javier romagosa
TEXT: JAVIER ROMAGOSA / PHOTO: WIDE PHOTO
The ninth edition of Classic Auto Madrid It was held between February 23 and 25, building muscle against its new competitor, Retromóvil. Many of us were expectant before the new panorama that arose in the capital of the kingdom, with two high-topped rooms separated by only two months apart. It was clear that the visitors were going to be delighted, but what about the exhibitors?
It was logical to think that, if the December fair was good, the February fair could see its offer reduced. But nevertheless, it has not been like that, and in both cases we have enjoyed contests that, at least in the case of this humble server who has been a visitor / exhibitor, have met their expectations: The cars and merchandise on display deserved the entrance fee and the clients obtained compensated the investment of the booth.
THE STARS OF CLASSICAUTO MADRID
And what did we see at ClassicAuto Madrid? Well, apart from quite a crowd on Saturday and Sunday, a series of quite interesting cars and motorcycles. First of all, I think it is necessary to highlight the three Pegasos Z-102 that came together in the automobile elegance contest: A pre-series ENASA berlineta, a Touring and a Spider Serra based on a damaged Touring specimen.
The combination of bodies, engines and retro colors was varied, and it was precisely one of these stickers the one who rose with the cup.
The rest of the participating cars they were not lagging behind: A Rolls-Royce Phantom II, a Hispano-Suiza T64 Junior, a Renault 4/4 Saprar, a Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina, an imposing Cadillac Series 62 Convertible or a very special Studebaker President that we have already had the pleasure of seeing on occasion, among others, they delighted the spectators who attended their debut.
Another of the stars of the fair, which undoubtedly should have competed, was the Mercedes 300S Coupe ex Doctor Barraquer. Manufactured in 1953, it was brand new, in its sauce with its original paint, upholstery and chrome. A few meters away, at the Cochera stand, he had a more illustrious brother if possible: A 300S Convertible from the same year, restored according to the high international standards to which this specialist in the star brand has accustomed us.
Behind was a savage drive of Audi Sport Quattro together with the SEAT 124 Especial 1800 Group 4 with which Cañellas / Ferrater regularly participate in the Historic Monte Carlo Rally. And a little further Francis Puche celebrating its 50 years of activity with a beautiful Bugatti Type 30 that we already had the opportunity to see last year or an MG PA, among others. Next to him, the overwhelming official Porsche stand with a 911 964 1992 Carrera RS that, frankly, took away the hiccups.
Particularly beautiful were also the two Maseratis 3500 Exposed by Classic Cars, a GT and an impressive Spider Vignale. The rest of the third floor was dotted with interesting cars: A Dino 208 with national registration, a Lotus Elan Sprint, a Hispano-Alemán Mallorca, a Brush Roundabout or Emilio Polo's two Hispanics contributed to filling a space that I consider well used.
MOTORCYCLES, GREASE AND MANY CARS FOR SALE
Up there were also motorcycles, to highlight those of the restoration contest, those of La Mancha Motos HD, the competition sample and the thematic expo of Spanish enduro, among others. But it was on the mezzanine floor, among the spare parts grease, where they looked best. In my opinion, and this is something very personal, the staging matters; and I love to see motorcycles in that little chaos that is the second floor of this fair.
Downstairs, on the ground floor, next to the products and services and the rest of the spare parts I was pleasantly surprised to see quite a few cars for sale. In previous years these were concentrated under the mezzanine, but this extended along the entire perimeter of the floor. There was a bit of everything and there was the fun: From a beautiful Ebro-Siata 50S to a very rare Honda Z600, from a Simca 1300 in a state of discovery to a 1979 Toyota Land Cruiser, through a Lincoln Continental Cartier, a Daimler DS 420 limousine.
The best, as a Alfa Romeo Spider in exceptional condition, and in some cases (the least, thank goodness) the worst, like a Toyota Celica pimped, they met on that certainly interesting ground floor. Even more so if we take into account that they shared space with stands that displayed classics of such good taste as a Citroën 5 CV barnfind or a Renault Dauphine Gordini minced in its just and delicious measure. We just miss more agricultural / industrial classics.
Outside, in parking lots, there was a parallel room in which it could stand out for its variety. Assorted cars of concentrates and assistants animated the atmosphere; And the thing is that another of the things that I especially like about ClassicAuto Madrid is the life on the street. Finally, in the anecdotes section, and apart from the numerous events that were carried out according to the official program, I would like to highlight the requested by hand of a couple that took place after traveling in his R8 the kilometers that separate La Coruña from Madrid. Very soon we hope to share your experience here at 'The Escuderia' 😉
