With more than 1250 exhibitors from over 30 nations, the 30th edition of Techno-Classica Essen will once again cement its importance as the leading international classic car and collector's vehicle trade fair and offer a comprehensive picture of the international classic car scene.
The major international car manufacturers also take advantage of the appeal of the world's leading automotive trade fair: More than 20 automobile brands present exquisite exhibits on their factory stands, many of which can be seen exclusively at Techno-Classica Essen. They make the world's leading automotive trade fair the largest history forum for the international automotive industry and demonstrate the importance they attach to the world classic car fair with their mostly spectacular presentations.
Aston Martin
For the second time since 2017, Aston Martin Works will be exhibiting at Techno-Classica Essen. The British company's "Continuation" program will be the focus of the presentation: The historic Aston Martin Works factory in Newport Pagnell is now home to sales, service, restoration and customization - departments that also take care of the "Continuation" programme. This is the "continuation" of the production of the legendary Aston Martin DB4 G.T., of which only 75 were built from 1959. Only 25 handcrafted one-offs of the 340 hp six-cylinder sports car are to be built as a direct continuation of the DB4 G.T. Lightweight, of which only eight were built, with its specifications. As these one-offs are considered new cars, they are intended for use on race tracks - and Aston Martin is offering a special event program for buyers of the Continuation DB4 G.T.. The second highlight from Newport Pagnell in England in Essen is a left-hand drive Vanquish, one of a total of 1,489 one-offs that were individually hand-built to customer specifications from 2001 until it was replaced by the even more powerful Vanquish S in 2004. But even the Vanquish - without the S - is powerful: its 5.9-liter V12 with 48 valves delivers 460 hp via transaxle to the automated 6-speed ASG gearbox. Another gem is one of fewer than 250 V8 Vantage V550s built between 1993 and 1999.
Bentley
As in previous years, Bentley Düsseldorf and Bugatti Düsseldorf in the Gottfried Schultz Group will be responsible for the presentation of the two Volkswagen brands Bentley and Bugatti in Hall 7. The two brands traditionally appear together - but each under its own label. This year, Bentley will be showing elegant coupés with a sporty touch in a timeline of three Continental versions: Bentley Continental S II with Mulliner bodywork from 1962, a Bentley Continental GT Speed from 2015 and the Bentley New Continental GT.
Bugatti
Bugatti shines with a 1,200 PS Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse as a pre-owned vehicle from 2013 and a Bugatti Type 57 with Graber bodywork from 1937 - and presents the new customer service program Loyalty Maintenance Programme (LMP), which aims to maintain the technical condition of the Veyron fleet on the market at a high level in the long term. LMP is part of the Extended Warranty and Extended Warranty Plus programs, with which Bugatti is the only manufacturer to offer a factory warranty of up to fifteen years.
Citroën
On a stand measuring around 400 square meters, the "Citroën Street" in Hall 9.1 represents the Citroën brand, which has been producing cars since 1919. The motto of the factory representation is "The Citroën of superlatives" and the show, consisting of around a dozen classic cars, is organized under the auspices of Amicale Citroën International (ACI) by Amicale Citroën & DS Deutschland, which represents around 12,000 German enthusiasts of the brand with the double angle. In addition to the Traction Avant, SM, CX and DS models, one model will be featured particularly prominently: the 2CV. Citroën-Strasse celebrates the 70th birthday of the "duck" at Techno-Classica Essen. Special tribute will be paid to the automotive legend presented in 1948 with a visit from the grandson of company founder André Citroën: Henri-Jacques Citroën will visit Techno-Classica Essen and be a guest on the Citroën stand. Incidentally, the Amicale Citroën Internationale is one of the world's largest classic car clubs: around 70,000 members in 41 countries are united in the umbrella organization - in more than 1,000 clubs, newest member countries: Brazil & Vietnam.
Donkervoort
Just in time for the 40th anniversary of the Donkervoort company, founded in 1978 and based in Lelystad in the Netherlands since 2000, the small sports car manufacturer is returning to Techno-Classica Essen as an exhibitor after a one-year break. The factory stand will be designed and managed by the German factory branch Donkervoort Automobielen GmbH in the Classic Remise Düsseldorf, which opened in 2017. As a result, you will also find the Donkervoort presentation at the Classic Remise stand in Hall 1 - with two real Rissers. The star is the Donkervoort D8 GTO-RS presented in 2017, a strictly limited edition of 40 of which is already sold out. The earthbound rocket with more than 380 hp and a weight of 695 kilograms catapults itself and its driver from zero to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds. It reaches 200 km/h in 7.8 seconds - and only stops at around 280 km/h. The second fun-to-drive machine from the Netherlands is a Donkervoort D8 Cosworth from 1994 - one of only five examples built with this specification. The car with a 220 hp Ford two-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine was one of the fastest road-going roadsters of its time: with a top speed of 235 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 to 4.8 seconds, it outclassed even nominally more powerful sports cars. The driving machine offered for sale with a certificate of authenticity has only 10,900 kilometers on the clock and has never been driven on the racetrack.
