As another relentlessly busy event calendar slowly begins to wind down, car lovers are still seeking to eke out the last few chances to get up close and personal with some of the world’s finest machines. Thankfully, Bologna’s vast Auto e Moto d’Epoca event covers just about every car niche out there, celebrating the very first combustion engine machines right through to world exclusive premieres from the hottest marques. Spread over a staggering 235,000 square metre space across 14 halls, attendees will enjoy four thematic routes and a busy programme teasing new car launches and exhibitions galore, so you better ensure your calendar is free between October 23rd to the 26th!
At the heart of this year’s show is ‘75:1 – 75 years, one seat’, a spectacular exhibition tracing the evolution of Formula 1. Visitors can follow the championship’s journey, from the cigar-shaped Ferraris and Mercedes of the 1950s to the aerodynamically complex racers of the 21st century. Highlights include Alberto Ascari’s Ferrari 500 F2, Juan Manuel Fangio’s Mercedes-Benz W196R, and the Ferrari 156 F1 of 1963. The exhibition culminates with Kimi Räikkönen’s Ferrari F2007 chassis 262, the car that secured Maranello’s last drivers’ crown.
Two wheels receive equal billing at this year’s event. Thanks to Honda Classic, bike fans can immerse themselves in a 600 square metre showcase of 38 motorcycles chronicling the Japanese giant’s racing and engineering heritage. From early production icons like the CB750 Four and visionary NR750, to championship-winning machines such as Nicky Hayden’s RC211V and Johann Zarco’s RC213V, the exhibition offers a time-travelling journey through Honda’s enduring pursuit of performance. Meanwhile, off-road icons including the mighty CR500 confirm that the dirt legends are not forgotten!
Elsewhere, the Loh Collection of Germany are bringing machines rarely seen outside their museum. The display features the road-going prototype of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR, the homologation special that once ruled GT1 racing, alongside the BMW M1 Procar in which Niki Lauda clinched the inaugural Procar Championship before Hans-Joachim Stuck took victory in Monaco.
Naturally, Italy’s finest machines are also richly represented, as one would expect for an Italian-and-proud event. The ASI Village will celebrate the rediscovery of the Barsanti and Matteucci engine of 1853, the very first internal combustion engine. This incredible historical artefact will sit alongside Eddie Cheever’s Alfa Romeo 184T F1 car in its Benetton colours. The Stellantis Heritage HUB brings gems such as the Bertone-bodied Fiat-Abarth 750 Record, Alfa Romeo’s experimental Scarabeo 1600, and the Lancia D25 Barchetta to name just a few. Meanwhile, ACI Storico will once again anchor the event with exhibitions and talks exploring Italy’s deep ties with Formula 1.
Modernity also finds its place at the event alongside the legends of yesteryear. Toyota will unveil the all-new, sixth-generation RAV4 in a national preview, continuing the lineage of one of the world’s most successful SUVs. With dozens of car brands presenting displays at the show, the event truly is a one-stop-shop to get your motoring fix. No Bologna showcase would be complete without the Motor Valley. The region’s legends – Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, Dallara and more – will present their past, present and future, underlining why Emilia-Romagna is the beating heart of Italy’s automotive culture.
Beyond the headline exhibits, visitors can immerse themselves in a wealth of historic clubs and registries, from Renault, Alpine and Triumph to Peugeot, Citroën, Lancia and Jaguar. Collectors will revel in the twin pavilions of spare parts and automobilia, while connoisseurs of fine mechanics can explore ‘Time on Show’, Bologna’s elegant annual exhibition dedicated to vintage and collectible watches. Far more than a trade fair, Auto e Moto d’Epoca is a living museum, a marketplace, and a cultural festival, proving that the passion for cars and motorcycles transcends eras, borders and generations. Last minute tickets can still be obtained via their website, and we hope to see you there!
