Concomitant with the International Symposium “What is Original? And What Isn’t …” held on March 1, 2025 by the FIVA ANF the Mexican Federation of Antique and Collector Automobiles (FEMAAC), FEMAAC also held a two-day exhibition by the name of the La Gala Internacional Del Automovil (International Automobile Gala - ‘La Gala’).
Zaredith Mejia and her daughter Amaia proudly displaying their show trophy
Both the symposium and the exhibition were held on the grounds of the renown Restaurante Jajalpa. La Gala, which ended on March 2, 2025, was a registered FIVA event, and, in synergy with the symposium, served to pay tribute to classic and collectors vehicles as true works of art that represent an essential part of history and culture.
Over a two-day period, three hundred and eighteen automobiles (including a number of unique pick-up trucks) and thirty-four motorcycles partook in the exhibition with the oldest automobile being a 1904 REO. The panel of judges included FIVA President Tiddo Bresters and Vice President Emeritus Gautam Sen. Some of the show winners included a 1925 Lincoln which was awarded the ‘FIVA Prize’; a 1970 Mercedes 280sl ‘California’ recognized as “Best European”; a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia as ‘Special Prize winner – European’; an AMC Matador awarded as ‘Best American’ and a 1966 Dodge Dart Convertible winning the overall prize for ‘Best of Show’.
Looking back at this wonderful exhibition, one can only but be struck by the family atmosphere and camaraderie that was prevalent throughout the show.
This wonderful family atmosphere could be best exemplified by the mother-daughter team of Zaredith Mejia and her daughter Amaia who were awarded the ‘Special Prize - American’ for their AMC Pacer.
According to Zaredith, she first “met” her Pacer during childhood when it was bought by her uncle. Since they were neighbors, he would park next to her family’s Rambler American, with the Pacer’s unique shape and rounded glass area greatly contrasting with the Rambler’s relatively modest design. It bears mention that the AMC Pacer was produced in Mexico from 1975 to 1980 by Vehiculos Automotores Mexicanos (VAM) and positioned as a premium price luxury car.
Over the years, Zaredith tried unsuccessfully to buy the car from her uncle until finally succeeding nearly two decades ago. When she took delivery of the Pacer it was in non-running condition. During the two decades that it has been in Zaredith’s possession, the Pacer has been so lovingly cared for that it was of no surprise that it would be awarded the Special Prize by the panel of judges. This loving care has obviously been passed on to the next generation as when the Pacer was driven up the ramp to be awarded the trophy, Zaredith was accompanied by a beaming Amaia. According to Zaredith, the Pacer is greatly loved by Amaia and together they have taken countless trips together with it. Such is the recognition that the Pacer has received that it has even appeared in a number of TV shows and movies. Literally coming full circle, the Pacer will serve as the wedding car for Zaredith’s niece, who it turns out, is also the granddaughter of her uncle, the original owner.
Zaredith’s and Amaia’s story are a microcosm of the family orientation and shared appreciation that was prevalent at “La Gala” were the vehicles on exhibit were not only looked at as being cherished possessions, but, in many cases, as family heirlooms as well.
Text and pictures by Ramin Salehkhou