When pre-war models, modern classics, exotic boats and nostalgic two-wheelers gather in one place, when spectacular air shows can be seen in the sky and hundreds of racing cars on the exhibition circuit exude the zeitgeist of historic racing history, then it's Klassikwelt Bodensee time (June 7 to 9). "Friedrichshafen is and will remain the popular meeting place for the broad classic car community," emphasize Messe Friedrichshafen Managing Director Klaus Wellmann and Project Manager Roland Bosch. "The concept of the event is individual and special at the same time. Like no other trade fair in Germany, it celebrates the classic mobility and driving culture of past eras on land, on water and in the air." This year, in addition to the air show and vintage demo racing, there are numerous collector's vehicles to marvel at, the parts market attracts visitors with a wide range of spare parts and accessories, and a variety of special shows invite visitors to linger.
Over 800 participants in twelve exhibition halls, a colorful supporting program, renowned classic car dealers and unique live events will once again ensure unforgettable days at Klassikwelt Bodensee in 2024. Vehicle restoration specialists, lovingly maintained treasures from the brand clubs, the classic car park arena and the numerous special shows round off the perfect day at the trade fair in Friedrichshafen.
25 classic cars from 10 nations
In cooperation with the Graf Zeppelin racing association, "25 classic cars from 10 nations" will be on display in the West Foyer.From the sporty Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing, to the noble Jaguar, to the exclusive Monteverdi and the racy Lamborghini Miura P400S - here you will find a hit parade of sporty, exclusive and rare car bodies.To ensure that everyone knows which nation the respective piece of jewelry comes from, the corresponding national flags hang above all the cars.
The BMW legend is honored in a special show
Can three letters stand for the term myth? If you ask the friends of Bavarian driving culture, the answer is clearly "yes". As a rule, myths consist of collective memories of things that once existed. The vehicles of Bayerische Motorenwerke (BMW) from Munich are certainly the best example of the creation of such a myth. Starting with a radial engine for airplanes, through the successful in-house development of motorcycles, to the automobile manufacturer - ultimately it was the Roadster 328, introduced in 1936, which not only competed successfully in the 1940 Mille Miglia, but also established the myth of BMW as a manufacturer of sporty, winning automobiles with countless motorsport successes.
With more than 200,000 members in over 700 recognized clubs, the brand has been enriching the mobile world for more than a hundred years. Today, it stands for sporty noblesse worldwide. In a large special show in Hall A3, the vehicles with the blue and white logo will be honored accordingly. The exhibition is supported by club members and their two- and four-wheeled classics and engines. "Visitors can look forward to a cuddly Isetta or the design icon, the BMW 507, among other things," reports Roland Bosch. The four unique BMW E3s from the "Wundercar Collection", which were previously only on show at the Concours d'Elegance, will also be on display.
Journey into the past: trade fair celebrates the wild seventies
With the era of the early superbikes, the 15th trade fair for classic mobility will also commemorate a dazzling decade and duly celebrate it with the most important models from the decade. Numerous bikes from the late sixties to early eighties will be presented in a large exhibition box, such as the Turbo Kawa, the Wasserbüffel or the absolute big bike of the seventies, the Münch Mammut. In addition, film clips from the wild seventies can be seen in the "PS-Speicher Messekino". "We want to take seventies fans back to this crazy time," says project manager Roland Bosch.
"In addition to the real stars, the motorcycles, the special show also features the dream cars of the new drivers of the time - for example the legendary Opel GT, Manta A and Ford Capri. A disco ball, jukebox and bell bottoms are also a must," says the project manager, explaining the principle behind the walk-in box.
Airshow with aerobatic helicopter and aviation classics
Flying with a helicopter on your head? No problem for the Flying Bulls' BO 105 C. To date, it is the only light helicopter that is fully capable of aerobatics and can perform almost all maneuvers known from fixed-wing aircraft. "We are delighted that a helicopter is enriching the airshow this year," says Roland Bosch. In addition to the rotorcraft, other historic aircraft will take off from Lake Constance Airport every day at 2.30 p.m. during the event and will give the audience goosebumps. They include the father-son duo Ralf and Nico Niebergall with their Siai Marchetti SF-260 and Patric Leis with his Pitts S1 aerobatic biplane. His wife Vicky will be flying in a Piper Super Cub built in 1952. The aircraft has an eventful past: after several years in the American and later French Air Force, it was transferred to civilian ownership and was used during the Cold War to smuggle people from the former GDR to West Germany without permission. During one such operation, it was caught by Soviet combat helicopters and the Piper's right wing was perforated.
