In just over two weeks, Techno-Classica Essen will open its doors to trade visitors and fans for the 35th time since 1989. The internationally renowned trade fair for vintage, classic and prestige automobiles promises five exciting days with countless exquisite highlights and extraordinary exhibits from April 9 to 13, 2025.
As part of the crème de la crème, Techno-Classica Essen will be transformed into a large and varied motor show at the beginning of April, for which international classic car dealers will bring up to three dozen vehicles from their inventory.
In total, over 2700 vintage, classic and prestige automobiles will be on display at Techno-Classica Essen in eight halls, the Galeria and outdoor areas covering more than 120,000 square meters of exhibition space. The portfolio and the diversity of the offerings are considered incomparable, even among experts.
This year, the organizer S.I.H.A. will be exhibiting eight classics from this impressive era of automotive engineering - the innovative phase of new beginnings - in its special show "Inspiring Greatness - 20th Century Automobiles, Craftmanship and Innovation". In addition to two Bugatti, an Invicta 4.5 Litre High Chassis Le Mans, a rare Maserati 26M, a Riley 1 ½ Litre TT Sprite works racing car and an excellently preserved BMW 328 can be seen in the center of Hall 5.
Anniversaries of important models and model series
Techno-Classica Essen is celebrating, among other things, 70 years of the Citroën DS, the legendary saloon that went by the nickname of Goddess and celebrated its premiere in Paris in 1955. Citroën-Strasse, a format used by friends and collectors to present the brand, is celebrating the anniversary with a replica of the original stand.
Deuvet, the Bundesverband Oldtimer-Youngtimer e. V., on the other hand, is paying tribute to the vans of the German economic miracle with a special exhibition. This type of vehicle, which is more important than ever today, established itself around 70 years ago and made Germany's recovery after the end of the Second World War possible in the first place.
With extraordinary exhibits, various exhibitors are putting the popular Porsche sports car brand center stage. For the first time, Robert Bröcker, a world-renowned expert on the pre-A phase of the Porsche 356, is showing a total of 14 vehicles from his collection, including an extremely rare Gmünd Coupé with aluminum bodywork from 1949. The Dutch collector is also bringing the Speedster, which was once driven by US singer Roy Orbison, to Essen.
With the Porsche 911 S 60 Years of Pepita project, the "rare.sphere" platform, in collaboration with the specialist "Early 911 S", is celebrating the style-defining interior fabric known as Pepita, which adorned a Porsche 911 for the first time in 1965 - exactly 60 years ago.
Shock absorber specialist Bilstein is celebrating the golden age of motorsport with a faithful reconstruction of a Porsche 911 SC Group 4. Rally legend Walter Röhrl, who once enjoyed success in the original car, will be a guest at Techno-Classica Essen on April 12, 2025. There will also be a unique specimen to marvel at: Pininfarina produced an extended four-seater based on the Porsche 911 in 1969 as a factory order. Swedish dealer Auto Classica will be bringing the one-off to Essen. The Porsche 935 built in 2019 with a Martini look is younger, but no less impressive. Hans Hotfiel is bringing the 18th of only 77 935s built to Techno-Classica Essen.
For friends of the brand with the three-pointed star, Mercedes-Benz, Hall 1 will also be the most important place at the 35th Techno-Classica Essen. Here, 19 official brand clubs will present themselves with around 40 selected vehicles and a newly designed technology corner, in which experts will explain exciting technical developments from around 100 years using cutaway models and special constructions. They will be joined in Hall 1 by major dealers such as Rosier Classic Sterne, who have announced a Mercedes-AMG One, and the 300-SL specialist HK Engineering. Axel Schuette Fine Cars will also be showing an outstanding Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, a late disc brake model whose history is exceptionally well documented.
The legendary Italian brands such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Lamborghini are not to be missed. They are all represented with excellent models. Auto Sportiva is bringing along an eccentric duo consisting of a Lamborghini LP 5000 S Quattrovalvole and the brutalist LM002 off-roader, both painted in innocent white. The Swedish dealer Motikon is showing Ferrari Testarossa in perfection, a claim that the official Ferrari dealer Eberlein from Kassel also fulfills. He is presenting a recently restored Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet in a rare color and with a certificate of originality on display.
With their often elaborate and imaginative presentations, over 200 clubs represent the entire spectrum of the dedicated scene. A visit to Essen offers countless opportunities, especially for newcomers and young people, to find out more about this exciting, varied hobby, which for many has long since become a profession with excellent prospects. Many exhibitors at Techno-Classica Essen offer an interesting point of contact and information for anyone looking for future-oriented training in the classic vehicle sector.
There is also something to win
As is a good tradition, Techno-Classica Essen is once again organizing a Concours d'Elégance in 2025. Big names - and always exotic participants - in all FIVA classes once again promise an exciting competition. In addition to the most elegant vehicle, which will receive the coveted Best of Show trophy at a grand award ceremony on Friday, April 11, 2025, the vehicle with the most original condition will once again be honored.
Once again, Techno-Classica Essen is organizing the World Club Grand Prix, in which a separate, independent jury will award the most extraordinary club stand. Every year, clubs, interest groups and associations compete with great commitment and dedication to win this award.
Information for visitors to the 35th Techno-Classica Essen
Tickets for a visit to Techno-Classica Essen are available in the organizer's online ticket store. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance to save waiting time at the ticket offices on site.
Further information can be found on the event website.
