The 24th edition of Retro Classics in Stuttgart was once again one size larger than last year. Halls 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 as well as the atrium and the aisles around it were used, making up a total area of around 90,000 square meters.
Over 600 exhibitors had registered and a total of over 2200 vehicles were on display. 77,000 visitors responded to the call of the classic car fair to experience driving culture in Stuttgart.
Many anniversaries at Porsche
Porsche Heritage welcomed people to Hall 1 with three anniversaries. The celebrations included 25 years of the Porsche Carrera GT, 40 years of the Porsche 959 and 60 years of the Porsche 911 Targa.
Naturally, there was a corresponding exhibit to mark all these anniversaries. But perhaps even more exciting was the Porsche LMP 2000, which was first built in Zuffenhausen in 1998 with the aim of achieving another overall victory in 2000.
The engine used was the V10 that had once been developed for Formula 1; the chassis was made of carbon fiber. The 700 hp racing car weighed 882 kg when it completed its laps in Weissach during the first test in November 1999. The computers had predicted a lap time of 3:33 for Le Mans, but this never materialized. Porsche stopped the project as it became apparent that there would be little participation in 2000 and as the new Cayenne type tied up development resources. One prototype remained, while a civilized version of the engine found its way into the Carrera GT.
50 years of the Manta B
The Manta B dominated the Opel clubs.
Over a dozen variants were on display, including rally versions, production cars and tuning versions as well as conversions. The star of the special show was, of course, the car from the movie "Manta, Manta".
Right next door, Irmscher also exhibited other versions, including the i2800 with a six-cylinder engine.
And of course the Manta B anniversary was not the end of the story, as the Ascona B was also celebrating its 50th birthday and the Kadett B its 60th.
70 years of the BMW 507
BMW left the prestigious anniversary celebrations for 70 years of the BMW 507 to the "BMW Club Mobile Classic".
On display were not only four examples of the now million-dollar luxury sports car, but also its predecessor, which Ernst Loof had bodied at Baur in 1954 at the behest of BMW and which was based on a 502 with a V8 engine.
The design did not convince the BMW people, but above all the Americans at the time, and so Count Goertz was put in charge of the design, which resulted in the 507.
50 years of the three-row
BMW Classic in Hall 5 also celebrated 50 years since the establishment of the three-series, which, as is well known, began with the E21 in 1975.
At least one example of each of the seven generations was on display, some of which were one-offs.
For example, a BMW 316 Cabriolet represented the E21 series. Despite its attractive appearance, the conversion by Karmann did not make it into series production.
The BMW 328i K2 from the E36 series also remained a one-off as a glass folding roof convertible from Karmann.
And the BMW M3 Touring from 2000, based on the E46 series, also remained a concept car, even though it was designed for everyday use. But, as is well known, there is only an M3 estate from the current model series, 24 years later.
70 years of the Citroën DS
Many different examples of the Citroën DS were on display at the DS Club stand to celebrate the 70th birthday of the "goddess".
Among other things, cutaway models and production vehicles were on display, illustrating the entire production history from 1955 to 1975. We also noticed the beautiful displays in the background.
Motorworld trade fair at
The Motorworld stand in Hall 1 covered 1500 square meters, not including the additional stand in the hallway, which pointed to the imminent opening of Motorworld Mallorca.
Many automobiles from different eras were exhibited on the main stand, including two Mercedes-Benz 300 SLs, an Aston Martin DB5 and a BMW CSL Coupé.
The Motorworld Inn, where tasty Maultaschen were served, was very popular. And of course, the other elements of the Motorworld ecosystem, from the Solitude to the Tatoo Studio, were not missing.
Mercedes-Benz in several halls
While Mercedes-Benz Heritage in Hall 1 once again showed the bodyshell of a 300 SL gullwing in a compact space after Paris, accompanied by a W124 estate, the Mercedes clubs in Hall 3 attracted the attention of visitors with a wide range of vehicles.
The many vehicles in various stages of restoration were impressive, as were the exhibits of technical components embedded in a garage setting.
The W123 and W124 series were particularly well represented, but one of the two surviving Monteverdi Tiara based on the W126 was also on display.
Rarities at the clubs, specialists and dealers
Some rarities could be found away from the manufacturers' stands, either at clubs or at dealers and specialists/publishers.
For example, you passed a Skoda 110 R, the aerodynamic limousine from Leichtbau Maier or the Dino 206 S Spyder.
