Being innovative and making good things even better: for 30 years, the great strength of Techno-Classica Essen has been not to rest on its laurels. Always working on one's own performance, building something new on stable foundations and not losing sight of the details - this unconditional commitment to self-optimization has convinced exhibitors and visitors since 1989. Techno-Classica Essen 2019 is also proof of this self-image, with an even more visitor-friendly layout in the redesigned halls of Messe Essen and new attractions that take into account the trends of the classic car scene. The leading trade fair for classic vehicles can continue to rely on all its partners, who make its unique success possible in the first place.
Enthusiasts, clubs and interest groups who put their hearts and minds into preserving automotive cultural assets. Manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and workshops who have come to appreciate classic car enthusiasts as an important and knowledgeable target group whose needs are being increasingly catered for. And, of course, the associations and museums, some indispensable networkers, others preservers and explorers of automotive tradition.
For all of them, the annual meeting in Essen is more than just a must-attend event. For them, the classic car world fair is a celebration with like-minded people and friends: Welcome to Techno-Classica Essen 2019!
S.I.H.A. special show "Tour de France Legends"
The special show at Techno-Classica Essen 2019 is once again dedicated to motorsport: Under the title "Tour de France Automobile Legends", legendary participants of the famous stage race, which was held in France between 1899 and 1986, will be presented around the "Palais de l'Automobile" in the new Hall 5. The golden era of this race began in the 1950s - with intermediate classifications on closed race tracks - and lasted until the mid-1960s. Techno-Classica Essen commemorates the most beautiful time with some of the most spectacular cars of the 1950s-1960s and will be presenting a Ferrari 250 Tour de France, a Porsche 550 Spyder, a Deutsch-Bonnet HBR 5, a Jaguar C-Type, a Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta (SWB) and an Aston Martin DB2 works car in the special show.
World trade center for classic and collector's cars
More than 2,700 classic cars, collector's and collector's vehicles, youngtimers and prestige cars will once again make Techno-Classica Essen the world's largest classic car trading center in spring 2019.The crème de la crème of international classic car dealers will come together here with suppliers of classic cars and private sellers. Well over 180,000 visitors guarantee maximum attention for what is on offer. Another incentive for dealers - and a well-established tradition at Techno-Classica Essen - is the Concours d'Élégance, in which an international jury of experts and trade journalists selects the most beautiful, elegant and attractive classic cars from dealers and chooses "the Best of Show". A good ranking is an image gain for dealers and future owners ...
The range on offer at Techno-Classica Essen remains international at the highest level: the proportion of exhibitors from Europe or overseas will be over 30 percent in 2019, which will naturally also attract interested parties from all over the world to Essen. They will mainly find what they are looking for in Halls 1, 1A (RM Sotheby's Auction), 3, 5, 7 and 8 and the Gruga Hall (Coys Auction) and will benefit from the visitor-friendly, clearer hall layout. However, the organizer has made sure that even long-time Techno-Classica Essen enthusiasts will have no problems finding their way around as usual.
Audi with mobile space wonders
Audi AG has given its factory stand at this year's Techno-Classica Essen the working title "Space Wonders" and is celebrating the anniversary of "70 years of Ingolstadt" at the same time. To mark the start of production after the Second World War, the brand with the four rings is presenting a DKW Schnellaster from 1949 and other large-capacity cars, from the DKW F85 "Woody" from 1951 to the Audi 100 Avant from 1978. And a 1949 DKW RT 125 W with trailer coupling demonstrates that even motorcycles can be transformed into vans with a trailer ...
The Autostadt with refined Group classics
As the Volkswagen Group's communication platform, the Autostadt is planning a brilliant show to mark the 30th anniversary of Techno-Classica Essen: Many of the vehicles presented on the stands of the Volkswagen Group brands will be presented by the Autostadt as tuned, refined or individualized examples - in this way, the Autostadt in Hall 4 will combine the overall appearance of the world's largest automotive group into a unique experience. This experience can be intensified: At the Autostadt stand, a specially programmed driving simulator offers deceptively realistic classic car driving experiences.
BMW with records and victories
This year, BMW Group Classic - together with the BMW and MINI brand clubs - will be residing in Hall 6 with its impressive stand and will be presenting a total of almost 30 vehicles under the theme "100 years of records and victories": In 1919, an aircraft equipped with a BMW aircraft engine (BMW IV) reached a previously unattained altitude of 9,760 meters. This record is regarded as the starting point for many other records and motorsport successes in BMW's more than 100-year history. Some of these top achievements will be presented by BMW Group Classic with fascinating exhibits - such as the Le Mans winning car from 1999, a BMW V12 LMR. Traditionally, the clubs play one of the main roles on the large BMW stand, and BMW also plans to offer insights into the restoration workshop and the BMW Group Classic vehicle hall, as well as presenting the range of spare parts for BMW classics using individual examples.
