From October 14 to 16, 2022, the Messezentrum Salzburg once again attracted thousands of classic car enthusiasts from near and far. Whether collectors, hobbyists, mechanics, club representatives or just those interested in history - everyone who enjoys historic vehicles came together at the Classic Expo in Salzburg on the third weekend in October.
"More than 20,000 classic car enthusiasts made their way to Salzburg at the weekend," says Managing Director Alexander Kribus, delighted with the successful weekend.
Halls sold out
Around 350 exhibitors occupied all available halls. The range of products and services on offer for classic cars on wheels ranged from vehicles for sale to service providers, clubs and associations and a diverse parts market. Dealers such as Cargold Collection and Benzinbruder were certainly satisfied with their presence. Nikolas Bliedtner from Cargold said: "We are at the Classic Expo because we have many customers from all over Europe and the Austrian market also plays an important role for us. We were able to make many good contacts for new business relationships in the pleasant atmosphere of the trade fair." In addition to the numerous dealers, many private individuals also used the professional setting of Classic Expo to sell their classic cars. With over 170 vehicles, the private sales area was filled to capacity this year.
Dorotheum auction successful once again
The "Classic Vehicles and Automobilia" auction has been a popular fixture in the trade fair program from the very beginning. On Saturday, October 16, the auction offered an assortment of 65 vehicles. "We are satisfied again. All but five vehicles changed hands," reported auctioneer Wolfgang Humer. The highlight was the Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary from 1989 of the famous first owner Mario Andretti (Formula 1 driver and world champion), which was sold for 460,000 euros.
Full program
In addition to three special shows on the topics of "100 years of Jaguar" (Jaguarclub Austria), "Historic racing motorcycles" (IGFC) and "Rally sport - historic to modern" (Rallyesport Promoter gGmbH), there was also a packed supporting program. Expert talks on rallying and NFT promised to be just as worthwhile a stop as the IGFC Cup award ceremony and the symphony of racing engines, where vintage racing motorcycles provided a powerful soundtrack to the courtyard of the exhibition center. Autograph sessions, meet & greets and the start of the "Salt & Oil" rally completed the offer.
Famous companions
With a true Austrian motorcycling original, the former racing driver and organizer of the annual Rupert Hollaus memorial race Wolfgang Stropek, the book author Josef Pointinger ("Rallye-Weltenbummler") and the reigning ORM state champions Simon Wagner, Julian Wagner and Lukas Schindelegger, there were several big names on site. Anneliese Abarth, wife of the late motorcycle racer and entrepreneur Carlo Abarth, also accepted the invitation to the trade fair and even Elvis lookalike Rudolf Stumbecker, alias "Rusty", made sure to stop by.
"The support and goodwill not only from our exhibitors, but also from the various players within the industry are a big part of Classic Expo as it stands today and for which we are very grateful. For me, it is particularly nice to experience a response and to see what has developed over the last 18 years from an original pipe dream out of pure hobby," says Classic Expo founder Hermann Schwarz, expressing his gratitude for the success of his heartfelt project.
Planning is already underway for the next Classic Expo from October 13 to 15, 2023.
