Vintage Cars and Motorcycles in Padua – Legends of Yesterday and Today

Eleven pavilions spread across 90,000 square metres of exhibition space. 1,600 exhibitors, 5,000 vehicles, and at least 120,000 visitors. These are the numbers behind the 36th edition of Auto e Moto d’Epoca, running at Fiera di Padova through October 27. Widely regarded as Italy’s leading classic vehicle show and one of the most prestigious in Europe, it brings together passion, technology, history, culture, and design—and attracts a market of remarkable size

Over four days, the programme unfolds with panel discussions and conferences on the hottest topics in motoring heritage, while organisations like ACI and ASI (Automoto Club Storico Italiano) spearhead efforts to preserve Italy’s automotive legacy. Attendees include dealers, collectors, historic car specialists, model enthusiasts, restorers, parts suppliers, and specialist publishers.

The show features specialist and private sales, plus a Finarte auction showcasing true rarities—like the 1961 Maserati 3500 GT once owned by Juan Manuel Fangio. Although in poor condition and estimated to need at least €300,000 in restoration, it remains a must-have for serious aficionados. Also on display are the 1947 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Sport Pininfarina that raced in the 1949 Mille Miglia, and an almost impossible-to-find 1948 Cisitalia Cabriolet, preserved thanks to an outstanding restoration.

Among Italy’s treasures is the beloved Bianchina made famous by Paolo Villaggio’s Fantozzi films. And of course, Ferrari makes a star appearance—its racing red icons are priceless, already showcased at New York’s MoMA and Berlin’s National Gallery.

Thanks to the RIAR (Registro Italiano Alfa Romeo), you can admire a magnificent 1929 Alfa 6C 1750 SS Spider Zagato Grand Prix—now 90 years old and a winner of that year’s Belgian Grand Prix. The RIAR stand also features the 1984 Giulietta 2.0 Turbodelta, one of just 361 ever built.

Italian stalwarts Lancia and Fiat are both present—after all, models like the Topolino, 500, and 128 shaped the nation’s automotive history. Peugeot marks the 50th anniversary of its 304, while Jaguar, MG, Triumph, and Land Rover celebrate British engineering heritage.

Technology and innovation go hand in hand: Seat is hosting a special event on the evolution of the Ibiza, the first car built at its Barcelona plant in 1984 on a Ronda (Spanish Ritmo) platform. Designed by Giugiaro, it spawned 5.5 million units and remains a cornerstone of the brand.

Ford is celebrating the Transit, the iconic van that defines its identity. And among the epitomes of luxury and performance you’ll find Alpine, Bentley, Dallara, McLaren, Pagani, and Porsche. Notably, Porsche sponsors its fifth consecutive Porsche Classic restoration competition, open to all Porsche Centres and official Classic partners across Italy.