Techno-Classica Essen is one of the world's biggest motor shows and this year, too, it offers many attractions. Over 20 brands from the automotive industry will be presenting themselves, Formula 1 cars from the 1950s will be on display for a special show and another special show will provide an overview of 135 years of cars with electric drives.
It is already the 29th edition of the classic car fair in Essen and with a good 200,000 visitors, 1,250 exhibitors, over 220 clubs and IGs, there is quite a lot going on. Around 2,500 automobiles are on display, but you can also find everything around them - after all, the motto is "The whole world of classic cars under one roof."
Presentation of the automotive industry
Every year, car manufacturers prepare exciting stands to introduce visitors to their brands and their history. This year too, a good 20 brands will be taking part. Some companies have already decided on the theme, others are still keeping a low profile. Here is what we already know:
Audi AG is celebrating the anniversaries of 60 years of the Wankel engine, 50 years of the NSU TTS and 50 years of the NSU Ro 80 under the motto "NSU - The new driving". Five automotive treasures from Audi's history will be presented in this context - an NSU Prinz 30, an NSU Sport Prinz, an NSU 1000 TTS and two NSU Ro 80s.
Audi is not the only brand from the VW Group that will be represented at the Techno-Classica. The Bugatti show "25 years of Bugatti sports cars of the modern era" will feature three automotive highlights that are rarely seen.
Citroën Deutschland GmbH is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Citroën was launched in Germany on February 15, 1927, and a lot has happened since then, so there is a lot to tell.
Jaguar Landrover's large stand is dominated by the Range Rover Reborn and the Jaguar E-Type Reborn, classic cars completely restored by the factory.
Mercedes-Benz says: "Sportiness is in the genes" and presents eleven classics such as the Mercedes Simplex or the Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster Edition 50. 17 German Mercedes clubs and the "All Time Stars" vehicle dealership round off the exhibition.
Opel demonstrates the new Insignia Grand Sport for the first time in Germany, framed by the classic Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat cars in some rare versions.
Porsche is celebrating "40 years of the Porsche 928" with three exceptional 928 models. In addition, three cars restored by the Porsche Classic factory will be on display and international Porsche Classic dealers will be introduced.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. contrasts a historic Silver Wraith with a current Wraith Black Badge. 70 years have passed between the construction of the two models and almost everything has changed.
Seat has also been part of the Volkswagen Group since 1989, and the 60th anniversary of the Seat 600 will be celebrated at its company stand.
Škoda is presenting more than a dozen highlights from over 120 years of company history, including the 935 Dynamic prototype from 1935 and the 130 RS Rallye. In addition, the Skoda Favorit celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Volkswagen Classic, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Oldtimer and Volkswagen Classic Parts are appearing together at Techno-Classica Essen. Under the motto "The World of Volkswagen Classics", visitors can expect a lot at the Volkswagen stand.
"Volvo Cars: The First 90 Years" is the motto of the Swedish car manufacturer's stand. Six special historic models will be presented.
The Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia brands will also be there. Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Peugeot will also be there. Their program has not yet been announced, so you'll just have to be surprised.
From classic cars to highly exclusive rarities
In addition to the cars on show from the automotive industry, it is also worth taking a look at what the dealers have to offer. These range from youngtimers under the age of thirty to affordable production cars with classic car status and luxurious rarities from the last millennium. In Hall 1A, S.I.H.A. is once again setting up the "Top Salon Exclusiv" this year, where renowned classic car professionals will be exhibiting particularly exquisite classic cars.
A further incentive for suppliers to present only the very best is the Concours d'Elegance, in which classic cars are judged in various categories and the most beautiful is voted "Best of Show".
Spectacular special shows
As every year, the special shows are among the highlights. On the one hand, the Monaco Grand Prix and "The Golden Foftoes of Formula 1" are put in the spotlight. Exquisite racing cars, all of which competed in the Monaco Grand Prix in the 1950s, can be marveled at. Among them is the original Maserati 250 F, which Juan Manuel Fangio drove to victory in 1957. The car has never been presented to the public for around 20 years and will now be on display at Techno-Classics Essen.
The second special show, which focuses on electromobility, takes a look into the past and the future. With three exhibits from the 1910s, it shows that cars with electric motors already had a great chance 105 years ago. Back then, electric cars were unable to prevail over petrol-powered vehicles, so the only question that remains is whether things will work out better in the future ...
Further information can be found on the S.I.H.A. website.
