javier romagosa
TEXT RETROMÓVIL MADRID: JAVIER ROMAGOSA / PHOTOS AND VIDEO: MANAGE MOTOR
Retromobile Madrid 2018 It took place at the IFEMA fairgrounds on November 30 and December 2. As you probably already knew if you read our preview, the main dish on the menu was the novelty exhibition of Spanish prototypes. Around 15 creations by engineers, trainers and hobbyists who, between the years 1960 and 1980, lit their own cars. The base, the popular Seat 600 or Renault 8, among others.
The exhibition of Spanish prototypes had an undeniable historical value, although it was not the most beautiful thing in the room. The lines of the machines dressed by Serra, such as the Seat 600 Pullman or the Ford Taunus Spider, were the most decent. Meanwhile, those that shaped the ARH Condor or the Renault 8 TS Coupé suffered from a lack of proportions.
In short, it is what could be done in Spain at that time, and of course it was done with courage and pride, which is what it is always about. In any case, Retromóvil offered a unique opportunity for Spanish fans to get to know this largely unknown page of the History of Spanish motorsport.
Elegance Contest in Retromóvil Madrid
Quite more attractive, and well-known, were the cars that gathered in the elegance contest hosted for the Madrid fair. Among those gathered stood out, proud, a Allard J2 from the early 50s who was the one who finally took the cat into the water. All recognition to these precious hybrid that, thanks to its Cadillac mechanics, they savored the honeys of success on the track until the arrival of the Jaguar XK.
No less shocking was the 1938 Buick Van den Plas, un 'true classic' practically the only bodywork in the Netherlands. This Buick served as a ministerial car in the immediate postwar Spain and, undoubtedly, for its originality and historical relevance, it deserved to reap the second prize.
A FU-11 at the 50th Anniversary 1430
I don't know how they do it but the boys of the National Club Seat 1430, 124 and 124 Sport always manage to surprise me. In addition, the quality of its booth is usually overwhelming, with an excellent staging that even includes turntables that show the charms of its popular adorers.
In this case, it was about celebrating the 50th birthday of the Seat 1430. No effort was spared. A dozen units, including a DDAuto unit and a rare specimen with a sliding roof, offered a visual tour of the evolution of our Fiat 125. On the entire sample, featured a FU-11, Very rare racing-client unit replica of the official cars used by Seat drivers in rallies.
More Celebrations: Porsche, 2CV, Mini
Less pampering, It must be said, it was noticeable in the stands of the anniversaries for the 70 years of Porsche and the 2CV, which were run by the Porsche Club Spain and a specialist in the friendly French classic, respectively. Although the first was not bad, the truth is that I missed that the Porsche Club put a little more meat on the grill.
In my opinion, among the selection of cars of the German manufacturer, stood out a CALL 'Yellow Bird', imposing in its chicken yellow color. On the other hand, the Porsche 356 Speedster that we had the opportunity to appreciate in the first edition of Retromobile Madrid made an appearance again.
For its part, the stand of the Mini 60 anniversary It was quite well stocked, with Antonio Albacete racing cars and rarities such as a Riley Elf or a Mini Radford with a retractable roof, among others. We too celebrated this revolutionary English at our booth, with a Minivan and 850 freshly polished and polished. Thank you very much for bringing it to us Ismael!
On two wheels with Ángel Nieto and Harley-Davidson
Retromóvil Madrid not only welcomes classic cars, but also motorcycles. Thanks to the newly created Angel Nieto Foundation We had the privilege of enjoying 5 of the champion's bikes. On the other hand, the good work of chanoe and harlists brought a wide selection of machines of the American brand, which was celebrating its 115th anniversary.
Really, the Harley-Davidson booth was praiseworthy, with several very old units and models of different fur. These exemplified not only the spirit of freedom that characterizes it but also its sporting beginnings or, even, its adventures with small displacement.
Scattered stars in Retromóvil Madrid
Outside of specific themes, in the spaces occupied by professionals in the sector, the show housed jewels worthy of mention. It is the case of the three Ferraris, a 512BB, a Dino 246 and a 330 GTC (!) that received the visitor as soon as they entered their doors. Past the elegance contest, on the right, a Aston-Martin DB2 / 4 It stood out among BMW M3s.
Immediately after, a Fiat dino coupe In a state of conservation, it showed the benefits of its V6 Ferrari engine next to a Jaguar E. And in the background, in the retail area, an Audi V8, a Nissan Vanette Optima in perfect magazine condition, an Ebro B45 truck or a 1951 English Land Rovers made you want to throw the house out the window.
Santiago Martin Cantero's Cars and the Online Auction
Among the activities carried out at Retromóvil Madrid, the tribute to Santiago Martín Cantero it was the most complete. Not only was a commemorative plaque publicly delivered to the son of the late pilot and coach, but it was made in a space inhabited by the main cars driven by the latter.
Group 131 Seat 5 With which he became champion of Spain in 1982 was the most original. Restored with astonishing fidelity, it is without a doubt the 131 fattest I have ever seen. He was accompanied by other heavy-caliber fireballs like a Lancia 037 or a 600 Abarth.
Another well planned activity it was the auction, organized by the digital platform Catawiki. The European house gathered a good part of its Spanish catalog so that it could be inspected , and coordinated the bidding system for its acquisition.
Presence of Clubs and Classic Parking
Apart from those already mentioned, clubs such as Peugeot 205, Renault 4/4, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Seat 600 or the Spanish Association of Sports Classics, among others, dotted Retromobile Madrid. As always, selflessly providing vehicles and setting - recruitment of partners aside - to enhance the event.
On the other hand, outside, in the parking for classic vehicles, the traditional 'parallel hall' took place, which tried to be lively on weekend mornings. A pity that IFEMA made access to it so difficult, forcing a huge detour to enjoy it.
Replacement and Some Recommendations
Finally, I will talk about the spare parts and automobilia area, that I thought was very well stocked although plunged in gloom. In reality, the lighting problem in IFEMA's Hall 3 should embarrass the managers of the Madrid fairgrounds. It seems incredible that such modern facilities offer such poor and orange-tinged light.
Apparently they are going to renew it next year something that, without a doubt, Eventos del Motor, the organizing company of Retromóvil, should demand for the 2019 edition. Or change the pavilion and kill two birds with one stone to solve the problem. Once the aforementioned inconvenience of parking.
Really, I was angry that his effort was harmed by IFEMA's lack of professionalism in this regard, and I would like to state this at the end of these lines.
See you next year!
