Retro Málaga 2019: Active Hobby and Selection of Rarities

RETRO PHOTOS MÁLAGA 2019: JOSE RUIZ / MIGUEL SÁNCHEZ

Under the organization of Motor events Retro Málaga has just celebrated its sixth edition. And although it sounds cliché, it seems that it is settling. Not in vain have they been, according to the organization, more than 22.000 visitors arrived at the Palacio de Ferias de Málaga. In addition, this year it was also possible to purchase a combined ticket with the Automobile Museum of the city. A perfect opportunity for all those who have come from afar. Because Retro Málaga is a reference in Andalusia but it is also opening up to neighboring Morocco.

To the horror of the photographers, we went on Saturday, the day when the fair received the largest number of people. We balanced with the camera apart this allowed us to enjoy the good atmosphere of classics on the Andalusian coast. We saw large concentrations of Porsche and SEAT, as well as a full parking lot. It was a pleasure to get lost around discovering cars that should be displayed with honors inside the pavilion.

Inside they awaited samples of Alpine, Mustang, Mini, Ferrari… But beyond the vehicles, we must highlight the Malaga fans. Numerous clubs gathered there, also counting the British residents on the Costa del Sol and even the Royal Moroccan Federation of Vintage Vehicles. A great environment in which it is easy to strike up a conversation with the owners. Or even see yourself immersed in an enthusiastic mob by the acceleration of an AC Cobra or the seesaw of the hydropneumatics in a Citroën SM.

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The buying and selling space had more or less the same concentration as last year. But the truth is that several of the exposed ones are difficult to find. In fact there was a small but bully Unimog U25 drawing all eyes. Motorcycles also had their space, celebrating 70 years of OSSA and a Vespa rally. The Malaga Automobile Museum repeated with three dreamy rarities. We complained last year about only having seen a Ferrari on display while this 2019 there were 7, one of them an F40 ...

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Anyway, it's going to be better if we go looking at everything point by point. There are several cars that will surprise you!

A REALLY FULL PARKING LOT

Obviously there were very interesting spaces within the Retro Málaga pavilion, but we are going to start the chronicle with the parking lot. There we live a great atmosphere this 2019, with two areas full of classics belonging to a multitude of fans. The first thing that caught our attention was the large amount by Mustang, signing up to 7 copies of the first series 1967 in a convertible or hardtop coupe version. It was difficult to see one without someone taking a picture, until we ran into the strangest of all in a less traveled area.

Un Mustang convertible series produced between 1971 and 1973. Wider, and looking more powerful than previous versions, we were drawn to it by the roar of its engine. It is rare to see one of these, and although we could not start a conversation with its owner to confirm the motorization ... We assure you that it was noticed when leaving the premises. Curious to see this representative of the latest Mustangs "big" before the second generation had to adapt to government fuel restrictions in 1974.

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Exploring the parking lot we ran into with Opel GT. We know that for many it is still a miniature Corvette C3, but in reality the German came out a year earlier. Furthermore, its small dimensions and low weight promise a really fun ride. We ate with him in the hope of finding its owner and then being able to tell you technical details about its restoration and maintenance but… No luck.

"COME HERE TO FIND THIS ROLLS-ROYCE." AN ENTHUSIASTIC FANS

Deeper we found him Citroen SM which closed our chronicle of Retro Málaga 2018. This year we have been able to calmly meet its owners. A family passionate about the Gallic brand, Francisco being the person in charge of this mythical GT and his son Roberto that of a curious 2CV in chrome gray. The side indicators reveal that this unit was born for the Italian market, and they confirmed it by telling us the story of how they brought the car from venice.

This design of Robert Opron it is captivating from any angle, highlighting its drag coefficient of just 0. However for many the surprise comes when you open the hood and discover a V6 Maserati. And it is that this swan song of the great GT - the oil crisis in 1973 changed many things - is the result of the purchase of Maserati by Citroën in 1968. Seen in detail it overwhelms the amount of technical novelties of the SM, including a front axle wider than rear. This ensured a remarkable mix of grip and ride comfort in a front-wheel drive.

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Despite being in the less-traveled area of ​​the car park, a car like this does not go unnoticed. The car was quickly surrounded by about 14 people ensuring that it should be in a prominent space inside. Discovering under the hood the hydropneumatic suspension spheres the atmosphere became even more animated, with Citroën enthusiasts yelling "Come here to get this Rolls-Royce". A clear reference to the British company's attempt to develop this system, finally having to buy a license from Citroën for its 1965 Silver Shadow model.

