For the twelfth time, Motorworld Classics Bodensee in Friedrichshafen opened its doors on May 10, 2019 to take 38,100 visitors into the world of classic automobiles from Friday to Sunday.
The figures show that interest in classic cars is still growing. In 2018, there were 536,515 vehicles with H license plates in Germany, 12.4 percent more than in the previous year. The number of cars over 30 years old rose by 12.1 percent to 756,598 cars. These are huge numbers and of course only a small selection was on display in the exhibition halls in Friedrichshafen.
Wide range of products
Over 800 exhibitors from 14 countries showed what they had to offer. The big retailers were missing, but smaller suppliers stepped into the breach.
However, the trade does not have the same importance at Lake Constance as in Stuttgart, for example, but the clubs are given significantly more space and there was even room for airplanes and boats.
Rather mid-priced classics
Several hundred vintage and classic cars in the lower and medium price segments were on display and on offer. For example, you could buy a Renault 4 or a Fiat Ritmo for four-figure sums or a Mercedes-Benz 300 for five-figure sums.
Many VW Beetles and similar models were on offer, and there was also no shortage of Porsche 911s and Mercedes convertibles.
Really expensive and rare British and Italian classics, on the other hand, were few and far between, but there were hot rods and special American cars.
The price level was by and large moderate, as always with (a few) upward swings.
Not just stand-up stuff
The special thing about the trade fair in Friedrichshafen, however, is the circuit behind the A halls. In this day and age, it must come as a surprise that Roland Bosch, Exhibition Director, manages to obtain a permit for this every year.
His efforts pay off, because sports and racing cars only become automobiles when they are in motion.
The brute American LaFrance certainly made a particular impression on the winding circuit. Around a dozen of these roadsters, mostly derived from fire engines, with huge four-cylinder engines (around 14 liters displacement) made the earth tremble.
The motorcycles, as well as the green Beetle with a Kawasaki four-cylinder engine and the Lotus Europa with a Mazda Wankel engine, then ensured significantly higher frequencies.
Woodstock on Lake Constance
The trade fair organizers came up with something special with the special Bulli show.
It was reminiscent of Woodstock and celebrated the role of the VW Bus as a "Love Mobile" and a symbol of freedom. Various models of the T1 and T2 showed the wide range of Bulli models.
Rare and less rare Brits
Another special show focused on current and vanished British car manufacturers.
Here you could see an MG B or a Jaguar XK120, but also rarities such as the Morgan Plus Four Plus, a modern coupé with plastic bodywork at the time, or the Healey Tickford Sports Saloon, an early work by Donald Healey.
The somewhat different exhibition
Another special feature of Friedrichshafen is the exhibition parking lot between the halls. Classic cars (and youngtimers) are allowed in here, which are often almost as exciting as the cars in the halls. Where else can you see a mini Jaguar MkII based on a Nissan or a unique buggy?
The poorer weather, especially on Saturday, unfortunately dampened the popularity of the classic car drivers for this exhibition opportunity somewhat.
Charming trade fair
Overall, it can be said that the trade fair on Lake Constance has a lot to offer visitors who are not looking for a rare Ferrari or an exotic French car. Motorcycle enthusiasts were also able to view some very interesting two-wheelers around the London Ace Cafe and even tractor enthusiasts were able to enjoy a selection of Porsche and Lamborghini tractors.
Although the club stands were not as elaborately constructed as at other trade fairs, the exhibits were certainly exceptional and "always a pleasure to see".
Of course, there were also a whole host of anniversaries to celebrate, such as 50 years of the Ford Capri or 60 years of the BMW 700.
Little desire to buy at the auction
Almost every trade fair has to have an auction these days, it seems. The public likes it, because an auction guarantees excitement. Most of the time. At Motorworld Classics Bodensee, auctioneer Till Rosenkranz swung the hammer over 42 automobiles and some automobilia worth around EUR 3.5 million.
The response from the bidding public was moderate; apart from a few dealer memorabilia, most of the lots were left standing and the highest bids, when they came in above the starting price, were sometimes less than a third of expectations, despite a thoroughly varied and sometimes unusual offering.
Auction professional Rosenkranz explained the rather unsatisfactory performance of the auction as follows: "The auction at Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2019 was very well attended. We had a wide range of fascinating vehicles, from an entry-level Golf for around 1000 euros to a Ferrari Daytona worth almost a million. Auctions are still in their infancy in Germany. Most transactions take place after the actual auction. I see auctions as a different way of presenting and selling vehicles - it's a different marketing strategy, so to speak."
Offered and Sold Vehicles
The following table lists all offered and sold vehicles with estimated prices, highest bids, and sale prices. The price conversion was made at the exchange rate valid on the auction day. All information is provided without guarantee.
| Lot | Car | Year | EUR Est from | EUR Est to | EUR HP | % Est | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04 | VW Golf II 1.8 CL | 1988 | 1200 | 1440 | 300 | N | |
| 05 | Zastava 750 | 1983 | 4500 | 5400 | N | ||
| 06 | Mercedes-Benz 230 CE C123 | 1983 | 12'000 | 14'400 | 9000 | N | |
| 07 | VW Käfer 1303 Cabriolet | 1978 | 14'000 | 16'800 | 7500 | N | |
| 08 | VW Karmann Ghia 1600 Cabriolet (Halbautomat) | 1972 | 19'000 | 22'500 | 12'000 | N | |
| 09 | Mercedes-Benz E 200 (W124) | 1995 | 20'000 | 26'000 | 10'000 | N | |
| 10 | Fiat 600D Multipla | 1965 | 29'500 | 35'500 | 18'250 | N |
Möchten Sie alle Auktions-Ergebnisse sehen?
All information is provided without guarantee.
Legend: Column S = Status (V = Sold, N = Not sold, Z = Withdrawn, U = Under reserve)
Est = Estimate, HP = Hammer Price, SP = Sale Price
