Javillac
After three hectic days, or even five if you are one of the people in charge of setting up and setting up stands, the edition of ClassicMadrid 2024 has come to an end, and its organizers conclude with a positive balance which shows that the fans are still as alive as ever. Among the more than 20.000 square meters among which the three floors of the Crystal Pavilion are distributed, there were more than 150 different exhibitors, with an overwhelming influx of public, especially on Saturday at noon.
As for the jewels that could be seen in the room, the level was as expected and did not disappoint. Francisco Pueche-Coupé showed some of the most interesting pieces from his collection, including a Pegasus Z-102 Saoutchik body, which managed to leave those present speechless. Another of the main dishes was the Bugatti with Barcelona registration and double engine that had 16 cylinders in total; a unique copy whose story is told in the book presented at ClassicMadrid “The Bugatti in Spain” and which was attended by one of Ettore Bugatti's granddaughters.
I also know honored the motor journalist Arturo de Andrés and the pilot Jaime Sornosa “Correcaminos” that had been postponed to 2023, in what was a talk full of anecdotes and memories. THE SQUAD was also at the ClassicMadrid show where we had a magnificent Triumph TR3, and part of the team went home with a prize, well Sergio Romagosa's Morgan Three Wheeler won the Veteran Car Club award for its originality and rarity in this year's concours d'elegance, in which only two-seater cars from before 1979 participated.
The vehicle awarded in the elegance contest with the highest award, the Best of Show, was an exclusive Hispano Swiss Alfonso XIII, one of the first sports cars in history that was only manufactured between 1911 and 1914. The AON Zalba Caldú award in recognition of elegance and restoration work was awarded to a Alfa Romeo 2600 Spider, while the FEVA award for the best restoration went to a MG TD.
WHAT'S NEW IN THE 2024 EDITION
In the now legendary Madrid show there are usually some exhibitors who have already become essential at these events, and they go so far as to show how some Public entities of the capital are dedicated to the event, such as the EMT or the Madrid Fire Department. who usually attend every year. It is also the perfect opportunity for many sellers to bring a little piece of their stores to Madrid, and in general, the result of most of these has been good in 2024.
This year has brought a greater presence in the number of motorcycles, vehicles that have always had their space in the ClassicMadrid, but the organization has decided to give more prominence compared to previous editions. There was a new motorcycle restoration contest, in which 13 historically significant motorcycles participated. In motorcycles before 1950 he won a 175 Motobecane 1930; a 425 Simsom 1959 in the 50-60 decade category; the 150 MV Augusta Stella 4 1966T achieved recognition in the 60-70s; and finally, the 50 Puch Rough Rider 1976 won the award in the 70-80s decade category.
Another very curious stand dedicated to two-wheeled enthusiasts was the one called “Paris-Dakar 20th century” in which some of the most iconic motorcycles that have participated in that tough competition were brought together.. Also announced was the first Raid AutoClassic which will be held in the city of Alcañiz from April 5 to 7, 2024, a dirt road test that will bring together vehicles over 25 years old in the province of Teruel.
AWARDING OF THE FIRST FEVA AWARD FOR YOUTH AND TRAINING
The FEVA youth and training commission announced a few months ago the creation of a series of plaques that would be delivered to various digital content creators who promoted FEVA values. The first winner of this award was the comedian Javito Rivas, who with his “Less than cars” video series has managed to accumulate a large number of followers while disseminating information about some road icons in a humorous way.
The response has been very positive on social networks, with many of Javito Rivas's fans congratulating him for this award that recognizes his merit and his career during these more than three years since he started the project. Several more awards will be given throughout the year and Candidates can be submitted through this email [email protected].
THE PARKING CONTROVERSY
We cannot finish this chronicle of ClassicMadrid 2024 without talking about the restrictions. Without going any further, LA ESCUDERÍA has had to explain for the first time which cars could attend the event due to the arbitrary tightening of Madrid 360. This has inhibited many fans from bringing their cars to the show, or they have ended up not attending directly. The image of the police officers with a notebook and tablet in hand in the parking lot of the facilities spread on social networks like wildfire. Then we found out that These were cars that had not been parked in the classic area, but in a reserved area, but many backed down.
However, Saturday was a busy day and the parking spaces were almost completely filled. Part of the attraction of the fair is provided by the owners who take their cars out of the garage, and it is a shame to know that the capital of Spain receives those who are not historical as criminals. Fortunately The expected new regulation that will facilitate the process will arrive very soon. Even so, there was a great variety of cars and it could be a great idea for the organization to give a prize to the most unique vehicle of each day, which in the case of Friday would have won. a spectacular Mercedes Adenauer.
