A 50,000 square meter show, more than a thousand cars on display, 321 exhibitors, 10 of the world's largest car manufacturers, two museums - Ferrari and Maserati - the unveiling of the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce, which celebrated its world premiere in Geneva and was presented to the Italian public for the first time, and last but not least: 43,000 automobile enthusiasts who breathed, lived and debated the automotive world for three days, thanks to a perfect blend of tradition and modernity that made it possible to present the automotive world in an unprecedented way.
The figures for the 2015 edition of Autoclassica are particularly telling and reflect a trend that gives hope for a positive development of the still unstable economy, which is why the economy is looking forward to this market with confidence and renewed interest.
Extensive program
The event, which took place from March 20 to 22 in the halls of Messe Milano Rho, is gaining in prestige from year to year. This is thanks to the numerous initiatives organized for the occasion: This year, Maserati offered the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Fuoriserie alongside a driver from the Maserati Driving School, while the FCA Group offered the chance to test drive the new Alfa Romeo models. The public enthusiastically took part in the performances in the Classic Circuit Arena, the homologated race track on the outdoor area of the Milan Fair.
The MAC Historic Rally was held here, a sporting competition in which, to the delight of the public, many famous drivers competed in races in FORMULA F1 and F JUNIOR cars from the 50s and 60s, pre-war GP Sport and GTS Sport cars, right up to the cars of the 70s.
In addition, there was the eagerly awaited appearance on the race track of the Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo with Milos Pavlovic, who won both the European Super Trofeo and the 2014 World Final, thereby capturing the world championship title.
Racing action in front of the halls
Thirty-five-year-old Paolo Corbellini from Como, at the wheel of the 300 hp Porsche 911 Carrera 3000, won the race of the Milano AutoClassica final dedicated to the rally world of the 70s and 80s.
The winner of the "historic rally" was Lariano, who crossed the finish line ahead of twenty-one-year-old Riccardo Canzian from Pavia at the wheel of the Opel Kadett GT/E Group 4. Third place on the podium went to "Febis" from Novara in the legendary Lancia Stratos with a Ferrari engine. He crossed the finish line ahead of Alex De Angelis from Ferrara at the wheel of the Porsche 911 SC.
The Italian automotive world is celebrated
After being welcomed by the "Three Crowned Heads of the Show": Ferrari 340 MM Scaglietti Spyder, Ferrari 500 TR and Maserati A6 GCS, visitors celebrated important events in the Italian automotive world, for which Milan Autoclassica had made special spaces available. These included: the 80th anniversary of the Jaguar, the 60th anniversary of the Citroen DC and the 60th anniversary of the Fiat 600, the car of the "economic miracle".
The elegant ones compete
As every year, the Milan Autoclassica is also a competition of elegance. Here you can find the categories and vehicles that were awarded this year:
For the category "1st class - style and speed class the best mix of elegance and performance", prize handed over by Gregorio Milanesi - Financial Director of Banca Generali - in 1st place the Ferrari 250 GTL, in 2nd place the Lamborghini Miura SV from the Bonaldi Group and in 3rd place the Maserati A6G54 from the Maserati Museum.
For the category "2nd class - perfection class, the most sensitive restoration", prize awarded by Marco Graziano - Anchorman of TG5 - in 1st place an xk120 fhc from 1951, in 2nd place Aston Martin db 2/4 and in 3rd place a Mercedes 300sl from the Mercedes Benz Milan collection.
For the "best of show" category, awards presented by Andrea Martini - President of Milan AutoClassica - Ferrari 500 TR in 1st place, Fiat 1800 in 2nd place and finally Lancia Stratos Alitalia in 3rd place.
Interesting presentations and workshops
In the meeting center behind the lounge sponsored by Banca Generali, which was located in the center of Hall 18 and made available to the numerous members of the press, there were many in-depth contributions: A full calendar of workshops and in-depth sessions captured the attention of visitors. The contribution on the Mercedes Pagoda by Emilio della Serra was particularly eagerly awaited. Journalist Paolo Ciccarone, together with experts, explained how to protect yourself from unjust speeding tickets. In collaboration with the FormulaPassion.it team, the "Forum F1, 1955-2015 dal Mito all'Utopia" (Forum F1, 1955-2015 from myth to utopia) was created with an analysis of the technical development of this exciting sport over the last 60 years. The historical Ferrari engineer Mauro Forghieri was a guest with a contribution about F1. Mario Donnini presented the book "Senna & Imola Una storia nella storia" (Senna & Imola A story in history).
Successful collaboration
Thanks to the collaboration with the monthly magazine Ruoteclassiche, this year Milan Autoclassica has become the spokesperson for the "Vox Populi" of car enthusiasts. Through the #RuoteclassicheAnniversary social network initiative, readers were able to vote for the most representative models from 1955, 1965, 1975 and 1985.
Lots of new things alongside the old
Milan AutoClassica is an outstanding showcase for the numerous classic car models that have made history: The hidden childhood wish in the heart of every car enthusiast and a special opportunity for the general public and young people to be able to touch not only the jewels of the past, but also the latest new models of top modern cars, in an atmosphere that skillfully highlights the inseparable relationship between past, present and future.
