From May 5 to 7, 2023, classic mobility enthusiasts will once again meet at the exhibition grounds in Friedrichhafen. "Klassikwelt Bodensee promises pure dynamism," reports project manager Roland Bosch. "We have something on offer on land, on water and in the air. No other trade fair in Germany combines this diversity with such vibrancy." In addition to the popular vintage racing on the exhibition circuit, there are luxurious Riva boats to marvel at on the grounds.
Visitors can also look forward to classic aircraft and a spectacular air show. "The last time this took place was in 2019. It's great that we can take off again this year and that the airshow is returning," says a delighted Roland Bosch. In addition to the popular highlights, there will also be many special shows in 2023 that will make the hearts of the classic car community beat faster.
Porsche and Benz celebrate anniversaries
Those who prefer solid ground under their feet should definitely take a look at the special show celebrating 75 years of Porsche. At the same time, the legendary 911 went into series production 60 years ago. The Graf Zeppelin racing association in the ADAC is honoring both anniversaries of the sports car brand with a presentation of the most important models from Zuffenhausen.
The Baby Benz is also celebrating a "round birthday". Exactly 30 years ago, one of the most important Mercedes-Benz models, the W201, rolled off the production line for the last time.
Klassikwelt Bodensee is honoring this model with a special show, headed by an Evo2 and a DTM190.
Convertibles & Coupés
The trade fair for classic mobility is also dedicated to convertibles and coupés.
Owners are invited to exhibit their pieces of jewelry. Applications can be submitted by email to the fair organizers.
Fast-paced shows in the air and on the ground
After three years on hold due to the pandemic, there will be an air show again this year. Every day at 2 p.m., some of Germany's best pilots will launch their aircraft at Lake Constance Airport for a breathtaking air show. In addition, more than a dozen classic aircraft will be on display in the aircraft hangar in Exhibition Hall A3. The vintage racing continues at breakneck speed.
What began at the start of Klassikwelt Bodensee with a parade through the city center of Friedrichshafen has developed into a unique highlight over the years. More than 120 racing cars and racing motorcycles drive their laps on a 1.6-kilometer circuit between the exhibition grounds and the airport, exuding the zeitgeist of historic racing history. At the same time, the paddock in Hall A6 offers direct insights into the action behind the scenes of a pit stop.
Riva boats: La Dolce Vita on the water
This year, not only water sports fans can look forward to chic Riva boats for sale on the exhibition grounds. The chic crowd and the stars and starlets of the 60s were among the customers of the famous boats. Even today, the luxury yachts are sought-after and now almost priceless exotics.
Classic cars on two wheels
An important milestone in motorcycle history will also be celebrated at the exhibition grounds in Friedrichshafen: Exactly 100 years ago, a boxer engine was fitted in the frame of a BMW motorcycle for the first time. It was the start of a unique success story. With the legendary R32, BMW rose to become one of the world's leading motorcycle manufacturers.
The special show 100 Years of BMW Motorrad presents the most important models from the R32 to the R90S. The Boxenstop Museum Tübingen presents fast and exclusive motorcycles by the world-famous Swiss motorcycle tuner Fritz Egli. Including two extremely rare Vincent models.
Meeting place for the biker scene: the ACE Café
Fans of so-called café racers will once again meet at the legendary London biker meeting place, the ACE Café. These are mostly motorcycles from the former motorcycle stronghold of England in the 50s and 60s. But there will also be classics from Italy and more and more conversions of Japanese bikes from the 70s and 80s. Bikers arriving with a motorcycle built up to 1989 can park directly in front of the ACE Café.
"Look like a classic, run like a modern"
The often insectoid manga design of modern motorcycles does not appeal to every motorcyclist. So it's no wonder that the number of registrations of classically designed motorcycles is constantly increasing. At the Modern Classics special show, more than two dozen new motorcycles with a classic look will once again be on display right next to the ACE Café. Motorcycles that look like something a kindergarten child would draw. Hubert Hamburger from Hamburger Motorradreifen, who has sponsored the special show for years, says: "I fit new tires on every motorcycle, but I especially like to fit them on beautiful motorcycles."
Senior citizens as mentors
To ensure that valuable specialist knowledge on the subject of restoring old technology is not lost, Klassikwelt Bodensee, together with Deuvet, the federal association for classic cars and youngtimers, is launching the Senior Citizens as Mentors initiative. The aim is to bring together interested young classic car fans with senior citizens from the scene throughout Germany to restore classic cars together in workshops.
This can be the adjustment of carburetors or ignitions, but also the complete restoration of a classic car on two or four wheels. The concept will be presented by Deuvet as part of an initiative morning pint on the days of the trade fair.
Get a brief appraisal of your own classic car
Classic-analytics, the specialist for the valuation of classic vehicles, is offering interested visitors arriving with their classic car the opportunity to have brief valuations carried out at a special price and, for the first time, live valuations in front of an audience. Visitors can have their classic car appraised for a reduced fee by registering in advance directly on site.
The valuation is carried out by an authorized expert and is recognized by all classic car insurance companies. Live evaluations will also take place twice a day on a ramp in Hall B3. Spectators, who can follow the valuation by a moderator, will find out what things to look out for when valuing a classic car. "A fair vehicle price is important for both negotiating partners. After all, nobody wants to pay too much for a vehicle. On the other hand, such a treasure shouldn't go over the counter for less than it's worth," says Frank Wilke, Managing Director of classic-analytics.
Information and opening hours
Klassikwelt Bodensee will take place from Friday, May 5 to Sunday, May 7, 2023 at the exhibition grounds in Friedrichshafen.
Further information can be found on the event website.
