A motoring getaway to Porto
Actualitzat: 4 days ago
Taking advantage of a direct, reasonably priced flight to Porto, I decided to spend a weekend there, visiting the AutoClássico show and enjoying a pleasant break in this welcoming Portuguese city. It proved to be a particularly rewarding visit, both for the number and quality of the cars on display and for the unexpected delights that events of this kind always have in store.
Exceptional cars at the concours d'elegance
One of the most eye-catching cars was an extraordinary 1939 Lancia Aprilia Aerodinamica Viotti, a unique example conceived and built to meet the wishes of its original owner. One of those exceptional cars that make a visit to a motor show worthwhile all by themselves
Another car that particularly caught my attention was a 1953 Pegaso Z-102 B Touring Berlinetta, chassis number #150-0144, with a remarkable story of its own. The car had been presented by Franco to the President of Portugal and, in 1967, suffered extensive damage when the Lisbon warehouse where it was being stored was flooded.
ts restoration proved particularly challenging, and the help of Wifredo Ricart himself was sought, with the legendary engineer providing advice on bringing the car back to life. In Porto, it was on display at the stand belonging to the organisers of the forthcoming Retromóvil show in Madrid, where an exhibition dedicated to the Spanish marque is planned.
At the same stand, Miguel Fenollosa Ricart, Wifredo Ricart's great-grandson, was presenting the Ricart Z102S, a modern Grand Tourer inspired by the legendary Pegaso Z-102. An interesting project that celebrates Ricart's automotive legacy and his fundamental contribution to Spanish motoring history.
An Alfa Romeo that brought back memories
Some cars leave a lasting impression on us for reasons that are difficult to explain. For me, one of them is the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale. Nearly twenty years ago, I came across an example covered in dust in the garage of the apartment building where a friend of mine lived in Venezuela. That sight captivated me and, ever since, I have had a particular soft spot for this very special model.
That is why I was especially pleased to find a beautifully restored example at the Porto show. Seeing this Alfa Romeo again inevitably took me back to those years and brought back memories of my time in Venezuela.
Anniversaries and other celebrations
AutoClássico also made room for several motoring anniversaries. Among the themed displays were exhibitions marking the 60th anniversary of the FIAT 124 and the 40th anniversary of the Citroën AX. Both provided an opportunity to look back at the history of models that have played an important part in the story of the motor car.
Surprises in the car park
As is often the case at major classic car gatherings and motor shows, the visitors' car park also had some very pleasant surprises in store. Sometimes, the cars parked outside are just as interesting as those displayed inside the exhibition halls.
On this occasion, I particularly liked a Moretti 595 SS based on the FIAT 500 i and a BMW 600. Perhaps that is because I have always had a soft spot for small cars, those little runabouts and microcars that are so often overlooked in favour of larger sports cars.
I also had the chance to admire a FIAT 600 Multipla and a Vespa 400, both beautifully restored and offered for sale.
Porto, much more than a motor show
Visiting AutoClássico was only one part of the trip. Before heading to the show, I took the opportunity to visit the Museu do Carro Eléctrico, which houses an interesting collection of trams and public transport vehicles. Some of the exhibits are more than a century old and are still fully operational, just like the trams that can still be seen running through Porto's streets and carrying tourists along the banks of the River Douro.
Another worthwhile stop was the Alfândega building, where a permanent exhibition of presidential vehicles from the Portuguese Republic can be seen. The collection offers a glimpse of some of the cars that have played a part in the country's institutional history.
All in all, AutoClássico provided a wonderful excuse to revisit Porto, a welcoming city with plenty to offer beyond its monuments and scenery. Between exceptional cars, personal memories and unexpected discoveries, I enjoyed one of those weekends that leave you wanting to do it all over again.
