AutoClassica Milano: The Big Show
AUTOCLASSICA
THE BIG SHOW HELD IN MILAN
Words by Andrea Balti
Photos by Giorgia Rossi
Across the weekend from 23rd to 25th November, the event hosted and concluded the annual array of fairs for fans of classic motoring and the Milan AutoClassica has come back with an even better edition than last year. Even though we only had two pavilions, the interest of the spectators enjoyed a series of first-level exhibitors, well organized and able to offer space to those looking for memorabilia, die-cast models, vintage cars or even more modern supercars, in beautiful exhibition in Pavilion 18. In fact, one of the most scenic corners was right at the entrance, in the refined area to which Horacio has accustomed us and with an array of two Pagani Zonda, which show how they seemingly age like wine. But also McLaren, Bentley, BMW and Alpine, which has played with the contrast between some iconic models of the past and the counterparts of today, showing that for writing a great future we always have to look to our roots.
Still into performance cars territory, PB Racing has brought a rich pack of Lotus, while among the best sellers RM Autosport and Ruote da Sogno absolutely nailed the whole event. The same goes for Rosso Corsa, official Ferrari dealer known for the quality and variety of the cars on display and then we had a handful of veteran cars still with wooden wheels and all the mechanics arranged outside the cokcpit, pieces that smell of a distant era and that remember where everything started thanks to Vintage & Prestige Classic Cars.
We also appreciated the exhibition of Automobili Coero Borga, which fielded a selected trio that at a distracted look might not point out that these three actually are pretty unusual pieces (Ferrari 458 Speciale, Porsche Cayman GT4 and the new Alpine A110) aesthetically customized by Garage Italia Customs. And I am sure that you didn’t miss the Stratosferica, a tribute to the Lancia Stratos Alitalia Rally car based on an Alfa 4C, which clearly divided its admirers from those who did not appreciate the distortion of the lines of the small sports car from Arese. In its favor, however, it must be said that despite at the time Alfa Romeo and Lancia were not two brothers, the bodywork and the mechanical layout of the 4C was a great starting point to brush up the glories of the most insane Lancia ever.
Fans spent indoors a rainy weekend at the end of November, experiencing the magic that only cars of this kind can offer, catching those friends that you always find on these occasions without even having to make an appointment and looking for the deal, maybe just that piece seen just a month ago in that of Padua and still unsold. Finally, proving that these are not just fairs aimed solely at the historic cars market, the youngest visitors have been able to test themselves with the Ferrari racing simulator, admire the exhaust systems brought here by Capristo and the Leoni Extrema, a prototype SAV (Sport Action Vehicle) equipped with all-wheel drive and an exaggerated 730-hp V12, interior enriched with carbon fiber and huge chrome wheels, ideal for the cruising through Middle East dunes.