Bologna Auto Show 2005

We just received this event update from our onsite reporter in Italy, Mr. Francis Mandarano, who recently attended the Bologna Auto Show with his son Tony.  Many of you might not be aware of this, but Frank and his family have taken up residence in Florence, Italy for the past four months and will return in mid-January.  

Below is Frank's review of the Bologna Auto Show, as well as photographs Frank and his son, Tony, took while attending this event. Frank highly recommends attending this event due to its size and uniqueness, especially if you have any teenagers at home.  On second thought, after reading Frank's recap, my suggestion is for leaving the teenagers at home!  I think this should be a trip that Dad and the guys make!  I think my suggestion will make much more sense to you after you finish reading Frank's review of the Bologna Auto Show.

I would like to thank Frank and Tony Mandarano for providing us with their onsite report, plus all their wonderful pictures they took of the Bologna Auto Show. We look forward to more contributions in the future.

Ciao,

Mike Latsis
Maserati Club International

The Bologna Auto Show

The Bologna Auto show is held each year for ten days in the month of December.  It is the most attended auto show in Europe.

It is completely different than any of the other auto show I’ve attended because it is geared to the 18 to 27 year old age group.  If you're a youth in Europe and you like cars -  this is definitely where you want to be.

The Show is typical of most major car shows, as it is filled with manufacturers showing off their latest hardware with lot of glitz and flash.  It is a massive show, located in 30 huge hanger-size buildings on the Bologna fair grounds, including 6 or 7 outside driving and test events, as well as races with grandstands and all.

All the usual vendors are present, including classic cars and motorcycles.  Where the Bologna Auto Show differs from traditional Auto Shows is that there is an extra portion of show biz all geared to the 18 to 27 year old - i.e. vendors team up with local radio stations to provide lots of give-away prizes to the general audience, plus there are dancing girls in very suggestive outfits everywhere.  It seems every hall has two or three disco set-ups with loud blaring thumping music, complete with girls on stage dancing and prancing.  The guys go nuts, yelling and howling.  It is great fun to see!

I highly recommend the Bologna Auto Show to all car enthusiasts that are scheduled to be in Italy the month of December.  It is total entertainment.

Oh the cars,  yes, we did have a look at a few of them, actually quite a few of them!

Ciao,
Frank Mandarano