In the meantime, the "old lady" has been fully repaired, is ready to fly and can be admired in Hall A3 alongside other historic aviation models during the event. For the first time, there will also be an exchange for old aircraft parts in addition to the aircraft classics. Here you can find everything from wooden propellers and cockpit instruments to the helmet of a Starfighter F104 pilot.
Vintage demo racing and paddock
The vintage demo racing is also action-packed. During the event days, hundreds of racing cars and racing motorcycles will be lined up on the starting line, waiting to do their laps on the 1.6 km exhibition circuit. "We have received an incredible number of registrations," reports Roland Bosch. "The maximum number of participants has already been reached.
Spectators can look forward to a varied field of participants with two, three and four-wheeled historic vehicles." If you want to get a taste of pit stop air before the race, you should definitely visit the paddock in Hall A6 before it's time to say: "Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines."
ADAC Oldtimer Parkarena and special show "70 years of road patrol"
The Oldtimer Parkarena is a little quieter, but no less varied. It has enjoyed cult status at Klassikwelt Bodensee for several years now. In the middle of the exhibition halls, historic gems can be parked free of charge during the event and presented to a wide audience.Vehicles with H registration plates and built up to 1998 can be parked here without prior registration. This year, the coveted "VIP parking space" will be given a prominent name and will become the ADAC Oldtimer Parkarena in future.
However, the automobile club is not only the name giver, it is also equipping the Klassikwelt Bodensee with a small special show on the subject of "70 years of road patrols". Exactly 70 years ago, the first road patrol vehicle in history set off on its "maiden voyage": The NSU 501 OS-T Konsul II. After the ADAC faithfully restored the prototype last year, the NSU and its sidecar will be exhibited as part of the special show. A total of five other ADAC road vehicles from other decades will also be presented.
Meeting place for the biker scene: the ACE Cafe
In the legendary London biker meeting place in Hall B4, fans of the so-called cafe racers come together and can chat with each other over a delicious drink. Most of the bikes on display are sporty conversions of motorcycles from the 50s and 60s from the former motorcycle stronghold of England. But there are also classics from Italy and an increasing number of conversions of Japanese bikes from the 70s and 80s.
"Modern Classics" - current two-wheelers with a retro look
At the "Modern Classics" special show in the immediate vicinity of the ACE Cafe, there will be more than two dozen new motorcycles with a classic look. These vintage-style bikes are very popular. They look like a retro bike, but underneath they "hide" the technology of a new and modern motorcycle.
My youngtimer will one day be a classic
Youngtimers have not yet achieved the status of classic cars, but there is a chance that the vehicle will one day become a coveted collector's item. A special show will present some models that have the potential to become classics. "The youngtimer scene is very 'Germany-heavy'," says motoring journalist and youngtimer enthusiast Alf Cremers. "The core lava is made up of brands such as Mercedes with its W124, W140 and S124 models, but BMW with the 5 Series E34 and the 7 Series E38 are also part of it. In addition, the Ford Skopio, the Audi A6 type C5 or the VW Passat 35i Variant, the so-called Nasenbär, to name just a few representatives."
More and more, however, Swedish or Japanese models would dominate the market. For example, the Volvo 240 estate or the Mitsubishi Galant E30. If you want to experience even more concentrated youngtimer knowledge: Alf Cremers will guide interested visitors through the vehicles on display during the event and explain which other youngtimers could become a real "oldie". If you own a classic car and would like to show it in the special exhibition, please contact the Klassikwelt Bodensee team.
Everything under steam - Abacus Theater
In 2024, for the first time, walking acts will radiate the zeitgeist of bygone eras at Klassikwelt Bodensee. Somewhere between fine art and street theater, the Abacus Theater group from the Netherlands creates impressive mobile visual acts. Imposing creatures and bizarre art objects transport the audience to another world. The group's repertoire includes giant moving time machines, so-called time cruisers or steam roadsters.
The machines are made from scrap yard materials, among other things, and have been brought back to life. The mobile works of art are controlled by "time travelers" who watch the ages fly by at a height of almost three meters.
Classic car sales and professional restoration
Anyone interested in a classic car will find plenty of vehicles that have been put through their paces at the classic mobility trade fair. Renowned vehicle dealers offer their rolling, flying and floating rarities in all price ranges. Brand clubs, DEKRA and classic-analytics offer expert advice on site and restoration companies are on hand to provide visitors with help and advice. Whether information on the restoration of sheet metal, leather, engine or electrics - there is an answer to everything here.
Info & opening hours
Klassikwelt Bodensee will take place from Friday, June 7 to 9, 2024 at the exhibition grounds in Friedrichshafen. It is open on Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A day ticket costs 19 euros online, concessions 17 euros.
Further information can be found on the classic car fair website.
