From August 28 to 30, 2026, the Schwetzingen Palace Gardens near Heidelberg will once again serve as the venue for 160 of the most beautiful classic cars from the past 125 years —the ASC Classic Gala Schwetzingen is Germany’s most traditional Concours d’Elegance, held in accordance with FIVA regulations. What began in 2001 with the first “European Concours d’Elegance” has evolved into an internationally renowned Concours d’Elegance.
Whether steam or electric cars, motorized carriages, “Economic Miracle” compact cars, state limousines, or ingenious custom-built vehicles, the 2026 Classic Gala Schwetzingen showcases how the automobile has evolved and demonstrates that design is a key criterion. Thanks to the affordable admission price, this special event is accessible to everyone—a unique opportunity to experience automotive excellence in one of Europe’s most beautiful palace gardens.
A Unique Journey Through Time
An international jury awards prizes to the most beautiful and rarest vehicles, while visitors stroll through the stylish setting and marvel at the displays. The ASC Classic Gala Schwetzingen is more than just a competition—it is a social event that brings together automotive culture, art, and lifestyle. Recognized as “One of the Greatest Concours,” the Classic Gala sets the standard in the world of automotive events.
In the circular Baroque garden, which spans more than 300 meters in diameter, selected vendors also showcase automobilia, period-appropriate clothing, literature, model cars, and accessories. There’s also live jazz with “4 to the Bar,” culinary stations throughout the park, and in the South Wing, renowned artists exhibit their automotive-themed works. At the US Car Concours among the street cruisers, square dance shows and live Elvis performances take place alongside BBQ and American-style burgers. Stroll, enjoy, and experience automotive history at your own pace—Schwetzingen offers this experience in an inimitable way: In 2025, more than 28,000 enthusiastic visitors attended.
100 Years of Maserati
In 2026, Schwetzingen will once again celebrate important anniversaries, special themes, and automotive highlights. Exactly 100 years ago, the Maserati brothers—Alfieri, Bindo, Ernesto, and Ettore—completed their first automobile, the Tipo 26 eight-cylinder—a highly ambitious vehicle with an inline-eight engine. The factory that had produced spark plugs and automotive electrical components was transformed into an automobile company. The Tipo 26 marked the debut of the first true Maserati race car.
Passione Dino
In collaboration with the Dino-IG, the most important variants of the cars bearing the Dino name are being showcased in Schwetzingen. The three models—the Dino 206/246, the Fiat Dinos, and the Lancia Stratos—were closely linked both technically and historically, yet each fulfilled a different role. The common thread was the V6 engine, inspired by a design by Ferrari’s son, Alfredo Ferrari (“Dino”). It deliberately did not bear the Ferrari name, but only the Dino logo, because Enzo Ferrari reportedly wanted to appeal to a new customer base with the V6.
Winner at 90
The racing successes of the legendary BMW 328 defined an entire brand. Without it, BMW would likely never have become the epitome of sporty driving. No sooner had the open-top two-seater hit the road for the first time in 1936 than this promise of speed—with its long hood, low silhouette, lowered doors, and curved fenders—won the Eifel Cup race at the Nürburgring with Ernst Henne, the reigning motorcycle world champion and BMW factory driver—and the motorsports world took notice. The special exhibition in Schwetzingen features the original 328 as well as a one-of-a-kind coupé, the “Werkmeister-BMW” racing variant, and—alongside other models—the 327/28 convertible with a racing engine.
Sunbeam Venezia
The Sunbeam Venezia, introduced in 1963, is one of the rarest and most elegant vehicles produced by the British Rootes Group. It combines British mass-production technology with Italian bodywork and was developed in collaboration with the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring, as Sunbeam had a reputation for offering particularly extravagant automobiles. Unfortunately, the Venezia was significantly more expensive than technically similar Rootes models and competitors; its engine was not particularly impressive for the price, and “the gondola” faced stiff competition from sportier GTs like the Alfa GT Junior. Five of these rare sports cars will be on display for the first time at the Classic-Gala Schwetzingen.
Further information is available on the Classic-Gala Schwetzingen website.
