Minas Gerais, BRA, June 25, 2008 — The Brazil Classics Fiat Show 2008, the 18th Araxá Concours d’ Elegance, brought together 322 of the rarest and most valuable collectors’ items in the country. The highlight was the Italian sports cars, of which there were 40, including Ferraris, Iso Grifo, Maserati, Lamborghini, Fiat, De Tomaso and Alfa Romeo. One of the rarest was a 1952 Ferrari 225 S Barchetta Vignale. A great many classic European automobiles were there, including two Isotta Fraschini from the 1920s, Rolls-Royces from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, three Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, a 1958 Facel Vega HK500 and […]
Minas Gerais, BRA, June 25, 2008 — The Brazil Classics Fiat Show 2008, the 18th Araxá Concours d’ Elegance, brought together 322 of the rarest and most valuable collectors’ items in the country. The highlight was the Italian sports cars, of which there were 40, including Ferraris, Iso Grifo, Maserati, Lamborghini, Fiat, De Tomaso and Alfa Romeo. One of the rarest was a 1952 Ferrari 225 S Barchetta Vignale.
A great many classic European automobiles were there, including two Isotta Fraschini from the 1920s, Rolls-Royces from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, three Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, a 1958 Facel Vega HK500 and a 1939 Daimler Sedanca de Ville, which took the “Best of Show” trophy. North American cars were well represented by, among others, Packards, Cadillacs and Graham Paiges from the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s.
Brazilian makes also made their presence felt and 20 Simcas celebrated the 50-year-long presence of the French make in Brazil.
Many activities involving these antiques were held during the Concours d’ Elegance (from May 21st to 24th at the Grande Hotel de Araxá – a famous mineral water spa resort in the State of Minas Gerais), including a regularity rally and an auction (the only antique car auction in Brazil) at which 18 vehicles were sold.
On the last day, there was a traditional parade of the 54 automobiles that won awards. In addition to the “Best of Show”, another special award went to the 1927 Isotta-Fraschini 8 A and the best Brazilian automobile was the 1960 Alfa Romeo 2150. The oldest at the party was a De Dion Bouton from 1902. The most original was a 1927 Fiat (509 A), with only 2,700 km on the odometer. The event was organized by the Veteran Car Club of Minas Gerais and was sponsored by Fiat Automóveis and FPT.
