Warsaw’s “New Italy” - Concours of Elegance — Adam Pekala x Vintage Motoring

SMALL AND CLIMATIC CONCOURS

On Saturday’s morning in Warsaw’s „New Italy” district there was a small concours of elegance organised by Vintage Maserati Club Poland. The contest was intended to gather just Italian vehicles, but keen visitors could spot some German, British and American intelligence around. Despite the weather being far from Italian, more than thirty cars showed up in the Combatant’s Park, in-between the Capricorn Pond and Koelichens’ Palace. Visitors were not deterred either! Families and by-passers happily stopped to have a coffee, while admiring the quintessence of Italian design.

Quite surprisingly there were a few classic Ferraris - three 308 GTS and Testarossa in an unusual Blu Sera.

For such a small event, the selection was quite diversified. There were three classic Fiats 500, Fiat 850 Sport as well as one Fiat 124 Spider. Alfa Romeo was represented by a vast range of models. There were four Tipo 105s ranging from a Junior through 1750 GT Veloce to a Giulia Super as well as a Spider 1600. The open-top Alfas almost covered the entire evolution of the model, for the Aerodinamica and S4 were also present. Sadly, there was no Osso di Sepia but… maybe next time.

Quite surprisingly there were a few classic Ferraris! Standing right next to each other were three 308 GTS in red, yellow and pseudo-pink - yes, the so called ‘Barbie’ made an appearance, too! Completing the exhibition from Maranello was a Ferrari Testarossa in an unusual configuration of Blu Sera over cherry-red interior. I need to admit, one that really suits my taste!

Representing another brand solo was the winner of the Concours - a 1969 Lancia Flavia Coupe, chassis number 698 out of only 1399 ever produced. The car was highly original with only its paint job redone at the turn of 2020/2021 and looked simply stunning. Not only it really is resembling its much more expensive sister - the Ferrari 330 GT - but also is very impressive technically. Its two-litre boxer engine looks extraordinarily in the bay and with 115 horsepower it is more than sufficient for gran tourismos. A well deserved win!

A DIFFERENT LAMBORGHINI

One of my personal favourites was the rarest exhibit of them all, and strictly speaking not a car, but… a tractor! Entrant number one was a 1954 Lamborghini DL25 straight from the times when the company pioneered in their production - there were only 178 made that year! The 2.5-litre Diesel engine generates exactly 25 horsepower transferred via a manual, four-speed gearbox. Quite opposite to the usual Lamborghini displacement-to-power ratios!

This particular exhibit has also quite an interesting history. It was enriching a German automotive museum for the past six years and was bought back straight from car collection belonging to Fabio Lamborghini himself. Ferruccio’s nephew even signed the well-restored vehicle, so that his autograph is visible from the cockpit. A lovely detail, unless one decides to plow a field with this ca. 100 thousand Euros beauty, as I am sure they will not!

LOVELY PEOPLE AND CHATTING AROUND

What I enjoyed most on this Saturday morning were not the cars, not the phenomenal tractor and not even a beautiful 1953 Riva Florida. Meeting friends from the automotive world, having a good chat over a cup of cappuccino and simply laughing around was what brought me the most fun. There is this tendency of rushing around I sometimes get stuck into, of photographing all the car details, capturing the event to the fullest and in consequence, missing the moment. This one, I gladly enjoyed not only from behind the lens, but also as one of the true participants.