The first AutoBello in the capital of Turia was held in 2013 in the Marina of Valencia, but in the following years it did not continue. Eleven years had to pass before the great car and watch event returned to these lands. The return has been possible thanks to the support of a motorcycle legend and a Valencian pro, the great Jorge Martínez “Aspar”. It so happens that the new Aspar Circuit, in the Valencian town of Guadasuar, was inaugurated on May 21, and the stars aligned to celebrate AutoBello there just a few days later, on May 30. The Aspar Circuit is less than half an hour by car from Valencia, it was born as the first global motorcycle academy in the world and seeks to promote young talents to reach the top of the world. “Aspar” acquired the circuit in 2022 together with businessmen of the stature of Roig. Furthermore, Aspar himself made his debut on this track 45 years ago, so for him it has been like a dream come true.

Indeed, it is a unique space due to the diversity of activities that can be carried out there. It is the perfect setting for getting started in “Motorsport” or for professional and amateur drivers to train. Whether in karting, racing or motorcycling, the Aspar Circuit has everything necessary for enjoying two or four wheels in the Valencian Community, as well as all kinds of sporting, commercial and corporate events. Those attending AutoBello were able to park their cars on the main straight and in the adjacent areas, and then enjoy the camaraderie and food stalls that are common at this event. With Mahou at the helm, there was no shortage of Love Spirit liqueurs or San Andrés artisanal gin. Academia del gusto served its Italian delicacies, Frinsa its preserves and Grefusa its appetizers. Moods cigars are also a classic at Autobello, and the stand of Degussa, a specialist in precious metals, was a highlight.

As for exotic sports cars, we saw everything from three Lamborghini Aventadors (two of them SVJs), the Alfa Romeo 4C Cattivo modified by LLAGOS Design or several modern Ferrari such as the 488, F8 Tributo, two Portofinos and a yellow SF90. We also admired the SLS AMG, a Maserati MC20 and several McLarens, such as the orange 720S, the grey Artura or the spectacularly vinyl-wrapped 570S driven by Felipe Pantone. This contemporary artist based in Valencia started out with graffiti and has created murals all over the world, as well as designing car decorations for clients such as Ken Block or for Alpine. The thriving French brand, which is preparing a major expansion of its sales with the launch of the new A290, exhibited several units of the two-seater A110.

Among the classic Italians, a yellow Maserati Merak with original Spanish registration from Stradale Corse, a Sagunto workshop specialising in high-end sports cars, stood out. We were also won over by several Ferrari from the 80s and 90s, such as the black 550 Maranello and an impeccable 328 GTS brought by “Aspar”. The classic Mercedes were also very elegant, such as the 190 SL, or the impeccable 500 SLC from Autosalon Valencia. Quadis exhibited the latest from Bentley and Maserati and also Ineos Grenadier, the new pure and luxurious 4×4, inspired by the classic Land Rover Defender. However, the most exotic modern car was the Karma Revero driven by Domingo Ochoa, the creator of the Spano GTA, as he has an agreement with the American company for the distribution of the brand in Spain. From the British Isles, a Lotus Emira also arrived, and there was no shortage of Rolls-Royces, with a Shadow and an imposing Cullinan SUV from Egocars, the specialist in very high-end cars from Bellreguard, who invited their clients. The best SUVs on the planet also shone in their area, such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT or the Aston Martin DBX. The most celebrated car of the event was also the English Aston Martin DB6, which received one of the main awards. Also impressive was the yellow Lexus LC 500 Cabrio, a perfect car to enjoy the mild climate of the area.

As usual at AutoBello, the most numerous brand was Porsche, with so many magnificent models that it would be too long to list them. However, the yellow 911 S from the 70s with original Valencia registration, the 930 Turbo 3.0 on the TAG Heuer stand, the spectacular all-black 991 Speedster, the yellow Cayman GT4 RS or the 992 GT3 Touring from Porsche Valencia stood out. Not forgetting the white 993 from the prestigious classic car restorer Arturo Pardo and two 928. Another of the clubs that did not want to miss it and came with their powerful machines were the sixsters, members of the always active and festive 6to6 community. And it was not all about cars, because “Aspar” showed the attendees a spectacular motorcycle designed by himself, which of course took home a top prize. As he explained to us, “during Covid, I never spent so many days at home, and I thought: When I was a child, what bike was special to me? And then I thought of the Honda CBX 1000, six cylinders. I got one and made a special bike out of it, with MotoGP wheels, suspension, brakes and swingarm. It’s a different bike, made with unique parts, something very personal. It was made at Azira, at Bolt, by my good friend Adrián Campos, may he rest in peace, together with my mechanics, and I’m very happy to have this jewel.” This unique machine can be admired at the Aspar Museum, in the same facilities as the circuit, where, in addition to motorcycles, there is also a Renault F1 single-seater owned by Fernando Alonso on display.

Regarding the watch competition, the two most celebrated pieces were accompanied by a “matching” car. The Audemars Piguet Millenari x Maserati, with a rose gold case, arrived in the yellow Maserati Merak. And the Girard Perregaux x Scuderia Ferrari, an ultra-exclusive version celebrating the fourth consecutive constructors’ championship (1999-2000-2001-2002), was worn on the wrist of the driver of the black Ferrari 550 Maranello.

After the parade, attendees enjoyed dinner on the terrace of the main building, followed by a DJ session and Love Spirit liqueurs. The success achieved and the good atmosphere that reigned invite us to think about a new edition of AutoBello Valencia next year.