Hard to imagine: the penultimate Sunday in June with record heat of up to 37°C and the town center of Mössingen, at the foot of the Swabian Alb, is filled like never before. Spread over 4000 square meters throughout the town on 22 June 2025, the combination of a rose market, an art market, a flea market and a widely advertised vintage car rally offered something of interest for every visitor.
A total of 120 classic cars were registered. Many of them arrived long before the official start at 11.00 a.m., after all, everyone still had to find their place.
Unlike at large trade fairs, good conversations between the visitors and the exhibitors were quickly established here - people were talking at eye level.
A colorful range of classics
Datsun SLR 311
Purchased 10 years ago, the proud owner has restored the car piece by piece to its current condition. The only car we know of in which the radio is installed vertically. With a little practice, it is still easy to operate.
It was actually supposed to be a Triumph TR4, but a Datsun popped up on the "mobile.de" website, which is another way to get an oldie. Delivered by the dealer from Hamburg in condition 3-4, at least ready to drive, extensive work, especially on the brakes, was essential. Now the car, still with a mileage tachometer, is in really good condition.
BMW 2002 ti
The BMW was a real eye-catcher, in the typical colorado orange, with the black hoods and stripes that are not uncommon at Alpina.
An alternative solution with an oil separator was found so that the 45 cc Weber carburettors, which had been fitted in the meantime, would not be exposed to the fumes from the engine casing ventilation, especially as the air filter had already been optimized. The underride guard of the predecessor, which was used in rallies, remained in place.
DKW 1000 S
The car was bought 50 years ago for fun, fitted with a replacement engine in 1977 and painted in the garage at the same time. Spare parts for the car are still available, either as new parts or second-hand through the club. However, if you can't do it yourself, you should keep your hands off it.
In the event of a breakdown, the ADAC first had to be told what kind of car it was. The problems with the cylinder head gasket were only diagnosed later. The three-cylinder with thermosiphon water cooling, i.e. without a water pump, should not be denied the air baffle under the bumper, otherwise there is a risk of overheating problems. The freewheel of the gearbox is also unusual and takes some getting used to. The owner of this car certainly enjoys it.
BMW Baur Convertible 2002
This rare car, one of three still in existence in this color, also has a long history behind it. Extensive restoration work, which also took the car to the straightening bench, cost a lot of time, money and nerves. After 20 years, however, the joy of driving outweighs all else, in this case with a clear view upwards.
Only 200 examples of the 2002 Cabrio were built between May and June 1971, after which production was discontinued. The body was too torsion-prone. The next version was fitted with a stabilizing targa bar, which solved the problem. Very few of the first version survived, which earned the car the nickname "white raven".
MG TD
Compared to its predecessor TC, this beautiful TD is comparatively modern with disc brakes and independent suspension.
Bystanders said: "Dees war halt no a Super Blech, dees hebt ewig", which is not really true. Dismantled down to the last bolt, with the frame galvanized afterwards, it took eight years before the Brit was allowed back on the road. The engine was completely overhauled, and the 5-speed Ford gearbox that has since been installed is not causing any problems. "Now I really enjoy the car," says the owner with shining eyes. Having "built" his own car was worth it to him, and after 32 years the effort has long been forgotten.
The car with the "attached" trunk can be seen again at the Tübingen Classic in August 2025. Incidentally, the classic car get-together at the Tübingen Classic, organized by the Boxenstop Automobile Museum in Tübingen, will also be supplemented with other attractions, in this case with open stores and restaurants in the old town and performances by bands.
Rosensecco, hats and vintage cars
A successful event organized by the trade and commerce association. Visitors from Lake Constance and far beyond Stuttgart filled all the parking spaces around the event.
Guests who would not have come without a specific reason also got to know new, previously unknown places in Mössingen. Rose and garden lovers got their money's worth, the flea market had something for everyone and even the art market had special offers for car enthusiasts.
Many of the visitors, who had not originally come to see the beautiful vehicles, took a look at them and were enthusiastic, as evidenced by the intensive discussions with the exhibitors.
Lots of different stands with all kinds of goodies to eat, surrounded by all kinds of classic cars - what more could you want?
Afterwards, one or two people wondered whether they shouldn't just buy the car on which they got their driving license. Younger visitors in particular were amazed to see what grandpa and dad used to drive to work.
The concept of combining classic car meetings with other events so that there is something for the whole family definitely worked. There could not have been a better way to introduce this hobby to the general public.
