Milan, 17 November 2023 - The thirteenth edition of Milano AutoClassica - the Classic and Sports Car Show, loved and followed by all fans of automotive legends, opened today at Fiera Milano (Rho) until Sunday 19 November.  Even on the opening day, the event registered a large number of visitors, proving its constant growth, year after year.  While maintaining its focus on classic cars, it is adapting to new market trends by highlighting the happy contamination between the past that enhances the historical memory of the brands and the present and future of new models, with an increasing focus on sustainable mobility.
Browsing around the stands, Scuderia Grassi shows the 044S, a new technologically sophisticated car reminiscent of those in the premier class of the World Rally Group B, available in only 44 examples. A jewel on the road capable of guaranteeing excellent performance and maximum driving pleasure thanks to the fine work of engineers and motoring masters.  The project is signed by Scuderia Grassi whose history dates back to the last century when Ovidio Capelli, a popular driver during the Great War years, took over the Scuderia Ambrosiana from Count Giovanni Lurani.  His nephew, Diego Capelli, an important and unfortunate car driver, won numerous prizes for years, together with his co-driver Giuseppe Veronelli, on board the Fiat 8V Zagato. Now Diego Grassi, founder of the Scuderia Milanese and nephew of the late champion, heads the team.

Large public turnout on the opening day of Milano AutoClassica at Fiera Milano Rho

Autostoriche.net by Carlo Gritti Morlacchi presents a Volkswagen T1 Kombi, refitted by Porsche service, an icon of German car design. This famous vehicle, commonly known as the 'Bulli', was produced from 1950 to 1967 and became synonymous with freedom and adventure. Its characteristic appearance, with its rounded lines and recognisable silhouette, won the hearts of millions of people around the world. Despite its mechanical simplicity, the Volkswagen T1 Kombi has been able to transport generations of people across long distances, becoming a symbol of the love of the open road. This vehicle has proven to be extremely versatile, adapting to a variety of needs, whether it is a family on holiday or a group of surfers in search of perfect waves. The story of its origin is a very special one; in the spring of 1947, Ben Pon, during a visit to the Volkswagen factory, was so impressed by a vehicle that was being used in the warehouse to move heavy goods that he proposed a version adapted for civilian road use: the T1 was born. Today, this car is an integral part of automotive and non-automotive history, linked to numerous screen appearances such as 'The Bradford Family' and phenomena such as Woodstock and, more generally, flower child culture.

Large public turnout on the opening day of Milano AutoClassica at Fiera Milano Rho
Large public turnout on the opening day of Milano AutoClassica at Fiera Milano Rho
Large public turnout on the opening day of Milano AutoClassica at Fiera Milano Rho
Large public turnout on the opening day of Milano AutoClassica at Fiera Milano Rho
Large public turnout on the opening day of Milano AutoClassica at Fiera Milano Rho
Large public turnout on the opening day of Milano AutoClassica at Fiera Milano Rho
Large public turnout on the opening day of Milano AutoClassica at Fiera Milano Rho
Large public turnout on the opening day of Milano AutoClassica at Fiera Milano Rho

On the OldCar24 stand among the cars on display is a rare red Alfa Romeo RZ Zagato, produced in only 278 examples and published in trade magazines. Today it is a type of car that is coveted and sought after by collectors of youngtimers/classics of tomorrow and is very attractive for its characteristics and the combination of Alfa Romeo and Zagato Milano coachwork. The other is a historic German car that turns 60 this year, a Mercedes 230 Sl of 1966, completely restored.