Porto, 30 September-02 October, 2022

One of Portugal’s major classic car shows, the Auto Clássico, now in the 19th edition, was held at its regular venue of the Exponor exhibition centre, close to the airport to the north of Porto, over the weekend of 30 September-02 October. As with many classic car shows and events in 2022 there was a celebration of the 75th anniversary of Ferrari, with a display in the main atrium area, plus further examples on various dealer stands. At the lower end of the price spectrum there was also the 50th anniversary of the Fiat 126 and the Renault 4, together with the 30th anniversary of the Renault Twingo, featuring displays of all of these models.

The main exhibition halls featured a variety of single marque club stands, whilst the major displays in the main halls were the province of classic car dealers and restorers, providing an eclectic array of cars of all ages and types, for either delectation or purchase. Notable amongst these were the stand of Juan Lumbreras with a spectacular pale metallic blue BMW 503 Coupé, a pair of pristine Mercedes-Benz 230 SL models and a Cadillac Series 62 Convertible amongst their offerings. Then there was the stand of the Jaguar specialist, Good Old Times, with the main feature being a XK140 with the body raised on a frame above the chassis and running gear, together with a variety of E-Types ranging from bare shells to fully restored examples.

The Jorcar stand always has some interesting and varied offerings, and amongst them this year were a Renault 5 Turbo 2 and a rally prepared Renault 8 Gordini, together with a Bentley Azure, a Maserati Ghibli and a Ferrari 599 GTB forming part of their display. Nearby there was a Ferrari 550 Maranello on the Pep’s Gang stand, along with a 360 Modena Spider, adding to the show’s Ferrari content. American car fans were also well catered for, with a number of examples around the show, including a 1960 Chevrolet Corvette and a 1963 Corvette “split-window” coupe in the expansive SSR Classic display. There was also a hall dedicated to classic car parking and private vendors, providing attendees with a further selection of cars to view and/or buy. Adjacent to the main hall was another one almost as large, dedicated predominantly to accessories, tools, books and scale models, along with engineering and parts restoration specialists.

Apart from the static displays in the halls, there was the regular outside action arena, which is a great attraction of the show, with classic and modern rally cars running against the clock, providing plentiful action for the crowds over the course of the weekend.

Keith Bluemel
10/2022