It all began with an ambitious plan - and a huge surprise: when the first Techno-Classica Essen opened its doors for the first time on March 4, 1989, the organizers hoped for 15,000 visitors, a very ambitious figure.
Anyone who remembers the classic car scene in Germany in the 1980s can certainly understand the reticence. Although there were plenty of classic car enthusiasts back then, the subject remained a hobby in the leisure sector. Anyone who needed parts would join a club or regulars' table, and every now and then someone would organize a flea market.
But there was already a different level. The noble Rétromobile in Paris, for example, served as a model and, with its international character and location in the heart of the city, gave the theme a completely different character. This new form characterized Techno-Classica Essen right from the start. Exhibitors occupied six halls at Messe Essen in the first year, with around 250 exhibitors and 70 clubs bringing vehicles and merchandise with them.
As early as 1989, quality was the benchmark: the best of the international classic car scene was to present itself here in Essen. Everyone who was anyone was there in Essen.
Successful from the very first event
When the last guest left the exhibition halls of the first Techno-Classica Essen on March 5, 1989, history had been written. Instead of the expected 15,000 visitors, which hardly seemed possible, more than twice as many came to the exhibition grounds at Gruga Park. The concept had worked.
The anticipation for the second edition was not dampened either: The number of Klassik fans who didn't want to miss the event under any circumstances doubled to 60,000 - thanks in part to the extended duration, which was now three days.
Word of the great experience from the premiere year spread quickly. After all, the media had reported on it intensively, and the automotive industry had been keeping an eye on the trade fair right from the start. The new trade fair was ideal for celebrating milestone anniversaries and offering the manufacturers' traditional departments a tailor-made forum that directly involved the target group.
Techno-Classica Essen still occupies a leading position worldwide in this respect.
Measured in terms of visitor numbers, exhibitor quality, sales success and international reputation, Techno-Classica Essen is the undisputed global leader. It is the most successful global trade fair in the industry and is a must-attend event in the calendar every spring - but one that is considered extremely enjoyable for many reasons. One of the most important, in addition to the many impressive figures, is the good atmosphere on site.
Milestones of success
- 1992 - Over 100,000 visitors for the first time
- 1995 - Duration four days
- 2001 - Title "Classic Car World Fair", 770 exhibitors from 17 nations
- 2002 - 820 exhibitors in 19 fully occupied halls, around 2000 classic cars on sale. First "Preview Evening" on Wednesday. Coys auction for the first time with around 60 vehicles.
- 2004 - Exhibition area over 110,000 square meters. 129,000 visitors.
- 2005 - Over 1,000 exhibitors for the first time. 141,000 visitors
- 2008 - 20th anniversary with 165,000 visitors from 41 nations
- 2013 - 25th Techno-Classica Essen with 193,400 guests
- 2016 - 201,000 visitors. 27 official international manufacturer brand presentations. Over 2700 classic cars for sale.
2025 for the last time?
Now the series is to come to an end from April 9 to 13, 2025, as Retro Classics will be exhibiting in Essen from 2026. Will this also be the end of "Techno Classica" as we know it? Probably not, the "Techno Classica" will probably continue to take place in Germany in the future, it will simply no longer be held in Essen.
Until then, you shouldn't miss out on attending the last edition in Essen, just so that you can make better comparisons afterwards.
Further information on Techno Classica 2025 can be found on the event page.
