AutoBello has already been to several locations in Barcelona, and the first was the Real Club de Polo. In recent years, the venue chosen was the Sitges Golf Club, a magnificent space by the sea. But since AutoBello is about the fans who attend and not the places, in the 2023 edition it was decided to bring the event closer to the Catalan capital. The chosen site was the Castle of San Marçal, an idyllic place that also has a polo field, ideal for displaying the classic and sports cars of the attendees. The general feeling regarding the change of the most faithful to the event was very positive, so God willing, in 2024 we will see each other there again.

The catering area was located in a central position on the field under the protection of numerous umbrellas, a perfect area to beat the heat in good company. The large terraces of Mahou, San Miguel and Alhambra were particularly busy, as were the Academia del Gusto, Viña Pedrosa, Love Spirits, Vermouth Perucchi, Ramón Canals wines, Conservas Frinsa, Tabacos Moods and Paella Galbis outlets. In addition, Singular Memories reported on its luxury trips, Bambag exhibited its handbags and Cottet opticians gave away products to the attendees, along with Chanel.

Among the fans of high performance, there were also numerous members of 6to6 (6to6motor.com), one of the most respected communities that usually do not miss their appointment with AutoBello.

We attended together with 6to6 with our Ferrari F8 tribute in Blue Tour de France color, equipped with the ultra-light Omologata Speciale forged wheels in Oro Cattivo special color and with matching livery, and our Alfa Romeo 4C Rosso Forte completely customized thanks to our Linea Speciale program, both interior and exterior. 

Among the classic cars, the Pegaso Z-102 Spyder Touring “Le Mans” stood out, one of the three that were built to compete in the French race in its 1953 edition. It is one of the two that survives and the only one that still retains its supercharged engine. In addition, it is worth highlighting the fact that it was a car built in Barcelona (although the body was Italian) and that it came to AutoBello through Michael Kempf, an internationally renowned specialist in the maintenance and restoration of the Z-102. Another classic car that is very difficult to find was the 1959 Aston Martin DB3S, a compact racing barquette.

Another British model also stood out, the 1936 Bentley 4 ¼ “ex Maharaja of Cooh-Behar”, belonging to the Grup Limousines Collection. Its origins date back to 1931, when the brand founded by W.O. Bentley was acquired by Rolls-Royce. They decided to create a model with a sporty spirit to maintain Bentley’s traditional clientele, and thus the 3 ½ litre was born, whose chassis was derived from the Rolls 20/25. In 1936 the displacement was increased to 4 ¼ litres, for its straight-six engine. It was bought by a maharaja from India, who sent the chassis to Thrupp and Maberly (supplier to the English Royal Family) with the order to build a “Phaeton all-weather” body, that is, a four-seater convertible. Only five units were made with this type of body.

Another very interesting classic Bentley that we were able to admire was the Mk VI from 1951. Likewise, the presence of AutoStorica, the main specialist in the sale and restoration of classic cars in Barcelona, allowed fans to enjoy an exquisite Jaguar E, a Ferrari Dino and a 512 BB. A model from the 1960s that won over the audience and the jury was the brown Porsche 356 SC from Julià 911. It is a very special unit because it was a personal project of Jan Egui Costa, the fourth generation at the helm of Juliá 911, specialists in Porsches from all eras based in Barcelona (julia911.com). Jan is in charge of the company and is a fan of the 356. In his own words, “it is the culmination of the perfect car.” He bought it at an auction in the USA and it is from 1964, from the last series of 356s, with disc brakes and a powerful engine. From there he planned a restoration/preparation to his liking, without adhering to strict originality, and so that he could use it frequently. He also gave it a racing style without the bumpers, with the leather straps holding the hood and the centered exhausts, among many other details.

Porsche fans are always in the crowd

Porsche is always the star of the show at AutoBello with models from all eras, so the new 911 Dakar was not missing with its Rothmans “Roughroads” style decoration, a model that caused a sensation among the numerous Porsche fans, with many clients of Centro Porsche Barcelona. Among the German brands, Audi showed its sportiest range, the RS.

While Mercedes-AMG attended with its high-performance electric sedan EQS and the recent SL.

Lexus, the great Japanese premium brand, showed both the striking and updated LC cabrio and its range of electrified sedans and SUVs.

The notable presence of Quadis, the largest network of official dealers and workshops in Spain, allowed attendees to enjoy the latest developments from the prestigious brands they distribute, such as Abarth, AMG, Audi, Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Ineos, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lamborghini or Maserati.

Supercars are a must at this event, and the three units of the spectacular Artura, its innovative hybrid two-seater with a 680 hp V6 biturbo engine that McLaren Barcelona exhibited, were particularly admired.

Carlos Moreno, from Spain Premium, surprised us with a boat inspired by the Fiat 500 and distributed by Auxinavy.

There was also space for models at the forefront of electric technology such as the Kia EV9, the ultimate exponent of the Korean firm’s strength, which could be seen alongside the also electric EV6, Car of the Year in Europe 2022. The public was also able to see the Polestar range, the 100% electric premium Swedish firm, with its model 2 as its flagship, and the Baltasar Revolt, an electric barchetta with 500 hp that has been developed in Cerdanyola del Vallès, very close to the Castle itself. After the elegance contest and as night fell, guests moved on to the gala dinner, accompanied by the Steinway Spirio piano, which played music autonomously. Guests also enjoyed a fashion show organised by Laretta and sponsored by Love Spirit. The drinks were provided by The Glenrothes Whisky and Love Spirit, and the event was recorded by the company Seeds Experience so that it could be enjoyed later via virtual reality. As for the watch contest, the winners were a Patek Phillippe pocket watch from 1899, a Jaeger-LeCoultre 101 in white gold, the smallest watch in the world, and a Rolex Cellini King Midas.