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In short, only cars like the Citroën SM are capable of generating such passions even 49 years after its launch. Delighted with the self-confidence of the Andalusian fans, we headed inside Retro Málaga, but not before stopping at a muscular 1970 Chevy SS and a modified Capri Mk3 with both daring and skill. Let's keep moving, this has only just begun ...

CONCENTRATIONS, BUY-SALE AND GOOD RESTORATIONS

On Saturday we coincide with the concentration for the 50th anniversary of the SEAT 1430. A great excuse for the clubs dedicated to this model not to lose the good rhythm that last 2018 acquired when celebrating half a century of 124. Two interesting 1800 Sport, a 1430 painted in the manner of the 124 Especial 1800 from Canellas in the 1977 Montecarlo Rally , several 124 of Phase I ... A good prologue to the space that inside Retro Málaga exhibited models such as the 124-2000 FL-90. The grossest version of the street 124, which got a lot of people into the rallies thanks to its road qualities at a reasonable price.

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The concentration of Wepora Porsche Club It was quite large, although not with many classics. Of course, two stood out. First a 911/930 "Euro"Carrera 3.0 Targa manufactured between 1976 and 1977. Its 6 opposed cylinder engine delivers more than 200CV with all the verve of the old air-cooled turbocharged Porsche. Despite being one of the classic models that most attract fans of the German brand ... We were hypnotized by a 912.

Presented in 1965 as an intermediate step between the last 356 and the first 911, the 912 is a somewhat less powerful 911 due to the fact that it mounts the 4-cylinder 1 liters of the 6SC. This gives it a somewhat friendlier character, ensuring greater stability than the playful-rear 356. This particular unit is one of the last of the model being produced in 1969.

The truth is that a 912 always catches our attention in its own right, but this one also did it for the magnificent two-year restoration to which he was subjected. Impeccable. From the paint to the interior, passing through an engine as it just left the factory, the restoration of this Porsche is the best we have seen in Retro Malaga 2019. In addition, its owner has rebuilt the entire history of the vehicle, giving us evidence of its passage through New York, Kentucky and Holland all the way to Malaga.

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Good job done by Javier with his 912, demonstrating the appreciation for the maintenance of historical jewels of this violin teacher used to playing with an XNUMXth century instrument. Entering the covered parking area we saw several "youngtimer”Interesting, but what most seduced us was a Simca 1100. Yes, a unit of this popular utility but restored with surprising care. This was seen in the superb treatment of the paint and the vinyl on the ceiling. A most palatable restoration.

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Continuing towards the interior of the pavilion we found the buying and selling area. In it there were not many more cars than in the last edition, but there were several very rare. A 1960 Volvo looking to be even older, a pickup truck Unimog Mercedes U25 from 1952 with surprising headroom and suspensions or a Neckar Europa Spezial.

The German built under a FIAT 1100 patent, demonstrating the Agnelli's ability to do business, consolidating the Italian group as one of the leading multinational motoring companies. We would have loved to take the Unimog with us. But predicting the possible derived problems with the family and the accountant ... We turn to the large area of ​​spare parts and miniatures where we got a Lancia Aurelia B20GT. Of course, at 1:43 scale ...

ALPINE SAMPLE. THREE A110 AND ONE UNEXPECTED A108

A myth never goes out of style. It is because of that any mention of the A110 it always generates interest in the public. However, it is now experiencing a second youth thanks to the recent launch of the new Alpine. A model with which Renault intends to compete with the Alfa Romeo 4C, replicating the driving sensations of the classic under current parameters. In the middle of this Retro Málaga 2019 has shown a space with three A110 and one A108. All this organized by Motor Andaluz and the Lopéz family from Torre del Mar, a true saga of Renault enthusiasts.

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Powered by his rally preparation we came across a A110 arrived from Cádiz adapted for uphill races. They told us that its mechanics have been modified, now carrying a 1600cc, a displacement that was around five of the latest versions of the model. Between 1969 and 1973 the 1600 VA and VB almost touched it, while only the last three evolutions of the Alpine produced between 1973 and 1978 surpassed it. With the yellow and black paint typical of many racing Renault and widened wheel arches you understand why it is a myth of curves when you intuit how low its point of gravity is.

