38,900 spectators from 17 countries visited the "Klassikwelt Bodensee" trade fair right next to Friedrichshafen Airport over three days from May 19 to 21, 2017, to experience classic vehicles on the ground, in the water and in the air. The anniversary edition offered a firework display of attractions, not only statically on the ground, but also in action around the 10 halls.
On the outdoor area there were historic airplanes, racing cars, motorcycles and even amphibious vehicles to see, hear and smell.
The unique concept once again benefited largely from good weather conditions and provided non-stop entertainment. The organizers intend to stick to this concept when the trade fair is launched in 2018 in a new cooperation under the name "Motorworld Classics Bodensee".
Classics on the circuit and beyond
Lovers of historic mobility really let it rip in Friedrichshafen.
At the Vintage Demo Racing event on the circuit between the exhibition halls and the airstrip, newcomers and the young at heart put their two- or four-wheeled racing vehicles through their paces - from the hundred-year-old displacement king American LaFrance to the superbike of the 1980s.
In between, daring aerial maneuvers in the sky caused open mouths and, here and there, fingers in ears.
Special exhibitions worth seeing
For those who wanted to take it easy, the numerous special exhibitions offered the opportunity to explore other eras and the cars of different nations.
And of course there were also dealer and club stands and a wide range of entertainment options in the halls.
Parts and accessories too, of course
Books, model cars, vehicle parts and all kinds of other items were of course also on offer in Friedrichshafen.
Those in a buying mood did not have to return home without heavy bags. Those who just wanted to look around could simply enjoy the selection.
Helping to shape the exhibition
In addition to the clubs and professional exhibitors, visitors who arrived in their own classic cars were able to become part of the exhibition themselves. Around 600 vehicle owners parked their treasures in the inner courtyard and in exhibition hall 1.
While many an escort in a stylish petticoat got out of the American cars from the 1940s to 1960s, the owners of English three-wheelers put their leather caps on the narrow passenger seat.
Once classy, once fast
The Foyer West was very classy, where a luxurious Maybach convertible was on display next to Riva boats in mahogany. Right next to a "convertible" of a completely different kind, an open half-track vehicle of the Wehrmacht.
The design icons of the "bella Italia" exhibition (placed around a leaning tower) and the special show celebrating 40 years of the Porsche 928 were much sportier.
The ultimate in speed and, as an exception, not a classic car, an Aventador SV from 2015 was presented by Fabio Lamborghini, the nephew of company founder Ferruccio, in close proximity to a 1970s Jarama and a 50-year-old tractor from the same brand.
After ten years with new ideas
For 2018, visitors can look forward to an exciting continuation of the Friedrichshafen concept under the aegis of the Motorworld Group. Classic vehicles of all kinds will of course continue to take center stage. However, there will also be even more highlights from the classic and modern classic car scene and a fascinating program as well as the traditional racing and air shows. In addition, the theme of lifestyle is to be emphasized, similar to the trade fair in Berlin. Exhibitors and visitors should be encouraged to become part of the classic mobility universe with the right look and feel.
It will be interesting to see how the planned innovations will affect visitor frequency and the trade fair offering. In any case, the number of visitors stagnated at a high level in 2017.