FCA - Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Lancia
"Reloaded by Creators" is the focus of the joint stand of the Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia brands under the umbrella of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles FCA in Hall 3. Behind this slogan is the offer to buy carefully selected classic cars directly from the original manufacturer. To this end, FCA Heritage acquires classic cars in order to restore them perfectly and true to the original if required. FCA Heritage is the FCA division responsible for classic vehicles from the Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia brands. Following the world premiere in Paris, the car manufacturer will be presenting the new program - and some attractive reloaded vehicles - at the German premiere at Techno-Classica Essen. The classic cars on display at the FCA Heritage stand will not only adorn the Essen factory enclave as unattainable objects of enthusiasts' desire. They are also available for purchase. FCA Heritage is using the funds raised from the sale of the classic cars in top condition to expand its own collection. FCA Heritage is also offering all five classics on the Internet. Naturally, the exclusive classic cars are delivered with a certificate of authenticity. The importance FCA attaches to the history of its individual brands becomes clear at the presentation of the two new cars in Essen: both the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and the Giulia Quadrifoglio with their modern 510 hp 2.9-liter V6 bi-turbo engines and eight-speed automatic transmission continue the tradition of the Quadrifoglio Verde. Since 1923, the cloverleaf has stood for sporty Alfa Romeo automobiles and their sporting heritage as well as exclusive technology - also in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.
Ferrari
Eberlein Ferrari Kassel has held the title of "Ferrari Classiche Certification Center" for more than ten years and has been looking after the Ferrari factory stand at Techno-Classica Essen in Hall 3 for almost as long. Last year, company boss Helmut Eberlein handed over the management of his company, which has been in existence for over 40 years, to Peter Enders, an automobile businessman from Fulda, who runs the business - with Eberlein at his side in an advisory capacity. And since last year, Eberlein Ferrari Kassel has also been a Ferrari Classiche Officina - i.e. an official offshoot of the Ferrari Historic Workshop with all the expertise and accessibility of the main factory. Helmut Eberlein now has more time to take care of the things that give him pleasure, and so this year he has created a particularly interesting factory stand, where even the restoration of a 250 GT Cabriolet SII is being continued coram publico. Ferrari Eberlein will also be exhibiting several cars for sale, including another 250 GT Cabriolet - with a two-year restoration completed at the Ferrari factory in Maranello at the last moment before the show. "For all models, we will be emphasizing the importance of originality, which is confirmed and documented by the Ferrari Classiche 'certifi cato di autenticità' certificate," emphasizes Eberlein and invites visitors to enjoy "bellissimi momenti italiani" at the Ferrari stand.
Ford
A few years after Techno-Classica Essen 2004 also uses the large Hall 3 of Messe Essen, Ford also resides there with a factory stand of around 700 square meters - and always presents interesting aspects of Ford history there, always in cooperation with the most important German Ford clubs. This year, two 50th birthdays are the focus of the stand, which is always designed with a great deal of imagination and attention to detail: 50 years of the Ford Escort and 50 years of the Ford RS are the anniversaries that classic car enthusiasts will be celebrating in style. With corresponding cars from club members (see brackets in the box), Ford conveys the fascination of the birthday children up close. A total of 18 historic Ford models will adorn the stand, and some particularly "hot types" will make the eyes of PS fans light up: The Ford clubs are presenting a total of nine RS models (see box). But the absolute stars of the Ford parade are the original Ford Escort RS 1800 MK2 from the 1977 Safari Rally, flanked by the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth Team Eggenberger, a Ford RS 200 and a 1967 Ford Mustang in rally version. The Ford waffle bakery, well known to regular visitors to Techno-Classica Essen, has a long tradition: another attraction is the Ford wheel of fortune; Ford donates the money to Lebenshilfe Giessen at the end of the fair. Another standard feature on the Ford grounds: Lebenshilfe Giessen presents one of its main prizes from the classic car fundraising campaign. This year it is a Ford Fiesta MK2, donated by the Granada IG.
