Snapshots From Auto & Moto d’Epoca Padua 2021 | Events

25 October 2021 Redazione Events, News

Words Tommaso Mogge / Photos Giorgia Rossi

The end of October means only one thing: Auto & Moto d’Epoca, the exhibition that transforms Padua into the gravitational center of every self-respecting motor enthusiast, whether they are motorcycles, toys and of course cars. The distinctive trait that characterized past editions and which saw the four-day event as a container in which to celebrate the history of automobile alongside models that smell of future to come has changed, making the Fair par excellence into something that in all respects allows you to make “AMDE” as a kind of journey into the world of cars and the protagonists who made it special. Hence, each edition embraces, presents and explores one or more specific themes, which for 2021 has seen the spotlight shed on the great designers who have defined the world of cars.

Obviously, in addition to the precious collaborations such as the inevitable one with the ACI Storico and various clubs, the presence of Mauto (Turin automobile museum) has guaranteed the presence of collector’s items capable of stealing the show thanks to racing cars of every era. The fulcrum of this edition has thus allowed the many visitors, as always from all over the world, to admire truly unique concept cars and prototypes, in order to enjoy a sort of journey through the decades and appreciating how the inspiration of a human being is perfectly capable of keeping up with the avant-garde technologies used today.

Among the official brands, the Porsche Italia exhibition stood out proud, with a careful selection of purebred sports cars from past years, up to a new 992 GT3 used for the inauguration of the newborn Porsche Experience Center in Franciacorta. In the late morning of the first day, awards were also held for the three best restorations of the classic Porsche division, while the FCA Heritage department, Alpine Center, Romeo Ferraris and the official dealer for McLaren and Bentley Milan represented another must-stop, looking forward to the multitude of models on sale by retailers and even private sellers. Both the external area and most of the pavilions have in fact showcased an incredible number of cars that had not been seen in previous editions, all in favor of an impressive curiosity that has sealed this edition as the best and most varied ever. Last but not least, one of the largest spaces is, as always, reserved for toy and collectable models, memorabilia and spare parts.

What were the most interesting things to see then?

Of course, said like that it seems the usual piece of review useful to seal the success of an event that you absolutely do not want to miss next year, but the reality is that the 2021 edition was explosive and this time not only thanks to the official manufacturers, but rather because the variety of proposals was disarming. In fact, it was not an event with just a tricolor background, because despite the large number of Italian brands represented by preserved units, perfectly restored or in anything but healthy conditions, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, FIAT, Maserati, Ferrari and Lamborghini represented only a part of the whole. In addition to the inevitable German models, we have in fact noticed a much more consistent presence regarding British models – Jaguar above all – a slight more realistic attitude concerning the (few) prices on display and an increasingly marked offer in the Youngtimer segment.

In short, spending a day at the Padua fair was the ideal way to retrace the golden years of automobile and learn about prototypes and creations that we didn’t even know existed – did anyone mention the Sparadadi? The value of the event has been dramatically raised no matter the difficulties still entailed by the health emergency. This means that the work carried out by the organization and in particular by all those involved bringing here the real protagonists of these four days have once again emphasized that today the Italian capital of automobile is in Padua. Furthermore, without AMDE losing its identity by selling out to 100% electric themes which, however noble, do nothing but divide and alienate old-school enthusiasts, we talked about future as well, but without being afraid of hearing a nice engine roar. This is passion, this is the world of cars that we hold tight to and that no one can take away from us.