Gentlemen, the car season warms up day after day and in April promises to offer many satisfactions. Here are 4 of the major events of the month of April dedicated to the passion for driving and the elegant and adrenaline-filled atmosphere of races of the past.
Franciacorta Historic • April 6 • Castrezzato, I
Hot wheels and polished car bodies: we're just a few days away from the 12th edition of the Franciacorta Historic, a spring regularity race for classic cars promoted by ACI Sport. With over one hundred cars registered in recent years, the race is reserved for cars built until 1971, with the addition of a selection of models of particular historical and collector interest produced by 1976.
In addition to the peculiarity of the participating cars, the spectacular nature of the area is to be expected: the race will cross one of the most beautiful areas of the renowned Franciacorta along a fascinating route of about 130 km and 50 timed in-line trials (not repeated).
Espiritu de Montjuic • April 5-7 • Barcelona, E
Only in its 2nd edition, the race on the Montjuïc track - "the magic mountain" that dominates Barcelona - already has the approval of many enthusiasts. The organizer, Peter Auto, has been able to recreate the atmosphere of the old races, legendary drivers and paddocks open to the public on the Catalan soil where fans, young and old, can meet cars and champions.
On the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya it will be possible to see specialty races in different classes including GT, Prototypes at Group C, Le Mans winners. The Iberian Historic Endurance will open the weekend while classic enthusiasts will be able to feast their eyes at the Craze Classic gathering and the Concours d'Elegance.
Cars & Coffee Brescia • April 7 • Brescia, I
Cars & Coffee Brescia is coming back on April 7 with a new exciting event dedicated to Dreamcar Drivers coming from all over Europe and beyond, for an exhibition of vehicles of unique standards and variety. The successful format of the past editions will be back in 2019… In the morning, Drivers and Co-Drivers together with their prestigious vehicles will meet at a dedicated location for the private exhibition and for an exclusive lunch.
In the afternoon, after a driving session, vehicles will parade and will be exhibited to the public at Villa Calstelbarco, a few kilometres away from Milan. During the course of the day several activities will take place. Drivers will be able to test drive some of the latest Lamborghini models and challenge their technical driving skills on professional simulators.
Techno Classica Essen • April 10-14 • Essen, D
With over 188,000 visitors registered during the last edition, Techno Classica Essen is the largest fair of classic cars in the world and a concrete testimony of the constant attention to vintage motoring and collectors. Its success is due to the valuable selection that is made every year by S.I.H.A., the organizer, who has always been committed to recalling the most iconic classic cars. In 2019 there will be 1,250 exhibitors from over 30 countries.
Born in 1989, Techno Classica Essen was the first major German international event exclusively dedicated to classics, a true pioneer in the sector. With cars from over 25 German and international manufacturers and carefully set up stands, this year the German trade fair confirm itself as the most important worldwide event dedicated to engines that have made history.
Tour Auto Optic 2000 • April 29 - May 4 • Paris-Biarritz, F
The 28th edition of Tour Auto Optic 2000 offers its 240 participants a five-stage itinerary. As per tradition, the event will open with the wonderful exhibition of the participating cars in Paris' Grand Palais. In the following 4 days, the competitors will race on 4 circuits (Dijon-Prenois, Magny-Cours, Charade, Le Mans) and 10 special stages.
Every year Tour Auto Optic highlights a manufacturer or a type of car that has been involved in the history of the Tour de France Automobile: this year the focus is on models entered between 1951 and 1973, while among the unmissable cars we have to mention a 1949 Healey Silverstone, a 1954 Frazer Nash Le Mans, a 1953 Sunbeam Alpine Roadster and several Triumph TR2 and TR3.
Photo credits: Franciacorta Historic, Cars & Coffee, S.I.H.A., Peter Auto