Jaguar Land Rover Classic
Jaguar Land Rover Classic, the classic car sales, restoration, parts service and thrilling driving experience division of Jaguar Land Rover Ltd. for the Jaguar and Land Rover car brands, is celebrating three major anniversaries this year. In October 1948 - 70 years ago - the Jaguar XK 120 made its debut at the Earls Court Motor Show in London as the first Jaguar sports car with the legendary XK straight-six engine. And it is now 50 years since the Coventry-based car manufacturer launched the first generation of the XJ luxury saloon. The Jaguar brand will announce which exhibits it will be presenting on the large Jaguar Land Rover stand in Hall 9 after this press release goes to press, but at least two of the fascinating E-Type sports cars, the jubilee XJ 6 and an XJ 220 will be on display. A spectacular surprise is also planned. In addition to its jubilees, Jaguar Land Rover will be showing several examples from its Reborn program. The reborn cars are classic Jaguar and Land Rover models that have been completely restored to their original condition at the factory and are available for purchase. Jaguar Land Rover will also be presenting details of the first European Classic Center, which will open its doors in Essen's Kettwig district in April of this year.
70 years ago, on April 30, 1948, the first Land Rover was unveiled in Amsterdam - the off-road legend with over two million units built by 2016. At the stand of the UK's largest car manufacturer, Jaguar Land Rover, the Land Rover brand is celebrating the birthday of the rural evergreen. The star is a Land Rover from the first series built up to 1958, revived with the Reborn program, which fascinates with its new car qualities. The second Land Rover exhibit on the British stand is just as attractive - albeit in a completely different way: It is an unrestored example waiting to be restored to new-car condition through the Reborn program.
Lamborghini
When the Lamborghini Islero was presented at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show at the same time as the Lamborghini Espada designed by Bertone designer Marcello Gandini, the unagitatedly styled Islero attracted little attention. The Carrozzeria Marazzi had designed it based on the 400 GT and made its rounded shapes disappear in favor of angular lines. Despite its wallflower existence, it is worth taking a second look at the Islero, designed with simple Italian chic: at the Lamborghini factory stand in Hall 7, you can admire the four-seater Espada and the 2+2-seater Islero. If you take a closer look at the two completely differently designed four-seaters, you will be fascinated by the two Italian beauties and compare the qualities of the completely different design languages. What's more, the classic Lamborghini Polo Storico department will be presenting itself in a new guise and with an expanded range of spare parts at the stand of the company from Sant'Agata Bolognese. With the Espada, Lamborghini is also demonstrating the skills of the restorers from Emilia-Romagna: the dark blue Espada is still undergoing restoration.
Mini
At the MINI brand stand in Hall 14 of the BMW Group, a Mini Cooper S commemorates the 55th birthday of the powerhouse, which has made a significant contribution to the sporty image of the lively front-wheel-drive car from the island. The sporty power Mini created by John Cooper was produced from March 1963 and served many private racing drivers as the basis for motorsport successes. For example, the later three-time Formula 1 world champion Niki Lauda reaped his first motorsport laurels in 1968 as an 18-year-old in a 1300 Mini Cooper S in various hill climbs. By 1971, more than 45,000 of the original Mini Cooper S with 970 cc, 1,071 cc and 1,275 cc engines had been built, ex works with 65, 70 and 75 hp. Even today, the classic Minis are still successful and sought-after favorites in historic motorsport - and as an enthusiast's car, it also has sworn fans all over the world. Thousands of Mini owners regularly meet at the International Mini Meeting (IMM), which is held in a different country every year - and provide impressive demonstrations of MINI enthusiasm. Last year, a Mini Cooper entered by MINI Classic drove from Munich to the IMM in Westport, Ireland, where it met 2,700 MINI fans from 93 international clubs. The Mini artistically designed for the IMM can be admired on the MINI stand. And to build a bridge to modernity, a modern MINI adorns the BMW Group stand.
Opel
The Alt-Opel Interessengemeinschaft von 1972 e. V., traditionally a guest and co-designer at the Opel factory stand in Hall 2, is taking on the role of host this year: The Alt-Opel IG is designing the stand of the traditional German car manufacturer at Techno-Classica Essen. In doing so, the club members are once again demonstrating the importance and expertise of volunteers in the classic car scene. They are also inviting trade fair visitors to an interesting and professionally designed representation of the Hessian car manufacturer - with a very special theme: under the motto "Opel Exotics", the active members of the club, which has 2,220 members from 26 nations, are showing Opel models that were only built in small numbers and have virtually disappeared from road traffic today. For example, who remembers an Opel Olympia A from 1968, the Keinath KC3 (Ascona C) Cabriolet (built from 1983), the Opel Commodore C (1977 - 1982) or an Opel Astra Coupé Bertone from 1998? They were all cars for Opel enthusiasts who were looking for that special understatement. To round things off, and as a distinctive and appealing vehicle from the time when Opel was Europe's largest car manufacturer, the Opel people have a 1.8-liter convertible 2+2 with mother-in-law's seat from 1932 - a car with an exciting history.