In white we saw another berlinetta A110. Produced around 1974, it is equipped with roll bars and the characteristic of having always belonged to the same owner. Carlos guided us through space. While we were photographing the cars with our camera he told us how his passion for the model has led him to compete in regularity rallies. A passion inherited from his father and captured in two of the Alpine cars on display: a recently restored 110 A1976 and an A108 that we had already signed up for at Retro Málaga 2018.

A108 FASA. A SMALL CAR WITH BIG SURPRISES

The truth is that the A110 has the splendor of being a racing myth. But when one begins to investigate ... This Alpine A108 manufactured at the FASA in Valladolid has all the ballots to be the most interesting of the 4. Of the 168 coupe units made in Spain only about four or five keep rolling. This one in particular hits the road every week and competes in classic regularity. An example of what it is to restore a car to use it.

Found in a state of total abandonment in a farmhouse in Ronda, this car designed for asphalt was used by the owner's nephew -an aristocrat from Granada- to roll in open fields. The bottoms were so busted that they had originally been reinforced with advertising signs made of sheet metal. A complete restoration challenge where even the mother of the family intervened, sewing parts such as the luggage cover.

Mechanically, the original 845cc and 37CV engine was restored, which they replaced after a year and little due to its poor performance in climbs. An important issue when you live in an area where unless you do not move away from the sea, everything is strong inland rises ... The chosen replacement was a 1600cc Sierra block from an R5 TS that, tweaking the compression and adding a new carburetor gives about 80CV. Not inconsiderable figure for a car with a single-beam chassis and only 600 kilos of weight.

The result has been to bring to life this unit of the classic from which Renault conceived the legendary A110. A curious model marked by an interesting history and a great family restoration work. It is certainly one of those cars that make you vibrate when you research its biography.

THE MOROCCAN CONNECTION AND A VERY SCARCE FACEL-VEGA

Thanks to the ferry across the Strait, Morocco is relatively close to Retro Malaga. This works in favor of one of the most interesting surprises of this 2019: the presence of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Vintage Vehicles. In it, 5 associations are integrated, each of them sending a vehicle. Our guide and interpreter in this space was the friendly Milud, a polyglot with a passion for the classics who came this far in his Mercedes 280 SE W108.

Driving from Fez, Nador, Tangier or Rabat, the expedition was completed with a Beetle, a Citroën Traction Avant, a beautiful Peugeot 504 Pininfarina Coupe and ... The one that has been for us one of the most striking in the whole fair: the Facel-Vega Excellence EX2 from 1964. The first two series of the model were settled with about 140 units, but of this third and last only 8 were produced. This American-inspired Parisian with a V8 Chrysler was designed to compete with Rolls-Royce and other high-end cars.

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Best known for its luxurious two-door models, this fleeting French company was the attempt to bring together the best of the time. Financial mismanagement and engine problems during the first few years put the project in tatters, with the Excellence being its only four-door vehicle.

A rarity with suicide-opening doors in the manner of the 1961 Lincoln Continental, only that the French already incorporated them into its presentation 5 years before the American. As they told us this Facel-Vega Excellence EX2 it is in its original state, which is corroborated thanks to its good care record. This unit it was a gift to the sultan of Morocco, serving your fleet for years. It was later transferred to one of the fleet's mechanics, who continued to take care of the car after bringing it to Spain.

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Currently this Facel-Vega rests in Marrakech under the care of its new Moroccan owner. An excellent and very rare sample of high-end French motorsport that we hope to see again soon. If it is in Malaga within a space where this four-door looks with all the showiness it deserves, and if it is in Morocco… Covering such interesting topics as Mille Oasis Rally in whose organization this federation of vintage vehicles collaborates.

MONOGRAPH MUSTANG AND THE MUSEUM'S BLACK CAT

In Retro Málaga the space of RG Classics, the American classics company managed by Alessandro Ramírez and which this year landed with a Mustang monograph. At first, what most caught the attention of the public was the replica of the mythical Shelby GT500. Made in Malaga from a Code C Fastback estimated a performance of 350CV. Horse up horse down The truth is that its rough sound enveloped the pavilion several times, being able to be felt even through touch.

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Great moment in which a deaf boy experienced the force of the mythical muscle car putting his hand on the engine to feel its vibration. The degree of excitement that one of these classics can generate is on another level.

