Retro Classics Stuttgart 2011 opens its doors with a new exhibitor record
03/11/2011
Until Sunday, March 13, 2011, Retro Classics Stuttgart invites friends of classic cars (as well as motorcycle fans and those interested in old agricultural machinery and trucks) to the annual classic car fair, which is taking place for the eleventh time this year. And it's already looking like a great success! On 105,000 m2, 1,308 exhibitors - that's 120 more than last year - will be showcasing everything that could be of interest to classic car enthusiasts. And this target segment also appears to be growing healthily in Germany. Since 2005, the number of H license plates has increased by 37%, 188,360 cars with the coveted H license plate are on German roads and are now also considered to be safer than average. According to GTÜ, every 4th car in the age group 20 to 29 years has defects, while this is only the case for every 9th classic car over 30 years old.
There are many highlights to see this year that make a visit to Stuttgart worthwhile. BMW Classic is at Retro Classics for the first time and is not only showing some examples of the "new class" on its 1,900 m2 stand, but also, for example, a look back at the Baur convertibles. On the large stand, the BMW clubs will also be presenting an overview of BMW's work in the form of beautiful vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz ("Future needs origin") is showing the activities of its design department on a 500 K, on the 220 SE Coupé presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961 and on a current study, but of course other exhibits also show the 125-year history of the company. Bosch can also look back on such a long history and has put together a fine collection of racing cars from the entire period to mark the occasion. Porsche Classic is also showing rarely seen items, such as a Porsche 959 built by the exclusive department for an Arabian royal family.
It is interesting to note, by the way, that the manufacturers' representatives all named around 35,000 parts that they had on offer for old cars.
Of course, the dealers and restorers are also represented again, including the newly resurrected Mirbach with new management, appearance, range and program. The stand with 26 vehicles includes a Mercedes SSK from 1930.
The smaller service providers and suppliers from the classic car scene should also not be missed. Here you can often gain an insight into the work of these specialists and also see unusual vehicles being built.
The clubs have always been an important attraction at the Retro Classic. The line-up of Dino friends is particularly impressive, illustrating the entire range of vehicles equipped with Dino engines. The interplay of shapes and colors of these now almost 50-year-old cars is impressive.
Around 300 vehicles are waiting for new owners in Hall 6, some of which even have to wait outside due to lack of space. There is everything from the VW Beetle to the BMW 3.0 CSL (Batmobile), the Porsche 993, the Opel Kadett A, Mercedes 190 SL, 280 SL, 500 SL and a fully equipped hearse. Youngtimers and oldtimers are peacefully ready, almost a museum in itself.
And "last but not least", I would also like to draw your attention to the Lankes classic car auction taking place on Saturday. The offerings range from rare pre-war Alfa Romeos to youngtimers such as three Lancia Delta Integrale that will go under the hammer.
A trade fair such as Retro Classics is a wonderful way to kick off the personal classic car season, and a visit this year is definitely worthwhile. A detailed trade fair report with lots of pictures can be found here.
