The 16th edition of Retro Classic opened yesterday morning in Stuttgart. The event is one of the most important exhibitions on the European scene and is devoted to classic cars and motorcycles. This time, 3,000 exhibits will be on display in the super-modern spaces set up a short distance from the airport.
This year’s show has a distinctly Italian feel, with an entire pavillion (Hall C2) named “Passione Italiana”. The zone is a stimulating array of cars and bikes in an evocative, exquisitely-designed space. The paddock also offers a selection of traditional German dishes from what is widely considered the country’s automotive heartland.
The Ruote da Sogno stand is in the centre of the Italian pavillion and is already proving popular among visitors for the quality of its exhibits (12 cars and 37 bikes). A magnificent and perfectly preserved Ducati Scrambler 250cc, from 1969, immediately catches the eye. Another exhibit attracting collectors’ attention is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale 1967. The Alfa is a special car and the stand is enhanced by the presence of models Maria Fernanda Ferreira and Valquiria Mendes.
Ruote da Sogno is also offering visitors to Stuttgart an opportunity to experience Italy’s proud motoring heritage. On the stand is a 1970 Ferrari Dino 246 GT and the 2014 FF; the marque’s first four-wheel drive vehicle. The Montreal, Giulia Sprint GT Veloce, from 1966, and the 1981 1600cc Spider (Duetto) represent Alfa Romeo. Three Lancia models are on show, embodying the Turin manufacturer’s domination in the World Rally Championship: the 1987 Delta HF 4WD, the Delta Integrale 8V from 1988 (with just 15,000 km on the clock) and the 1989 Delta Integrale 16V (showing 10,000 km). Sharing the stand are two Fiat models: the 1936 Balilla Spider and the 1970 Dino Spider 2400cc. Things are brought up to date with the sensual Lamborghini Aventador Roadster, from 2014.
The Reggio-Emilia atelier’s motorcycles are also much sought after, confirming Route de Sogno’s position as Europe’s prime operator in the sector. The 98cc series 0 chassis n.3 Piaggio Vespa is the oldest existing example in the world. The Vespa dates from 1946, is entirely handmade and is in a perfect state of preservation. The two-stroke Benelli 147, from 1926, is a competition-spec bike produced in a limited run of just 5 examples by Luigi Benelli. The 1934 Bianchi 500cc freccia azzurra is also on show, alongside two icons from the 1970s: the 1973 MV Agusta 750 S, featuring front drum brakes, and a grey Laverda SFC, from 1974. This bike’s top speed is 200 km/h and was the first Veneto motorcycle to sport a front disc brake.
The Passione Italiana paddock has been designed to showcase Italian cars and bikes in a typically Italian atmosphere. The Ruote da Sogno stand is also home to products from 3 of the best-known Emilian companies: Parmareggio and its famous cheese-based snacks; Venturini Baldini with a selection of wines and balsamic vinegars; Grissin Bon, the symbol of Italian grissini producers.
From today, 3 March, to Sunday 5 March, the pavillion will open its doors from 9.00 to 18.00. 90,000 visitors and 800 journalists are expected to attend.