Technology also invades the world of classic cars: at Auto e Moto d’Epoca, the largest exhibition in the sector (115,000 square meters set up, 11 pavilions, 1600 exhibitors, more than 5000 cars and 4 exhibitions, in addition to the numerous manufacturers present and to the many collectors and enthusiasts arriving from all over Europe) from 21 to 24 October the “restomod” plays a leading role. Restomod is one of the latest trends in ‘creative’ restorations, contaminated by modern technologies but maintaining continuity with the historical vehicle’s past. An example, in Padua, will be that of the Citroens brought by the 2CV Méhari Club Cassis which restores and converts classic cars to electric, but also provides the R-FIT electric conversion kit that allows you to replace the original combustion engine with an electric motor , extending the life of classic cars and thus eliminating CO2 emissions.
Vintage cars and motorbikes, the Padua show
But for those who love the electric, the show offers a real return to the future with Stellantis and Mercedes Benz presenting the roots of their electrification path and the latest models. Specifically, Stellantis recounts 50 years of research into the New 500 RED, starting with the innovative concept car Fiat X1 / 23 from 1974. Developed five decades ago, it is one of the first examples in the world of electric city cars: a small minivan with two seats, with a maximum speed of 75km / h and a range of 70km at a constant speed of 50km / h.
Mercedes-Benz, on the other hand, is exhibiting the pioneer 190 E Elektro, an experimental model with an electric motor for each of the two rear wheels, presented in Hanover in the 1990s. At the other end of the evolution lies the flagship EQS – the pinnacle of electrification of the Mercedes-EQ brand.
It is also time for McLaren to present the company’s first hybrid supercar in Padua: Artura marks the beginning of a new chapter. The first of Morgan Motor Company also falls on the line of continuity between past and future at Auto e Moto d’Epoca, the historic English brand that handcrafted sports cars with an unmistakably retro style. Roots in the past and sustainability as a horizon also for the new BMW Motorrad R 18 models. Timeless, on the other hand, is the charm of the evergreen Mercedes 190 SL. The exclusive model owned by Gina Lollobrigida is on display in Padua. And more speed and sustainable technology for the Bentley stand, with the Continental GT Speed - the most dynamic model in the range – and the new Bentayga Hybrid.
In short, the future, even in the classic car sector, plays a leading role today, as the Padua show testifies: “Passion knows no boundaries of space and time – explains Mario Baccaglini, organizer of the Auto e Moto show. Vintage for almost 40 years – and the extraordinary mix between modern and classic that we have always proposed to our visitors is proving to be the winning trend in the exhibition strategy of all car manufacturers: each brand, referring back to its history, offers a very personal vision of future. This is the secret of the success of our event ”.
And in the wake of what Baccaglini said, an exhibition “Simple, immediate, projected into the future” will be exhibited in Padua, as the organizers say, that is, a review dedicated to the style of the Bertone Collection. So here are 16 extraordinary prototypes on the platforms in the large ASI Village of the Automotoclub Storico Italiano (Hall 4), to illustrate fifty years of style signed by the famous Turin coachbuilder; from 1967 to the second decade of the 2000s. With the exception of the iconic 1967 Lamborghini Miura S, which was produced in series, they are all unique models and concept cars that wowed the world when they were unveiled at the most important international motor shows. These include the 1972 Citroën Camargue, the 1976 Ferrari Rainbow, the 1984 Chevrolet Ramarro, the 1992 Bertone Bliz, the 2004 Aston Martin Jet2 and the 2011 Jaguar B99.
Of course, Padua always remains a salon with a heart of classic cars. Here is the Aci Storico that in Hall 3 celebrates the golden age of Superturism with the great drivers and cars of the 80s and 90s such as Alessandro Nannini’s 1992 Alfa GTA and 1992 BMW M3 2500 Roberto Ravaglia. Also on the ACI stand is the Lancia Endurance exhibition: Lancia Martini’s adventure on the track. The protagonists of the set-up are the three track Lancias of the Macaluso Foundation: the Beta Montecarlo, the LC1 and the LC2, true motorsport icons of the Eighties dressed in the classic Martini Racing livery. And again the exhibition of 10 Guzzi motorbikes, one for each decade of the iconic made in Italy brand, to tell the story of the house that embodied the ideal of scientific progress, industry and innovation in Italy. Among the motorcycles on display, the Sport 500 produced between 1924 and 1928, the Motoleggera 65 Guzzino (1946-1954), the popular Galletto 160/175/192 (1950-1966), the spirited V7 Sport 750 (1971-1974) up to MGX-21 1400 (2016-2019).
Speaking of Motorsport, the Gipimotor and Carrozzeria Scartapatti will bring three unique Ferraris: the 250 GT Drogo, the 308 GTB Gr.4 developed by Facetti and the 250 GT Pininfarina certified Ferrari Classiche. One of the legendary Stratos and the very rare FIAT OttoVù from 1953, the second ever built after 6 pre-series, arrive in the largest stand ever set up in Padua by Ruote da Sogno. On the other hand, the 1926 Bugatti T37, a car that raced at Le Mans at the time, the 1964 Alfa Romeo TZ, and the Bugatti T57C Gangloff special convertible come from Holland with Fine Automobiles.
Finally, many clubs and historical registers present at the show with their jewels, such as the Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 L Mille Miglia, the first Superleggera ever, and the centuries-old Lancia Lambda, the first modern car in history. It is the centenary of Vincenzo Lancia’s car which marked the revolution of the automobile industry; three models on display: a sedan, a balloon and a torpedo.
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