Cotogrande, Vigo, Spain, 13 – 15 September 2002
Spain is not a country with a strong classic car culture, but it does have a core of
enthusiasts who often have to travel abroad to appreciate their passion. In 2001 a
group of enthusiasts in the north western town of Vigo decided to get their own
classic car show off the ground. It proved popular and gave them the encouragement
to repeat the effort in 2002. Thus Retrovisor 2002 came to be held over the weekend
of 13 – 15 September in Cotogrande, Vigo adjacent to the local airport.
The exhibition covered a 20,000 square metre exhibition hall, and although not as
salubrious as the more established shows in northern Europe, provided a wide
range of models from different eras, together with a few modern classics to satisfy
the classic enthusiast’s palate. For a foreign visitor it also gave the opportunity to see
a few ”home grown” classics from the Fiat based Seat range rarely seen outside
Spanish boundaries, together with a Spanish built Alpine Renault 1400.
The oldest car on display was a very original 1907 Gregoire Double Phaeton on the
Magasin Motor magazine stand, whilst other early motoring gems included a 1922
Derby 2 seater sports model in blue with a polished aluminium bonnet, an imposing
1924 Packard Cabriolet and a stunning duo-tone yellow 1924 Hispano Suiza
Torpedo Le Baron, powered by a 7 litre six cylinder engine. There was a strong
Jaguar presence, as the town is home to a world renowned Jaguar restoration
specialist company, and they had examples of a beautiful red and black SS1 sports
saloon, XK 120 and XK 150 models, plus a number of ”E” Type variants on display.
The Italian car element was also healthy, with a Pair of racing Alfa Romeo Giulias, a
Giulia SS, Lamborghini Urraco S, Maserati Merak SS, and a sweet 1938 Fiat Topolino
amonst the exhibits. The modern classics were represented by Ferrari, with a
Testarossa, # 76609, a 360 Modena F1, # 116722, and a 550 Maranello, # 112338,
all finished in Rosso Corsa.
Although the country may not have a classic car culture, the show certainly attracted
good size crowds, so perhaps one is developing and the show may go from strength
to strength, to make it an attractive proposition for foreign exhibitors and visitors.
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