ClassicMadrid 2023: a review of the highlights of the International Classic Vehicle Show

As is tradition every year, this weekend saw the celebration of ClassicMadrid 2023, one of the most important events in the classic vehicle scene in Spain, which in this edition featured more than 200 exhibitors, including some of the most prestigious restorers in the country such as Coupe-Pueche, Cochera, Juan Lumbreras and RetroSport.

Across the pavilion’s 20,000 square metres and a few more outdoors, motoring enthusiasts were able to enjoy a wide variety of classic vehicles and, above all, a very high level, with standout models such as the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL from 1955, which received the Best of the Show award and features in the header of our post, the elegant blue BMW 503 on the Juan Lumbreras stand, or the Mercedes-Benz 300 Cabrio D from 1953, also awarded the Zalba Caldú prize.

The award-winning classics

Motorcycles also had their place at ClassicMadrid 2023, with the Motorcycle Restoration competition taking place. In it, a 1936 FN 350 won the category up to 1950, a 1959 Moto Guzzi Larios 98cc was the winner in the 1950–1960 category, a 1962 Ducati 125 in the 1960–1970 category, and a 1978 Derbi GT4V in the 1970–1980 category.

Another of the great stars of the show was an Iso Rivolta with a Madrid registration plate, which had been found abandoned in a garage after more than 40 years standing still. According to what we were told, it had belonged to King Simeon of Bulgaria, and its restoration was due to begin shortly.

On Saturday, ClassicMadrid featured the appearance of the legendary driver Antonio Zanini, who recounted his many experiences over a long racing career, with successes such as the 1980 European Rally Champion title and ten Spanish championships between 1974 and 1984.

Something for everyone

As could only be expected, the second and third floors of the Pabellón de Cristal housed numerous exhibitors ideal for anyone looking to pick up a miniature, a good book, spare parts for their classic, or even decorative items. The classic car market also offered cars such as a BMW Z1, a Volkswagen Golf MK2 Cabrio, a Volkswagen Beetle, or even a heavily prepared Nissan Patrol ready for off-road use, among many others.

Seat in Rodaje also showcased several examples of the Seat 1400 to visitors, a model celebrating no less than seven decades, including a Madrid taxi version that had just been restored, as well as a version bodied by Serra that stopped being produced in 1964.

To finish, we leave you with a gallery of some of the photos from ClassicMadrid 2023.