AUTO E MOTO D’EPOCA SIGNALS A RECOVERY IN THE CLASSIC CAR SECTOR
October 28, 2024
From October 24 to 27, the 41st edition of AUTO e MOTO d’EPOCA took place, for the second consecutive year at BolognaFiere. Attendance increased over 2023 numbers across all four days, especially on opening day and Saturday.
The event confirmed its ability to attract enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world, despite an unpredictable series of exceptional weather challenges. Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna region showed remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.
The fair saw a significant recovery in the classic car and motorcycle market, “an upward trend” according to show organizer Mario Carlo Baccaglini. “Unlike other European industry fairs, we can truly be satisfied with the results achieved... All sectors of the market have grown, and all price ranges are represented. Particular cars, rarities, well-preserved original conditions, and attractively priced offerings are in high demand; above all, cars with a story to tell prevail.”
According to Gianpiero Calzolari, President of BolognaFiere, AUTO e MOTO d’EPOCA “came to Bologna from Padova to grow and increase its international presence, fully meeting this goal... in the heart of the Motor Valley.”
Dealers expressed satisfaction, noting growth in sales across various sectors. Attention remains steady for classic Porsches, as well as Italian and European cars from the 1950s. A new generation of collectors is increasingly interested in youngtimers, often seeking special models and limited editions.
The ASI Village hosted the ASI Historical Motorism Award, which was presented to Arturo Merzario.
Finally, the ACI Storico stand was a resounding success, with over 25 notable presentations on the ACI stage for the many enthusiasts in attendance. Among these was the press conference for the presentation of AUTOMOTIVE MASTERPIECES’ editorial project on the Targa Florio, part of the CHASSIS books series: the volume TARGA FLORIO’S CHASSIS, with author Sandro Binelli and Marco Gandino, moderated by automotive journalist Marco di Pietro.
At AUTO e MOTO d’EPOCA 2024, at least ten cars included among the AUTOMOTIVE MASTERPIECES were present, as always proudly showcasing their significant historical and collectible value.
Cars
1953 Fiat 8V
- Coachbuilder: Carrozzerie Speciali Fiat
- Chassis n°: 106*000008*
- Engine n°: CS*042*
8th of all Fiat 8V and 2nd oldest surviving with Rapi body. Custom features for E. F. Nasi. It raced 1957 Mille Miglia with Siddi, bronze at 1948 Olympic Games.
Private collection
1947 Fiat Stanguellini 1100 Berlinetta Special
- Coachbuilder: Bertone
- Chassis n°: 290996
- Engine n°: 324347
Built by Stanguellini with a Bertone body designed by Luigi Fabio Rapi. It ran the Coppa Intereuropa in 1951 and its engine was tuned-up by Giannini in 1954.
Private collection
1949 Ferrari 166 Panoramica Sanction II
- Coachbuilder: Zagato
- Chassis n°: 0061S
- Engine n°: TBD
A philological reconstruction. A tribute to Panoramica bodywork concept built nowadays by Zagato on a rolling chassis originally of a Ferrari 166 Vignale coupé.
Private collection
1954 O.S.C.A. MT4-2AD 1350
- Coachbuilder: Fratelli Morelli
- Chassis n°: 1146
- Engine n°: 1505
The car raced the 1955 Mille Miglia, ranking 14th overall and 2nd in class. From 1954 had a long and successful career, mostly in France, driven by Luc Descollanges and later by Paul Pignard, father of the famous Michel (Pinuche), until the end of ‘50s.
Private collection