didn't spend as much time as I should have, I couldn't help but fall in love with him. Lancia Fulvia Sport Zagato Competition there exposed. It was sold for nothing more and nothing less than 130.000 euros, but what a picture: I would not like to be the rest of the competitors in a small-displacement race!
Next to it, on the left, the Garage-Mercedes space with several immaculate units and, above all, a Mercedes cabriolet from the 60s that showed off all the elegance and lordship of the German house. Although I have always preferred coupes, it must be recognized that this Mercedes model has an imposing appearance. A little further away was the Yepes space with popular classics, including several 124 Sports and a great Sierra Cosworth that attracted all eyes.
A Villie Bernath SS100
Already at the end of the pavilion was the traditional elegance contest, which this year held Bentley Centennial and therefore it was dedicated to the English brand. The winner was the 4 Bentley 1938¼ MR presented by Rafael Pueche. Constructed by Vanden Plas, it was certainly elegant and possibly superior to the rest of the contenders. Actually, in this contest I missed cars a little more rare to see, such as a Continental GT, a 3 Liter from the 20s or any veteran racing machine with a compressor. In fact there was one of the latter in one of the stands.
After the central section of the third floor, the most important of the fair, I dedicated myself to touring the surroundings. It was a privilege to be able to contemplate one of the last projects of Saica MotorSport, a very rare Jaguar SS100 bodied by Willy Bernath, well-known Olympic skier. Also, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT 350 brought by Auto Storica. And of course each of the small stands of the clubs, which with their cars and their illusion make up the most endearing side of the room.
Formation in the 'totum revolutum' of the mezzanine
Before going down to the mezzanine, a motorcycle area par excellence, say that the third also welcomed very interesting motorcycle spaces, such as the one dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Honda 750 CB and a sample of Vicente Ballester's extensive Bultaco TSS (Tralla Super Sport) collection.
In addition, the fifth edition of the Spanish Motorcycle Restoration Contest was held. More than a dozen motorcycles participated in this contest, in which an Ossa 160 Turismo in the series category was awarded; a Bultaco Frontera 250 cc. Gold Medal in the field segment; and a Montesa Impala 50 cc. (Impalita) on mopeds
Well, let's go with the fat. As always, the mezzanine was well stocked with vintage two-wheelers and vintage curios. There were also cars for sale, among which I was impressed by an R4 made to the last screw. If I remember correctly the price was 10.000 euros but hey, even if it doesn't look like it in the photos, I'd say it was done thoroughly. Nearby, an Ami 8 gave him the reply.
However, what caught my attention the most about the mezzanine was the stand of the Barajas training institute. The same had several cuts of engines and other old teaching materials, which, including posters, configured a frankly retro and unusual space.
Competition on the ground floor
So as not to extend myself too much (I know you are devouring the photos), we will go down to the ground floor. There, ERMevents he had decided to give part of the space to his competition contest, Auto Racing. It didn't seem like a bad idea to me, especially when the specialists could also serve the most racing fans of the classics. In addition, exhibitions were held in a satellite pavilion. The only drawback is that it removed part of the site compared to previous editions to the sales space between individuals, which we will talk about below.
On the ground floor he was drinking too various sales spaces between individuals and professionals clearly dedicated to old vehicles (more spare parts, bibliography, upholstery, etc). As soon as we climb down, to the right, the tenants of one of the former lived. Among the old irons that aired their charms with the purpose of seducing a new owner, was a rare Maserati Mexico. We have already talked about this beauty on other occasions, so we send you to one of our contents about the model.
More machinery for sale and parking of classics
In the same space were several Porsche 911 996. Although considered as the ugly ducklings of the nine-eleven, the atmospheric versions of these cars change hands for between 15 and 30.000 euros. And if you have the IMS rolling under control, they are Porsche like the top of a pine tree. Beside him, an unusual BMW E90, with its heretical and powerful V8. An opportunity for 30.000 euros? You don't see many ...
Ahead, in the center of the pavilion, there was an R8 TS prepared to the teeth but not losing its essence. And furthermore, two Mercedes sixties, a saloon and a coupe, which made you want to buy them as a couple (who could!)
Finally, I will refer to another of the strengths of this show: Outside the party continues. Well, it really begins, since during Saturday and Sunday mornings, the cars and motorcycles parked in the classic car park receive you. In addition, it hosts the concentrations of clubs that request it, such as the Club of Friends of the Seat 850 Berlina and the Seat Club 850 Valencia, which brought together 60 units of the model for its 50th anniversary.
And well, although I may have left many things in the pipeline (such as the many talks and colloquia that took place), this is it. Until next year Classic Auto!
