Techno Classica - open and really energized!
Yesterday, the 30th Techno Classica opened its doors to the interested classic car and youngtimer public. The anniversary was celebrated in style with the cutting of a (red) cake. Around 1250 exhibitors worked hard to impress the visitors. What is striking on a first tour is the omnipresence of the electric drive, even at a classic car fair. It is important to note that at the beginning of individual motorization, electric cars had a similar significance to steam or petrol-powered vehicles, for example. They offered advantages in terms of operation and quietness. But when the competition was able to drive further and further and was also easier to drive, electric cars disappeared from our roads.
However, they were still suitable for special applications.
Even Ettore Bugatti recognized this and had an electric car built in the early 1930s so that he could drive it around the factory. This motorized slow car can be seen at the Autostadt stand.
It stands there together with many other exhibits in an exhibition of all previous drive concepts, including steam and hydrogen drives. Electric cars even play a disproportionately large role, as there is also a DKW, VW Bus T2 (pictured above) and a Seat Toledo with electric drive on display.
Deuvet has also set up one of the few remaining DKW Schnelllaster trucks with an electric motor on its stand, complete with a matching "filling station".
And at the Saab Club you can also find an electrified Saab 95 - after all, the Swedes are very active in modernizing their range with Volvo, even though Saab no longer exists and the electric 95 was only created in modern times.
But if you make a pilgrimage through the many halls, you will find many other curiosities and rarities if you look closely enough. They just have to bring enough time with them. But the fair is still open until Sunday ...
And for those who can't make it to Essen, we will of course publish a comprehensive report as soon as we have also completed the Retro Classics in Stuttgart and the OTM Fribourg (all on the same weekend).
