Compared to "competitors" such as Retromobile in Paris or Techno Classica in Essen, Autoclassica in Milan is a youngster, as the event, which takes place between February 22 and 24, 2013, can look back on just two previous editions. Nevertheless, the trade fair is growing steadily and already filled three halls this year, compared to two a year ago.
Profonda Italianita
Despite the professional presentation and widespread advertising, there was plenty of improvisation. Wholesaler Luzzago, for example, surprised visitors with completely dirty cars on its stand on Friday. During the first day, there was still a lot of set-up and cleaning work to be done.
The fear is spreading
The Italians' fear of the omnipresent tax authorities was palpable. Trade in their own country is still going badly, the fear of opening the door to tax investigators with new property is too great. However, because many people want to sell at the same time, the export business is going all the better.
Hardly any bargains
Anyone expecting the price level to be low for the reasons mentioned above was proved wrong. The prices being asked were on a par with German trade fair prices. Rarer vehicles, such as a Porsche 356 Pre-A-Coupé with an articulated windshield, which was for sale for 160,000 euros, were offered for sums that are also usual in our part of the world.
Rarities that you don't normally see
You could tell you were in Italy when you saw exhibits and items for sale that you don't normally see so often. When was the last time you saw a well-preserved Fiat Ritmo Abarth in Switzerland or Germany? Many of these former utility vehicles have long since become rarities.
Zagato everywhere
Vehicles from the coachbuilder Zagato were presented and highlighted everywhere. Almost every dealer tried to have one or more examples of this coachbuilder on offer.
Special shows worth seeing
Beautifully restored Italian vehicles were on show in the special presentations by Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati and Porsche Italy. And, of course, classics such as the Ferrari 250 GTO and the Ferrari Testarossa were on display.
The anniversaries - Mercedes Pagoda 50 years, Porsche 911 50 years, Maserati Quattroporte 50 years, etc. - were celebrated accordingly.
And Alfa Romeo celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of Autodelta with several representatives of these competitive sports and touring cars (1963 Giulia TZ from 1963, 33/2 Daytona, GTA 1300 Junior, 33 TT 12 and 179 F F1).
The racetrack behind the house
A race track behind the halls had been widely announced. This circuit consisted of three loops, which were demarcated with countless pylons - a mini slalom without a challenge. Club vehicles were sent out on their laps in groups of three. In total, there were around 15 vehicles in the "paddock".
Due to the extreme cold, however, there were no spectators and enthusiasm was limited.
Few visitors
Those who pushed their way through the crowds at the Rétromobile in Paris weeks ago found Milano a welcome change. In fact, the number of visitors on Friday was limited, there was plenty of space everywhere and nothing stood in the way of a chat with dealers and specialists.
The exhibitors did not expect any significant increase for the weekend either, as Italy is currently dominated by the upcoming elections.