The first series of 1968 in red impressed us by its magnificent state of conservation even without having received any restoration. Nevertheless the most captivating was the 4'8 liters 1965 acquired less than a year ago thanks to an auction Barrett-Jackson In Las Vegas. With their 200CV and that blue color so characteristic in the Malaga collection of its owner ... It is very difficult not to consider it the most attractive of all the Mustangs seen at Retro Malaga 2019.

El Automobile Museum of Malaga It is the benchmark for classics in the city. Nestled in extensive facilities on the seafront, this 2019 has once again brought three units from its catalog to Retro Malaga. Although last 2018 they opted for icons such as the BMW 328 or the Alfa Romeo 6C… For this edition they have chosen three oddities of the most curious.

The one that attracted the most attention was The Black Catand an 120 Jaguar XK1952 roadster painted in matt black, as a tribute to the black feline from which the English brand takes its name. Its dark and very contemporary body hides the agile six-cylinder inline of this legendary sports car. However the most special for us was a kaiser darrin"Shark nose" 1954.

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Haunted by the lack of sales, the North American Kaiser Motors devised this two-seater to compete with both the European roadsters and the Ford Thunderbird. Its body with refined lines sculpted in fiberglass, as well as its moderate six-cylinder engine, 2600cc and 90CV… They did not succeed in curdling in the age of the great Cadillacs full of chrome. Their around 400 units they were the death certificate of the company, leaving this Darrin '54 as a rarity ahead of its time.

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Very interesting also the 1930's FN Boat Tail Shape. With two separate cabins, its design is most curious, as is the fact that it came out of the Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre. And it is that, from 1899 to 1930, this arms company also produced cars and motorcycles. Powered by a 4cc 1300-cylinder, it is one of the very last examples of what is still the longest-running car company in Belgium. Very curious.

AN ENGLISHMAN AND HIS ITALIAN-AMERICAN. PININFARINA SPIDER AZURRA

Sun Classic Car Club It is one of the classics associations created by English residents on the Costa del Sol. As we know, the British live their passion for classics in a very special way. So much so that when passing through its space we find several people discussing what could be one of the two models exposed there. "The rims look like Alfa Romeo", "It is very similar to a FIAT 124 Spider", "the side reflectors are typical of a car homologated for the USA"...

A heated discussion stemming from the fact that the logo attached to the bonnet was not FIAT's… but Pininfarina's.

A production car made by Pininfarina itself? Well yes. On the back, the sailor logo of the Azzurra sailing team stood out. Founded by Luca di Montezemolo and Gianni Agnelli, its boats competed in the Copa América de Vela. In honor of this, Pininfarina named its personal continuation of the FIAT 124 Spider. As long as it was, like this one, a version released to the North American market.

This unit completed in June 1985 is one of the last of the Pininfarina Spider Azzurra. A convertible full of secrets that its owner guided us through, Terry. This enthusiastic and friendly Briton recounted how Pininfarina went on alone for two years with the manufacture of the 124 Spider. And all this while the rest of the members of the Sol Classic Car Club invited us to wine from Jerez while assisting in the translation. Great British fans on the Andalusian coast.

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From 1966 to 1982 FIAT made about 200.000 Spiders, of which 170.000 were sold in the United States. Inspired by this success Pininfarina decided to continue manufacturing the model after FIAT ceased its commercialization in 1983. For the European market he called it Spidereuropa, while for the American market it adopted the name Azzurra.

According to Terry, the vehicle was assembled at the Ferrari factory in Maranello. An exceptional place to wrap your car with this beautiful body. 2-liter FIAT engine and injection with double camshaft. Today it is speculated with the figure of 126 conserved units. Together with the Facel-Vega from Morocco, this Pininfarina has been our most precious discovery at Retro Málaga 2019.

WAITING FOR 2020

We are not going to say that Retro Málaga has a spectacular roster of icons next to a large shopping area full of popular classics because this is not Padua nor Retromobile. But it doesn't have to be either. This has been its sixth edition and the truth is that it is getting better and better.

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Among its visitors you can find a vigorous and active hobby, delighted to show you their cars, tell you their stories and experience the world of motoring on the asphalt. That is the great asset of Retro Málaga: concentrating clubs, fans and owners in what is already a meeting point for the classics in southern Spain. The proof is that this year The first steps have been taken here for the creation of the Andalusian Federation of Antique Vehicles.

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Another year that we have spent as dwarfs, returning home with a notebook full of good stories and a memory of the camera full of photographs. And also when we leave we find one of the television myths of our childhood ... I said, we are already waiting for Retro Málaga 2020.