New Classic Alfa production - Brake fluid reservoir for early 105 cars, available in June

Finally here! Right-hand drive outer headlamps for Bertone GTV from 1968-76 (GT Junior from 1971)

“Auto Moto D’epoca” Padova 27th-29th October 2006

This year with Imola Mostra Scambio (see 2004 review) being a bit of a wash out (torrential rain the whole Saturday!) I decided to fly out again the following month and re-visit the annual Padova car show which I hadn’t been to since 2002.

Arriving on the 26th I was able to talk my way in as the trade were setting up and Coys were preparing their auction exhibit. It was nice to be able to wander around without the crowds and I was immediately struck by the increase in size of the show. I think it was four or five exhibition halls last time I went and it is now 10! This increase gives an indication of how many more car clubs and manufacturers are displaying there.

On the parts front, not much has changed with the same familiar companies present and ever more ludicrous prices being asked for rare, harder to find items. That said, like all of these Italian shows, if you are looking for a particular rare part it can be rewarding if it a little painful on the wallet!

The Coys auction had a re-creation TZ2 for sale which I enjoyed looking over and although it may sound expensive at around 180,000 euros (and it didn’t sell) the real thing is probably worth ten times that amount and to re-create a car like this would probably cost at least the asking price - it was beautifully done.

Also for sale at the auction was a race prepared 2600SZ coupe which sold for 47,000 euros and was certainly an unusual car especially as a historic racer!

Here are a few photos to give you a flavour of the range of Alfas present (many of them for sale) and if you choose to go next year you will certainly enjoy the machinery even if you don’t find that elusive part!

One of the many Alfa Clubs’ displays Giulietta Berlina and Montreal

Stunning, genuine 1300GTA wide body, fresh out of restoration

Large selection of rather nice Giulietta Sprints and a Giulia Spider offered for sale

One of at least 6 (yes six!) Montreals for sale at the show

Early Giulietta Sprint from 1956 in need of restoration for sale

Lovely trio

At the end of the Saturday we were treated to a cavalcade of no less than 13 Lamborghini Miuras arriving at the exhibition - the site and noise brought literally hundreds pouring out of the exhibition halls!

So beautiful……..