Thousands flock to Barcelona. The 30th Auto Retro Barcelona in the Catalan capital confirmed its place as one of Spain’s most important classic shows, attracting 59,200 visitors to the Fira di Barcelona in Montjuic from 5-8 December. That total set a new record for the event, with an increase in the numbers arriving from outside Spain, while dealers also reported brisk trade over the four days.
The exhibition space was boosted to more than 30,000m2 for the anniversary year, and there were various marque and model birthdays being celebrated among the 300 exhibitors across the halls. Not surprisingly, there was something of a local theme, with displays marking 60 years of the Seat 1400 saloon, 50 years of the 1500, and 40 years of the 132, while the square outside the exhibition hall was filled with historic Seats, including 130 cars brought along by Club 600 Barcelona.
Among other milestones were 50 years of the Mercedes SL Pagoda with the Mercedes-Benz Club Spain, plus 60 years of Gabriel Voisin’s tiny Biscooter. An amazing 30 examples of the microcar were gathered by the Classic Motor Club del Bages y Atrezzauto, and were taken in groups to drive around the old Montjui’c street circuit.
The Amics del Volkswagen a Catalunya marked its own 30th anniversary plus 75 years of the Beetle with a huge display of VW compacts, while other groups turning out in force included the Andre Citroёn Club, MG Club Catalunya and the RACC, which presented centenarian marques Elizalde and David. Porsche specialist Nou Onze paid tribute to racer Juan Fernandez with his 904 GTS, while the Antic Car Club de Catalunya awarded its annual prize to former F1 team boss Joan Villadelprat.
Away from the club areas, there were classics for sale in the Car Corral, an extensive autojumble and trade section, a special display of ‘Treasures Revealed’ showing barn-finds in their as-found states, plus a new exhibition of trucks, buses and tractors. Outside, visitors could retake their driving tests in the style of 40 years ago aboard the ‘Magician Voisin Biscooter was celebrated with a 30-strong display Moritz’ Seat 600. The last day of the show was christened ‘American Day’, with two- and four-wheeled Yankee transport flagged away by a Marilyn Monroe lookalike and – rather incongruously – a Spanish Mr Bean.
RACC marked centenary of Elizalde brand.
Large VW selection led outdoor exhibits.
Seat milestones included 1500 and 1600.
Auto Retro Barcelona 2014 will take place from 5-8 December; see autoretro.es
