Milan’s Autoclassica, Fall Edition

Photos by Alessandro Gerelli

Milano AutoClassica has a format unique in its kind: according to the PR, it offers “a winning blend of historic brands, past glories with current models and future previews of all the best that automobile manufacturers have in store.”

In other words, as with most huge classic car shows today, there is something for everyone, including test drives. So much, in fact that the event takes place twice a year, once in spring and the other in autumn; we reported on the March event earlier this year. And it is growing; the event in March saw a 15 % increase in attendance, and figures for the 6th edition held on November 25-27 show indicate an 18% increase from March. Next year however, there will only be one event instead of two.

The Fiera Milano Exhibition Center in Fiera Milano Rho is large enough to take on all comers and incorporates that neat little test track. There are separate buildings which hold classics, car manufacturers, restorations, publications, clubs and auctions.

This year, RM/Sotheby’s held a huge auction on the premise. Called the “Duemila Ruote” it was an incredible collection of cars, motorcycles, boats, and automobilia items. Over 948 lots were up at no reserve and reportedly some very high prices were achieved. The selection of cars was accompanied by several other lots, of about 150 motorcycles, some 60 boats, including several Italian-built vintage racing motor boats, and about 140 bicycles, including many historical “Tour de France” road versions. Also up for auction was a fascinating selection of automobilia, including enameled signs (check those prices!). We’ll have more on that later, but the RM link is http://www.rmsothebys.com/tv16/duemila-ruote/results/

Below, and with due speed, Alessandro Gerelli has captured just a few of the cars at the exhibit and sent them over just in time for today’s edition of VeloceToday.