Albania: A Safe Haven for Historic Vehicles

Images: Jon Papadhimitri, Gautam Sen

At the closing ceremony of the Third Automotive Fair Albania, the Albanian Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation, Blendi Gonxha, made a compelling statement: "I would like to see Albania become a safe haven for historic vehicles."

Since the establishment of Retro Albania in 2019 – Albania’s government-backed central organization for historic vehicles – Blendi Gonxha has been at the heart of the movement.

Formerly the head of the General Directorate of Road Transport Services, Gonxha took on his current ministerial role in January 2024, continuing to champion Albania’s automotive heritage.

One of Retro Albania’s standout initiatives has been the Automotive Fair, an annual celebration that blends the spirit of a motor show with street racing, parades of vintage cars, and vehicle exhibitions.

Held in the heart of Tirana, the event draws thousands of visitors every year over a festive weekend.

I attended the 2023 edition – covered in my report The Festival of the Automobile: Automotive Fair Albania – and found it thoroughly enjoyable.

I was invited again this year and, despite the occasional interference from the weather, had a fantastic time.

As Gonxha described in a CNN interview, the Fair was billed as: "The biggest event for car enthusiasts. The past, present, and future of the automotive industry all in one place. March 27-30 – four days full of adrenaline, speed, and excitement. Get ready for surprises, competitions, and innovation like never before."

Although I could only attend three of the four days, the event lived up to its promise.

A key highlight was the impressive display of modern vehicles and two-wheelers, including a strong showing from Chinese manufacturers like Beijing, BYD, and MG, whose booths were among the largest at the show.

This year’s timed racing, held on a temporary track laid out in Mother Teresa Square – named in honour of the Albanian-born saint – was dedicated exclusively to historic vehicles, unlike last year when modern EVs also took part.

A total of 47 classic cars competed, the majority hailing from Bari, Italy, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of the Bari Old Cars Club, led by the ever-passionate Antonio Durso. A few entries came from other parts of Italy as well.

The lineup was impressively diverse, ranging from a 1929 Bentley Speed Six – owned by an Irishman who stores it in Italy – to iconic models like the Jaguar E-Type, MGAs, Fiat Ghia 1500 GT, Alpine A110, and the breathtaking Lancia Flaminia Sport Zagato.

Racers from the 1950s were well represented too, with three Stanguellinis, a Salmson, a Gordini, and a host of unique one-offs – including several Fiat 500-based single-seaters.

Despite the slippery and often treacherous track conditions, the elegant group of gentleman and lady drivers from Italy delivered an outstanding performance.

Braving intermittent showers, they kept the adrenaline pumping and the crowds thoroughly entertained.

Retro Albania also organized an unforgettable visit to the exceptional private museum curated by Arben Prrenjasi and Medi Halilaj.

Their remarkable collection showcases Albania’s automotive history with over 50 motorcycles – including rare Jawa and CZ models – and around 35-odd vintage four-wheelers.Among them were Beijing jeeps, Volga sedans, and FAW Jiafeng trucks and buses, each a unique glimpse into the country’s motoring past.

Adding to the charm of the event was a parade of historic vehicles by Retro Albania members. I was lucky enough to ride in Arben Prrenjasi’s beautifully preserved Mercedes-Benz W111, a car that once served in the official fleet of Enver Hoxha’s communist regime – a surreal experience that added an extra layer of historical resonance.

By blending the old with the new – historic vehicles alongside modern marvels, racing, parades, exhibitions, and even dance music pulsing through the city centre – the Automotive Fair Albania succeeded in crafting a truly immersive festival of the automobile.

Once again, the passionate team at Retro Albania, under the capable leadership of Ilir Mëngra (who took over as the head of General Directorate of Road Transport Services from Gonxha in early 2024), pulled off an exceptional event.

Their vision of making classic cars accessible to the public, wrapped in a celebration of speed, style, and culture, is a model that deserves to be replicated across the global historic vehicle community.