Where emotion meets aesthetics and shared enthusiasm sets the pace, an experience begins that connects: Retro Classics Essen opens its doors for the first time from April 8 to 12, 2026. More than 100 exhibitors have already registered a year before the start of the trade fair, leaving no doubt that Essen will remain the trade fair capital for classic vehicles alongside Stuttgart.
Anyone involved with classic vehicles needs to be prepared for emotion and passion. Both together reach their peak at trade fairs for driving culture and show their tangible expression in enthusiasm. All the senses are touched, like-minded people share the common experience. But despite all the exuberance, seriousness is also needed as a basis for trust and mutual reliability. After all, it is usually a matter of reliable expertise and an investment. This is exactly what Henning and Thilo Könicke have in mind when they bring Retro Classics to Essen for the first time from April 8 to 12, 2026.
When AFAG Messen und Ausstellungen GmbH took over Retro Messen GmbH in Stuttgart in 2023, this was met with skepticism by the scene. "The new ones" lacked the stable smell of petrol, grease and old leather, it was said. Instead, they bring professional event management, trade fair experience, exhibition and visitor orientation and a nose for good trade fair stories. And from spring 2026, they will be telling these good stories not only in Stuttgart and Nuremberg, but also in the heart of the Ruhr region, in Germany's emotional automotive capital Essen. They attach great importance to honesty (e.g. when communicating visitor numbers) and reliability (e.g. when making agreements with their customers).
Strong growth in Stuttgart provides a tailwind
The fact that they enjoy an excellent reputation in the classic car industry is demonstrated by the latest results of Retro Classics in Stuttgart. At the end of February, the classic car event in the actual car capital of Stuttgart attracted 77,000 visitors and, in its 24th edition, brought the trade fair a substantial increase on the previous years.
Secondly, leading protagonists of the classic car scene are in favor of handing over the baton in the Ruhr metropolis. Lukas Wegener, representative of the renowned Mercedes brand clubs, is looking forward to Retro Classics Essen: "The Mercedes-Benz brand clubs have been at Retro Classics in Stuttgart for almost two decades. Now we are looking forward to Retro extending its commitment to the Ruhr region. This is a great opportunity for us to continue our partnership-based cooperation."
Commercial retailers look forward to change in the Ruhr region
The vote is also clear in the commercial sector. Thomas Rosier, Managing Director of Rosier Classic Sterne (most recently the only remaining Mercedes dealer at the previous trade fair in Essen and a participant for 30 years), is looking forward to a serious and customer-oriented concept and will continue to offer outstanding vehicles for sale at the trade fair.
Thomas Feierabend, the specialist for classic old and youngtimers from BMW in Würzburg, expresses a similar opinion: "We have had a partnership with Retro Classics for years and are delighted to actively support the range and the special areas with our expertise and our rare vehicles. We have been doing this for years at Retro Classics in Stuttgart and Nuremberg, appreciate the good cooperation with the team and are very open to a future commitment in Essen."
Program peppered with anniversaries
The program for spring 2026 is already packed with anniversaries, starting with BMW, which is contributing four series with 90 years of the 328, 60 years of the 02, 50 years of the 6 Series Coupé (E24) and 40 years of the M3 (E30). Together with its clubs, the white and blue brand is planning an armada of the 328 and, true to its motto "The joy of driving", a real driving experience on the exhibition grounds.
Opel is contributing 60 years of the Opel Rekord C and 40 years of the Omega A. In addition to everyday heroes, DTM racing cars will also be on display.
Mercedes is celebrating 60 years of the "big tail fin" (300 SE), 50 years of the W 123 and, a special youngtimer, 30 years of the SLK.
Porsche celebrates the 50th anniversary of the "transaxle principle" (engine at the front and gearbox on the rear axle) with the 924.
VW celebrates 50 years of the GTI sports icon and recalls that it laid the foundations for a completely new type of vehicle with the Golf GTI.
Ferrari fulfills the already high expectations of the Italian sports car manufacturer by commemorating 40 years of the F40 super sports car.
Ford closes the anniversary series with 50 years of the Fiesta and the likewise "golden" Taunus (TC II).
Lots of support for the start in Essen from the scene
Leading players from the media and service environment and the international classic car scene have also already committed themselves to the new trade fair offering at Retro Classics Essen. Auto Bild Klassik, for example, will be taking part as a media partner.
And what would a classic car trade fair be without auctions? The renowned auction house Classicbid, which is well-known from the Retro Classics trade fairs in Stuttgart and Nuremberg, will provide the appropriate thrills in the bidding competition and will be taking part in Essen for the first time.
Nick Aaldering from Gallery Aaldering, which is one of the top addresses worldwide when it comes to selected high-quality vehicles, praises the new concept of the trade fair for driving culture: "I think the concept of the new Retro Classics Essen is excellent. It is a very good idea to develop the trade fair in this direction. New impulses and innovations are the key to continued success, and I am convinced that Retro Classics Essen can develop its full potential in this way."
Tiddo Bresters, President of the international classic car association FIVA, says: "FIVA is confident that Retro Classics will be able to expand the high international level with a healthy drive for innovation and attract a large audience from Germany and abroad to Essen with a wide range of exhibitors."
Firm focus on service and predictability
When asked what Henning and Thilo Könicke, who are responsible for Retro Classics Essen, are focusing on in particular, the answer is clear: "We have listened carefully to what the scene here in the West expects from its future classic car trade fair. The fact that no vehicle manufacturer was directly represented recently was already seen as a clear flaw, which we will rectify," explains Thilo Könicke.
His managing director colleague Henning adds: "When a renowned trade magazine such as 'Kfz-Betrieb' from the Vogel Communications Group talks about deficits in service and casts doubt on the organizer's success stories, the mandate is clear - We feel that our product policy as serious trade fair professionals with a clear focus on service quality, reliability and predictability has been confirmed here, and we will also establish this in Essen. The community here deserves that. More than 100 exhibitors and partners have therefore already decided to join us from 2026"
Further information can be found on the trade fair website.
