Project manager Frank Ruge had half a year to prepare for the first Bremen Classic Motorshow, which he organized at the Bremen Exhibition Center in early 2003. By his side was exhibition director and mastermind Hans Peter Schneider. Together, the two created what very few people initially thought they were capable of: an established gathering place for the classic car community in northern Germany.
“A classic car show in winter—who’s going to come to that?” Ruge recalls his initial thoughts when the project was first presented to him. But the very first event proved him wrong. 18,000 visitors from near and far made their way—despite the snow—to the Bremen exhibition halls. A resounding success!
Next year, the Bremen Classic Motorshow will celebrate its 25th edition: from Friday through Sunday, February 5–7, 2027.
New and Time-Tested Features for the Anniversary
What began in 2003 as an ambitious project has, two decades later, evolved into Germany’s most audience-friendly trade show. To mark this milestone anniversary, project manager Frank Ruge promises a blend of time-honored traditions and forward-looking initiatives: “We’re already working on two promising special exhibitions. At the same time, we want to give the next generation and the young collector community even more space to ensure the long-term future of the classic car scene. And as befits a good birthday celebration, there will of course be a surprise or two.”
Visitors can also look forward to the unique combination of a marketplace, an exhibition, and a vibrant community platform. Over 700 exhibitors from Germany and abroad are expected to attend once again.
Unlike many international competition formats, which focus primarily on high-priced collector’s cars or exclusive auctions, the Bremen Classic Motorshow deliberately pursues an inclusive approach: dealers, restorers, clubs, and private sellers come together here as equals. This closeness to the community creates an authentic atmosphere that is appreciated by industry professionals and newcomers alike.
The proven high level of on-site purchasing activity makes the show one of the most important trading venues for classic cars in northern Germany.
How It All Began
In 2003, the venue and offerings were still somewhat more manageable: Across just under 17,000 square meters, around 200 exhibitors presented their exhibits—ranging from motorcycles to trucks, buses, and spare parts, all the way to fine automobiles from bygone eras. “We wanted to get something off the ground together in the north; until then, comparable events had only been held in Essen and Stuttgart, and we’d succeeded,” recalls Schneider. Since then, the Bremen Classic Motorshow has marked the annual kickoff of the classic car season.
The organizers even successfully navigated the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Since a traditional in-person trade show wasn’t possible, we quickly moved the event—along with its themes and special exhibits—online,” says Ruge. Thanks to this change in format, the team was able to maintain the brand’s visibility, bring the community together, and foster a sense of digital unity at the start of the season.
In doing so, the organizers proved that the Bremen Classic Motorshow is far more than just a trade show—it’s an experience that combines nostalgia, expertise, and a passion for cars. A must-attend event for anyone who loves, collects, or restores classic cars—or simply wants to enjoy the special charm of historic automobiles: February 5–7, 2027, at Messe Bremen.
For more information, visit the classic car show’s website.