Peugeot
50 years of the Peugeot 504 - the anniversary - and the presentation of the brand new Peugeot 508 - the German premiere - at the Techno-Classica Essen: Peugeot is off to a promising start this year in Germany and, with its presentation at Techno-Classica Essen, is demonstrating the importance the French PSA Group attaches to the world classic car show. Peugeot presented today's classic 504 for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in 1968 - with radically new styling: the classic tail fin design of the predecessor model 404 suddenly looked as old as the hills next to the clearly drawn and timelessly elegant body of the 504, designed by Aldo Brovarone at the Pininfarina design studio. No wonder the 504 was voted Car of the Year 1969. In various body variants (estate, coupé, convertible and finally pick-up - even with a camping body), the smart car enjoyed a stellar career. The saloon was built from 1968 to the end of 1983. Production of the pick-up continued until the end of 1993, with Peugeot producing a total of 3,711,556 units. Peugeot only produced more units of the 205 and 206 small cars. Until December 2005, the 504 was still produced under license in Kenya, the People's Republic of China, Argentina and Nigeria.
The new Peugeot 508 has what it takes to become a worthy successor to the evergreen. The Peugeot press release confidently states: "The new Peugeot 508 changes everything. New, flat, compact architecture. New, sharp, muscular design, impressive interior: the new Peugeot 508 promises intense driving pleasure."
Škoda
123 years of vehicle construction: ŠKODA is one of the oldest car manufacturers still in production in the world. In Hall 7 of Techno-Classica Essen, the brand will be showcasing numerous rarities from its own company history - including early SUV predecessors, beautiful convertibles and, of course, racing cars.
Sports utility vehicles, or SUVs, are on the rise - including at ŠKODA, as demonstrated by the KAROQ and KODIAQ models and the VISION X study presented a few days ago at the Geneva Motor Show. At Techno-Classica Essen, the traditional Czech brand will be presenting its ancestors, such as the TREKKA from 1966, which was manufactured in New Zealand, and the YETI CABRIO concept car, which caused a sensation at the IAA 2005. Two stately saloons from the car manufacturer's early days: the ŠKODA 645 from 1929 and the 640 SUPERB from 1934, which gave its name to the brand's current flagship. ŠKODA will be demonstrating just how complex a complete restoration can be using the example of a POPULAR saloon from 1934. Of course, ŠKODA's multifaceted racing history will also be on show. On display in Essen: the ŠKODA 120 S Rallye, which set the course for the legendary 130 RS in 1971, as well as a Nordschleife-tested touring car version of the ŠKODA FAVORIT.
Volkswagen
As last year, Volkswagen will be presenting itself under the motto "The World of Volkswagen Classics". Volkswagen Classic demonstrates how exciting Wolfsburg automotive history can be with three themed areas: Research history at Volkswagen, convertible prototypes from Volkswagen and Pikes Peak International Hill Climb are the three areas of the Wolfsburg stand, which covers over 500 square meters. The Volkswagen Vision Futura from 1989 and the Volkswagen ESVW I, a safety prototype from 1971, are examples of the company's research history. Five convertible exhibits alone, which (unfortunately) never went into series production, fascinate visitors to Techno-Classica Essen in Hall 7 (see box). And because an electric racing car from Volkswagen is competing in the legendary hill climb up Pikes Peak this year, VW Classic is presenting the Golf II Bi-Motor, which attempted to conquer the 4,030-metre-high summit back in 1987 but failed. Nevertheless, the twin-engined Golf is a legend and can be admired at Techno-Classica Essen.
As always, the Volkswagen Classic Parts stand is part of Volkswagen Group Hall 7 and, as a spare parts specialist for the Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brands, will be presenting exclusively original parts - this year under the motto "Originals you can touch". The Volkswagen Classic Competence Center will also be presented. This is a manufacturer-supported service offering with support for maintenance, repair and restoration, as well as for the procurement of spare parts specifically for classic and vintage cars - from over 60 VW partners.
Further car manufacturers are presented in our news from February 1, 2018.
Special show: "Le Mans Legends"
The centerpiece of the Classic World Fair, a special exhibition with racing cars that are considered automotive-historical treats even by true connoisseurs among the classic car connoisseurs: Under the motto "Le Mans Legends", spectacular icons of the endurance classic from the 1960s onwards will be on display at the Palais de l'Automobile.
All information about the exhibition can be found here.
