Auto e Moto d’ Epoca, Padova 2018

Story and below photos by Alain Raymond

Eight vast indoor exhibition halls, several outdoor squares and alleyways totaling more than 750,000 square feet; hundreds of journalists and more than 120,000 visitors from 40 countries; scores of parts, accessory and book vendors; five thousand collectible cars for sale and 1,600 dealers; an incredible variety of visitors, from grey-haired seniors to teenagers, all passionate about cars. That was the 35th edition of Auto e Moto d’Epoca, the largest vintage car marketplace in Europe.

Only 30 minutes by road from the historic city of Venice, Padova (or Padua) is best known for the Basilica of St. Anthony and the famous frescoes by Giotto in its 14th century Scrovegni Chapel. But once a year, Padova becomes the “Hershey of Italy,” attracting scores of automobile aficionados from Europe and beyond.

Mega Sale

My three Canadian friends and I descended on the city and were planning to cover the exhibition in two days, only to realize that a third day was required to cover the huge fair grounds and the 5,000 cars shown for sale. Mostly Italian, as you would expect, but also many French cars, notably those carrying the Citroën brand. German cars came next, with scores of Porsches and even a few Borgwards.

The Padova Fair has a major soft spot for Alfa Romeo, the true spirit of Italy’s car culture. Available in all states of conservation – or lack thereof – Alfas seem to have a huge following. Duettos, GT Veloces, GTAs, Giulia Berlinas, Alfettas, even pickups, vans and military vehicles, all there to be admired. To our surprise, next in line in popularity came Lancia, with scores of beautiful Fulvias offered at ever higher prices. As for Fiat, the Fair seems to aim mostly at the 500 and the 600 in various iterations, including the Jolly, both in Ghia dress at silly prices and more “down-to-the- beach” replicas. Also popular, the Abarth derivatives, both authentic and tribute, with one original Fiat Abarth 1000 TCR offered for the princely sum of 150,000 euros ($172,000).

Ricambi Unlimited

As attractive as they were, the several thousand cars for sale were, in my mind at least, not a match for the incredible number and variety of “ricambi” (spare parts) and accessory vendors spread over two huge covered halls and even outdoors. A collector’s and restorer’s paradise. Everything and anything you can think of, mostly of course for Italian cars, but also for the British, German and French brands. Just to illustrate, here is a sampling of what we brought back: Citroën DS radio, very rare and specifically made for the DS, Robri ignition timing manual adjuster for a Citroën Traction, brand new old stock Audiovox radio for a Fiat 128, set of specific Alfa Duetto wheels, parts for rebuilding an Abarth 595 SS engine, including a lightened flywheel, a pair of Carrera seats, a brand new OEM in-box tachometer for vintage a Alfa GTV and a period radio, an original owners’ manual for a 1947 Topolino. And scores of brochures, business cards, and references from builders, restorers, suppliers. All valuable information not readily available elsewhere. And yes, models, models, models, including a rare Abarth 750 Zagato Double-Bubble.

A Club for Every Model

Judging by the number and variety of classic car clubs, associations and event organisers, Italy’s love affair with its automotive past is alive and well. The role played by historic clubs continues to grow in importance. And as mentioned above, the younger generation seems to carry the tradition forward with particular interest for Youngtimers, 20 to 30 years old future classics and limited production cars.

The category includes the likes of Lancia Beta, Alfetta and GTV, VW GTI, Fiat 131 Abarth, Autobianchi A112, Porsche 911 Turbo, SC, etc. The depth of the culture translates into the presence of scores of single-model clubs, one of the largest being Fiat 500 Club Italia, with 5,000 members.

Special Tributes

The image of a huge, generously-finned 1950’s Cadillac occupying the floor space of several Fiat 500s is certainly indicative of the cultural differences between Europe and America. Still, the Fair did pay homage to Carroll Shelby with a well-presented stand showcasing the legendary Cobra and a replica of the Le Mans winning GT40 MKII.

Homage was also paid to rallying with a striking display of 16 world-famous cars in the Rally Italia Experience exhibition. Past World Rally Championship winners recalled the glorious days of Lancia, Alpine Renault, Renault 5 Turbo, Opel, Fiat Abarth and Ford Escort. A number also used the Fair to showcase their heritage and display a few modern products, namely Volvo, Porsche, FCA, Maserati, Mercedes, Bentley and McLaren. Let us hope that this trend remains in check, unlike events like France’s Rétromobile that are gradually taken over by car manufacturers.

For auction-goers, British auction house Bonhams returned to Padova for its second year. Top seller was a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Series II Coupé (508,197 euros) in a sale that totaled more than 2,000,000 euros. This was probably the highest price paid in Padova in 2018 since most cars offered were in five and six figures. In an era of frequent multimillion-dollar sales, let’s hope that Auto e Moto d’Epoca remains accessible to the average collector, thereby contributing to the health and continued existence of the collector car hobby.

In closing, Mario Carlo Baccaglini, creator and organizer of the event, announced for next year, in partnership with the University of Padova, a project titled “Padova looks to the future”, focusing on new car technologies and the evolution of mobility. As he stated: “The automobile has a great future, but only if it maintains the link with the past and the feelings it generates. People come to Padua to smell, hear and review those cars that have made history, created the passion and still make our hearts beat. I think vintage cars are a reference point for today’s and tomorrow’s cars.”

More on these subjects can be found on Flickr and YouTube below…

https://www.flickr.com/photos/auto-historia/albums/72157675062316428