The ASI Village transforms BolognaFiere into a vibrant showcase for Italy’s motor heritage during the Auto & Moto d’Epoca 2026 fair. Spread across Padiglione 25 and Padiglione 31, the exhibition blends classic four-wheel marvels with iconic two-wheel machines, while weaving in contemporary initiatives that aim to safeguard and celebrate historic mobility.
Rare prototypes and vintage collections on display
At the heart of the visitor experience lies the Collezione ASI Bertone where three standout pieces command attention. The 1984 Chevrolet Corvette Ramarro pays homage to the late designer Marc Deschamps, while the 2003 Bertone Birusa and the 2007 Barchetta illustrate the house’s forward-thinking spirit. Adjacent, the Morbidelli collection presents a trio of 1926 motorcycles – a Harley-Davidson 350 B, an Indian Scout 600 and a German BMW R42 – each representing a different continent’s early motor-bike heritage.
The “Golden Era” motocross corner revives the post-war off-road excitement with a 1953 Gilera Saturno 500, the 1966 BSA Victor 441 GP and the 1966 Greeves Challenger MX3. A small but intriguing micromotor exhibit showcases the Chardon Le Poulain, Lamone and Taurea Cicala bicycles, early examples of pedal-assist technology that foreshadowed today’s e-bikes.
Tributes, competitions and rally legends
Saturday, 24 October becomes a pilgrimage for rally enthusiasts as the Fiva Heritage Hall of Fame honors the late Sandro Munari – the “Drago di Cavarzere”. Two of his Safari Rally machines, the 1974 Lancia Fulvia HF Gruppo 4 and the 1976 Lancia Stratos Gruppo 4, are displayed alongside a live interview led by journalist Carlo Cavicchi. Former world champion Miki Biasion, alongside Tonino Tognana, Andrea Aghini and seasoned navigators Gigi Pirollo, Rudy Dal Pozzo and Max De Antoni, share memories of Munari’s daring African exploits.
In parallel, the second edition of the Grifo d’Oro ASI 2026 design contest reaches its climax at 11:45 am. Young designers were asked to imagine a two-seat sports car that captures the soul of Italian automotive styling from the 1950s to the 1970s without copying any classic model. The winner will be announced on the same stage, underscoring the event’s commitment to fostering the next generation of car designers.
Institutional milestones and future programmes
For the first time, the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato hosts a dedicated space within the village, explaining the history of vehicle registration plates and the procedure to obtain an authentic first-registration plate for historic vehicles, as enabled by Decreto Ministeriale 468 (21 November 2023). A public talk on Friday, 23 October at 12:00 will delve into the legal and artistic significance of these plates.
Later that afternoon, ASI signs a protocol of understanding with Confagricoltura. The agreement, sealed at 15:00, targets the preservation and certification of historic agricultural machinery, with the 1960 OM 45 Doppia Trazione tractor displayed as a tangible example of Italy’s rural mechanisation legacy. The ceremony also previews the 2027 edition of ASI Circuito Tricolore a 16-stop tour that will marry historic vehicles with regional gastronomy and cultural traditions, and introduces the new partner Maletti 1867, a storied agro-alimentare brand.
Padiglione 31 celebrates two-wheel competition heritage. Visitors can admire the 1974 Yamaha TZA 750 that marked Giacomo Agostini’s debut for Yamaha, the 1974 Paton-Bimota 500 GP, and the Ángel Nieto-linked Garelli 250 GP. Ducati’s racing pedigree is highlighted with the 1991 888 Racing, the 2002 998 F02 ridden by Troy Bayliss, and the 2004 Desmosedici GP04 of Loris Capirossi, while the 1972 Laverda 1000 triple-cylinder endurance machine rounds out the showcase.
Across the exhibition, the message is clear: historic motor culture is a living, evolving dialogue between past achievements and future aspirations. By merging legendary machines, commemorative awards, emerging design talent and concrete heritage services, the ASI Village affirms its role as the cornerstone of Italy’s motor-history stewardship.