At the Jaguar Club, visitors could admire one of the oldest Jaguar XJ-S: this model is 50 years old and is one of the most successful and longest-built Jaguar vehicles ever.
As always, the "British Corner" was full of popular, but also hardly ever shown cars of past British brands.
At Rare.Sphere, meanwhile, rare Porsche 911 models were staged on pedestals, from the Carrera RSR Turbo to the "Desert Fox". A special model was presented on the theme of 60 years of Pepita.
"Lara's Garage" presented various AMG models, some of which had been extensively restored and beautifully staged. Representative Ruoff said that there was still a lack of demand in Germany, but referred to the great AMG enthusiasm in the States, which may soon spill over into Europe.
The "Climate Lounge" showed a color-assorted duet of Bugatti Veyron and Type 13, complemented by a Lamborghini tractor in a matching color.
American diversity
Part of Hall 3 became the "epicenter" of the "Way of Drive". In fact, "GeigerCars" and other specialists impressively demonstrated how diverse the range of vehicles from the States was and is.
Whether originally presented Chevrolet or Cadillac, converted American road cruisers or more recent classics such as the Plymouth Prowler - there was something for everyone who likes to listen to a V8 engine or likes lush and expansive shapes.
The really big ones
The really big vehicles were spread out in Hall 6 and invited visitors to explore them.
Whether fire engines, commercial vehicles or coaches, there was plenty of nostalgia to discover here that certainly doesn't fit into the standard garage.
Wide range of vehicles for sale
Anyone who had come to Stuttgart to buy something had a large selection to choose from, ranging from privately offered young classics to valuable Ferraris or Porsches. Cars over a million were few and far between, but this probably only bothered those visitors who had traveled more or less directly from the Rétromobile in Paris.
Thanks to the proximity to the plants in Stuttgart, there was certainly no shortage of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche cars; after all, dedicated dealers of these brands, such as "Boxer Motor", were also present on a grand scale.
Although German brands dominated the range, imported vehicles from Italy, France, Great Britain, the USA and Japan were also on sale.
There was no shortage of exotic offerings - who has seen a Honda Quintet at a classic car show in recent years?
Some pre-war vehicles were also looking for new owners, including a white BMW 328, a red Ford Model T and a Buick with a six-cylinder engine.
The rows of vehicles on offer were always thought-provoking.
For example, there was a Lancia Stratos built in 1980, which was actually after the official end of production. And an Aston Martin DB5 built in 1957 also gave us pause for thought.
Instead, we enjoyed a VW Buggy Deserter, a Ford Model Y from Cologne production and an Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 with a two-liter engine.
Offspring offer
Even those only willing or able to spend four-figure sums on a classic car found what they were looking for. There was even a whole group of affordable old and youngtimers near the atrium.
There was even a BMW 750i in the German-influenced group. An Audi Coupé GT 5S, a Ford Sierra XR4i or a BMW Z3 were also to be discovered.
You could also buy a VW Beetle or a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Perhaps young enthusiasts found their way into the classic car hobby here?
All good in Stuttgart?
After covering around five to seven kilometers, visitors naturally ask themselves whether the trade fair has convinced them. They certainly saw a lot, but entire vehicle eras such as the pre-war period were somewhat neglected.
Instead of the many factory exhibitors that we had become accustomed to a few years ago, the clubs now pulled the coals out of the fire for some brands. But they do this out of conviction and with a lot of enthusiasm, even if one or two clubs felt a little ripped off due to the considerable floor space prices. But the many good conversations and the interest in the shared hobby certainly made up for a lot.
The trade was more cautious in Stuttgart at the end of February 2025 than we remembered from previous editions of the trade fair.
Some people still remembered the completely full private market halls of the pre-corona years and some international dealers who were no longer present at the 42nd edition.
It remains to be seen whether modern vehicles such as the Atrium-Aston-Martin new car show or the Tesla Cybertruck are an enrichment for old car enthusiasts. Some may find it annoying, others may even find it enriching.
The same applies to exhibition themes outside the core automotive area (e.g. airplanes, model trains, beach chairs).
All in all, Retro Classics Stuttgart was a solid trade fair where, with a little perseverance, you could discover a few new things and learn a few new things, if you were prepared to do so.
P.S. Our picture gallery with 211 photos offers a virtual visit without having to travel a single kilometer.
