From October 20 to 22, 2023, the international classic car trade fair in Salzburg once again paid tribute to automotive history. Fans of classic vehicles flocked in large numbers to the Classic Expo at the Salzburg Exhibition Center.
"The event got off to a promising start on Friday. By Sunday evening, we were able to welcome around 23,000 visitors. An increase of almost 15 percent compared to the previous year speaks for itself. Over the years, Classic Expo has become firmly established in the classic car scene and is considered a fixed meeting point in Salzburg every year, both among connoisseurs and collectors as well as hobby mechanics," summarizes Managing Director DI (FH) Alexander Kribus, MBA.
Full house and full halls
Almost 400 exhibitors occupied the entire exhibition grounds with ten halls this year. From luxury dealers to parts suppliers, everything was there. Classic Expo also had a lot to offer internationally. For example, dealers from Great Britain and the Netherlands attended.
Elmar Adelsberger from Georg Pappas Automobil GmbH reports: "We are drawing a very good balance this year. It is noticeable that the demand for complete and partial restorations is increasing. The orders we have received make Classic Expo the most successful trade fair for us this year." For Sven Bössow, Managing Director of Hans-Peter Porsche Traumwerk in Anger, this is his first time here: "I am very pleasantly surprised. Great exhibitors, as well as rare vehicles that are not represented at other trade fairs. In addition, a high-quality, interested and knowledgeable audience."
Successful auction
One of the highlights was the Dorotheum auction on Saturday afternoon. The auction house reported a sales rate of over 85 percent. "The fact that so many exhibits were auctioned off again this year is evidence of the consistently high demand. Despite the current upheavals in world affairs, the market is stable," says classic car expert Reinhard Granner.
The two highlights, a Maserati 3500 GTI from 1962 and a 1940 BMW 327 Coupé came under the hammer, as did the squeaky yellow 1957 Lamborghini DL30 CTL - a tracked tractor; one of probably only ten examples built with the road kit.
A weekend of classic car fever
In addition to countless exhibits, the Classic Expo provided entertainment in appropriate style with a series of themed program items. Lectures and expert talks provided information on all kinds of everyday and special issues for classic car owners.
The legal department of the ÖAMTC Salzburg, for example, provided information on topics such as self-importation, type approval and proper winterization under the title "Practical and interesting facts about classic cars and historic vehicles". The Austrian Motor Veterans Association (ÖMVV) dedicated its youth development program "StarterMotor" to the next generation of classic car enthusiasts. "Trends and innovations in the collector's vehicle sector" were also discussed.
True to the motto "Old love never rusts", planning for the next edition is already underway. Because in 2024, Classic Expo will celebrate its 20th anniversary from October 18 - 20.
Further information can be found on the Classic Expo website.
