From April 27 until May 1, Brazil’s premier classic car spectacle, the Paulista Vintage Cars Meeting, was held in Aguas de Lindóia (São Paulo) with 580 rarities on display.

The numbers attest to the scale of this important exhibition:

• 350 cars for sale
• 280 stands for parts and accessories,
• 44 stands selling cars,
• 20 stands in the food court,
• 39 stands for manufacturers of cars and tires,
• A staff of 300 people was involved in organizing and running the event.

Strong rain on Sunday and Monday did impact the visitor counts on those days, but otherwise the public faithfully attended as in prior years.

After enjoying the beautiful classic cars during the day, collectors were able to mingle and celebrate during themed parties, such: ‘Back to 20 Years’ (a tribute to Charley Chaplin), the elegant prom ‘Crystal’s Night’, a ‘Special Breakfast’ for ladies and a night in the ‘buteco’ with Brazilian music.

Classic Cars on Sale

There was an exquisite selection and great quality of cars on offer, with some prices as much as 20% below last year’s:

• A gorgeous 1966 Mustang Fastback, offered for US$ 70,000.00.

• A Mercedes ‘Pagoda’ offered for US$ 72,000.00

• European sports cars as: MGB Convertible offered for US$ 30,000.00.

Overall there was a considerable variety of American and European cars:

• A large number of Cadillacs, many of from the 60’s, some convertibles.
• Mercedes-Benz models covering all eras.
• Rolls Royce, Ferrari, DeTomaso, Porsche, 30’s Horch, 1937 4-door Cord, Alfa Romeo convertible, Chrysler Airflow – but also some very rare makes such as the Czech built Trata Plan.

It’s worth noting that almost everywhere payment plans with 12 no-interest installments were being negotiated.

Awards Night

At the awards ceremony, the President of the FBVA Henrique Thielmann celebrated the 25^th anniversary of the Brazilian Federation of Older Vehicles by honoring the founding members and club presidents who had signed the documents of incorporation of the FBVA with trophies.

Following the tributes began the ‘Awards Night’ of the 100 most representative vehicles of the event. From these 100 winners, five were recognized with special awards.

For the "The Best in Show" the jury picked a 1928 Graham Paige Roadster. Owner Marcos Vinícius Meduri said: "Every year I bring a different car. The debut of my cars is always here". Marcos has about 40 vintage vehicles, all from the 20s. His 1923 Hupmobile Phaeton was another winner. Says Meduri: "Every year in The Best I hit the crossbar. This year was sure it would win with one of the two".

"The Best Jose Everardo Rodriguez Cosme National" goes to the best Brazilian car. This year’s winner, owned by Brenno Russio: a Puma GTE export of 1972. "I am honored to see the work I did on the car being rewarded", said Brenno, who took possession of the Puma six years ago and took three years restoring the car.

"The Regional FBVA José Aurelio Affonso Master Award" recognizes vehicles belonging to a member of the host region’s Club. The choice fell on a 1959 Ford F600, by Antônio Soares Ribeiro. "The whole family was involved with working on the truck. I am glad that we were able to preserve that friend for more than 50 years, starting with my grandfather who originally maintained this truck. The credit is due him", said Antonio Carlos Ribeiro Neto, who accompanied his grandfather.

"The Claudio Borrego Award" went to João Antônio Rechtenwald, President of the vintage car club of Santos, for being a collector and his contributions to society.

The family of the car collector Flávio Marx awarded the "Flávio Marx Trophy" to a 1962 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider owned by Emanuel Sveibil.

The VW of Wilson Fittipaldi, the world’s only twin-engine Volkswagen, also received a special tribute.

Story & Photos:
Teresa Gago, Portal Autoclassic, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Coverage in Portuguese
http://www.autoclassic.com.br/autoclassic2/?p=15288

Photo Gallery
The Paulista Vintage Car Meeting (692 photos)