javier romagosa
TEXT: JAVIER ROMAGOSA / PHOTOS: RETROMOVIL
As soon as you enter Retromobile Madrid a Ferrari F40 received us. Undoubtedly one of the great attractions of the fair, which swirled around it throughout the weekend with torrents of public. To the delight of those in attendance, it was ripped off from time to time and it simply sounded like heavenly music.
He was accompanied by a 365 GT 2 + 2 and a 512 TR, not inconsiderable classics. But behind this sea of red was the true highlight of the show at the exhibition level: The Contest of Elegance. In it you could enjoy cars and motorcycles, the latter novelty. Among the cars it is worth highlighting the cyclecar Salvador from 1914, David perfected among other things without 'automatic' gearbox. As I understand it is unique.
The majestic Mercedes 340 from the 30s also deserves to be highlighted, with that beautiful rear and that height that are its hallmarks. A little further, a Ford T Speedster undoubtedly had its magic, as did the Aston-Martin DB4 GT Zagato replica. Yes, it was a recreation on original basis, and with an imposing appearance.
Across the hall were a Mercedes Pagoda and a BMW Alpina B7 Turbo, piece this last really rare. If I remember correctly, this is the car with which the German coach became rather a manufacturer. Alpina did what almost all of us would have wanted to do: Couple a turbo to that magnificent 6-cylinder mechanic.
Next, a precious Maserati Sebring, in an equally striking color. He was escorted by a Maserati Bora and an original 911 Turbo Slant Nose. Finally, an Alfa-Romeo SZ sported its controversial lines behind the modern Corvette C8, Ferrari Laferrari and Aston-Martin DBS Superleggera that preceded it.
Biker novelty in Retromóvil
In reality, the motorcycle category had participants, perhaps not with as much presence as their four-wheeled brothers, but more unique. Among all, the prototype Bultaco Montjuic It was frankly impressive, as was the Bultaco Mymsa made for the Bultó brothers, the reconstruction of the Steam Roper (!), the Henderson Four, the Indian Little Twin or the Lambretta Scooter, among others. In club and magazine stands there were more pieces, like a replica BMW 500 Rennsport or a Royal with a delicious sidecar.
To the left of the contest was the stand from Catawiki. Among everything that the auction house had displayed (Cadillac ex-Franco, Porsche 356A, Packard, among others) personally I would keep the Lamborghini Urraco. Spanish registration, with a restoration that has had the good sense to leave the original interiors as they were. Really, it made you want to get behind the wheel. Or also with an Innocenti Mini that only had 35 kilometers.
Anniversaries with vintage fashion show
On the other side of the pavilion lived a Alfa Romeo Giulietta SS, and almost almost in front of him, a Dino 246GT and a prewar Fiat 508 with a sports body. These last two belonged to the area of purchase and sale between individuals, which was divided between the entrance and the end of Retromobile Madrid.
In the center dominated the Barreiros Foundation, which set up a space to commemorate the centenary of its mythical founder. I will not hide from you that I would have liked to see more cars (and especially a truck), although this small lack was compensated in some way on Saturday morning in the parking lot for classics.
And it is that a special meeting had been scheduled made in Villaverde. Talbot-Simca, Dart and 3700 GT, Simca 1000, a pleasure to see so many under the gray sky. Although if it is about quantity, they were the Miatas those who took the cat to the water: Nothing more and nothing less than around 80 units gathered there. The revitalizer of the roadster concept affordable was celebrated like this, in addition to a small official space inside.
For its part, the Club Seat 124, 1430 and 124 Sport did not disappoint for 50 years of its sports coupe. Although they met in the parking lot, the accent was placed inside: A magnificent stand gathered around 10 cars that lit up a wonderful vintage fashion show. My sincere congratulations to the organizers, it was quite a show.
Returning to Barreiros, next to him was the space of good old time, Portuguese company that brought, among others, a quite apparent Renault 5 Turbo couple. For its part, AutoStorica It housed two 911 pre73s in perfect magazine condition and a Cobra replica that I still didn't know about: A Southern Roadcraft. If you remember, the SR guys aroused the ire of Ferrari in the late 80s with great Daytona replicas with Chevy V8 mechanics.
Lost in the automobilia zone
From now on the carpet finished and the grease began. And the books and magazines. And the spare parts and a long etc. What is known as the automobilia zone that delights spare hunters, back issues of publications, miniatures; in short, of various objects related to our hobby presented in an irreplaceable medley.
Personally, I think there was everything and in an acceptable quantity. If anything I missed a few more bikes, piled up like that. There were them, like for example a racing Indian before 1920, or a Bultaco Metisse. And well, suddenly they appeared parked there as if they were anything a Ferrari Testarossa, a Porsche 928 and a Marcos GT. The truth is that it was funny, one could get lost browsing.
At the end of the pavilion, the club areas and the bulk of the sale and purchase between individuals. Although there was a club closer to the entrance, such as the TR Register or the Alfa Romeo Spain Club, most were here: Opel, Ford Capri, Fiesta, Renault 4/4, Seat 600, Lancia ... On the other hand, as you can see, there was diversity in the trading area. Also some other price through the clouds, although it was defended by the sellers. I loved a 1917 Renault and a Fiat 130 Coupe. Also a Fiat Dino, a Porsche 912, a Chrysler 180 and an Avia van.
Finally say that Engine Events, Organizing company of Retromóvil Madrid, claims to have exceeded the 30.000 mark. The truth is that during Saturday and Sunday there was a considerable amount of public, Congratulations! And also that those same visitors can leave their impressions about the show in the comments below. I'm not going to be the only one to say mine! 😉
