Francisco Carrion
Organized by the company Engine Events, the Valencia fair continues to have glimpses of quality and a lot of potential, but it does not “finish” on the issue of sale.
Held between October 14 and 16, Retro Auto & Moto Valencia It already seems like a consolidated event, at least in terms of the number of visitors, which continues to grow year after year. However, the fair remains practically unchanged with respect to other editions in terms of exhibition. The leading role is played by the numerous Levantine clubs, which are in charge of filling the pavilion with their cars.
Anniversary Seat 850 and other tasty sweets
El Club Seat 850 de Valencia commemorated the 50th anniversary of the model with fifteen units of all versions, Porsche Valencia exhibited a 356 of the first series with original Barcelona registration -among others- and the Citroën 2CV Club a unit from the 50s just taken from its hiding place and in original state, next to several Mehari in different states of "assembly".
The Valencia Antique Vehicle Club celebrated its 50 years in another large stand with models from all eras, among which stood out an Alfa Romeo Giulietta with national registration and an impressive and rare Willys Knight 1927 perfectly restored, in contrast in size to the tiny Morris 8 next to it.
But as is the custom in Valencia, the palm was taken by the Horta Classics Club. In addition to a huge central stand dedicated to American cars, he had mounted exhibitions such as the anniversary of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Porsche transaxle, BMW M3 or Opel from the 30s to the 90s, which occupied large spaces on the sides.
There was also space for exhibition and tribute to the magnificent Valencian model maker Alejandro Marín and for the local motorcycle rider Cesar Gracia, with the presence of several of his mounts from the 60s.
More classics for sale for 2017
On the commercial level, The entire center of the pavilion was full of spare parts (some from France) and motorcycle sales and purchases, but in terms of cars, there were only two professionals (Autosalón Valencia and the auction house Catawiki) and the “Car Corral” space reserved for individuals, with a higher number than in previous editions, but still with some empty space.
Then there was a car for sale here and there, as an interesting Simca 1000 Proto with honors in local competitions or a 1929 Chevrolet tucked away in a corner. However, many cars that arrived at the always full parking lot for classics were for sale ... but the owners were unaware that they would have had the opportunity to exhibit them in the living room. And this is the point that should be improved in future editions, as it could be the definitive push that this fair deserves.
In short, Valencia is a fair that does not disappoint, in which there are always good pieces to see in tune with the level of the good Levantine fans. The only thing missing is that the commercial interest with which the public attends is reflected in the interior of the pavilion with more cars for sale.