Citroën street with 100th anniversary celebrations
Like the Opel brand, which is also part of the PSA Group, Citroën also relies on the proven services of the clubs: This year's Citroën show, which is particularly impressive with 15 classic cars, is organized under the auspices of Amicale Citroën International (ACI) by the exhibitors' association "Citroen-Strasse" and represents 14 different clubs with around 12.000 German enthusiasts.
This year's theme: "100 years of Citroën". The club organizers have succeeded in bringing a unique retrospective with classics from every decade of Citroën automobile construction to Essen against an attractive backdrop - starting with the Type A from the first Citroën car year up to the rare C6 (2005-2012), of which fewer examples were built than the legendary and rare SM.
Ducati with Mororrad Classic
At this year's Techno Classica, the Autostadt in Wolfsburg is presenting the motorcycle brand Ducati, among others. On the stand is a Ducati Scrambler from 1973, a genuine all-round motorcycle with a Ducati Desmodromik* engine, the best-selling Ducati model from 1962 to 1978. Opposite it is the impressive, beefy Ducati Scrambler Rivatoro, a successful participant in a 2016 competition for Scrambler conversions. KRT-Framework, Ducati Rhein-Sieg and Motorrad Tellenbrock created this scrambler with a café racer look and riveted aluminum monocoque. The two fascinating motorcycles exemplify the difference between series production and customization - albeit with a time difference of almost 45 years ...
FCA Heritage with rarities from Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and the new Alfa Romeo F1
FCA Heritage, the division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) responsible for the history of the Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia brands, is presenting itself at Techno-Classica Essen with three major themes: the 70th anniversary of the Abarth brand, the new Alfa Romeo Formula 1 team and the "Reloaded by Creators" initiative.
Ferrari with Nigel Mansell's Ferrari F40
The Ferrari factory stand in Hall 3 will once again be looked after this year by Eberlein Automobile GmbH, which is one of the few "Ferrari Classiche Officina" - i.e. the official offshoot of the Ferrari history workshop with all the expertise and access options at the main factory. At the time of going to press, not all the exhibits had been confirmed, but it is certain that the Ferrari F 40 from 1989, which the 1992 Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell bought as a new car, is among the Ferraris for sale. And as in previous years, the Ferrari stand will surprise visitors with a number of automotive highlights ...
Ford celebrates "50 years of the Ford Capri"
Ford traditionally presents itself and its history in cooperation with the most important German Ford clubs at Techno-Classica Essen. This year, the focus will be on the 50th anniversary of the Ford Capri. With around 14 Capri models - including some unusual rarities - from club members and from the Ford Classic Car Collection, Ford will convey the fascination of the anniversary model at close quarters. The Capri show will be framed by other Ford classics.
Mercedes Benz with a newly designed large-scale presentation
Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the C 111 experimental vehicle, which was presented to the public for the first time at the IAA in 1969 and caused a sensation - also as a record-breaking vehicle - on a spectacular redesigned stand. Six unique examples of this super sports car will be presented.
Other eye-catchers: a Mercedes Simplex from 1903 - the most advanced automobile of its time - together with the Mercedes among the electrics, the new EQC. ALL TIME STARS, the Mercedes-Benz Classic vehicle dealership, is presenting a very special 300 SL Gullwing as an original barn find. Mercedes-Benz Classic can be found in Hall 1 together with the Classic Partners and many German brand clubs.
Mini celebrates its 60th anniversary
The MINI brand, which has been part of the BMW Group since 1995, is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the then revolutionary Mini: the success story of the legendary British small car began with the presentation of the first Mini in 1959. Its designer Alec Issigonis (raised to the peerage as Knight Bachelor Sir Alec Issigonis in 1969) created a design concept with the transverse front-mounted engine with a flange-mounted gearbox underneath, which was to become the basis for many later compact cars.
Some significant Mini exhibits from the trendsetter's 60-year history will be presented on the MINI stand.
Opel with Caravan Salon
Just like last year, the Alt-Opel Interessengemeinschaft von 1972 e. V. will be flying the Adam Opel G flag at the 31st edition of Techno-Classica Essen. The club with over 2,500 members from 26 nations, previously a traditional guest and co-designer at the Opel factory stand in Hall 2, is once again taking on the role of host this year: The Alt-Opel IG is supporting and designing the stand of Germany's oldest car brand at the world classic car fair. In doing so, the club members are once again highlighting the importance and expertise of volunteers in the classic car scene. They are presenting Opel models, some of which were only built in small numbers and have virtually disappeared from road traffic today.
Under the theme "Caravan of the 1960s and 1970s", Opel enthusiasts will be presenting an Opel Rekord C Caravan, a Kadett B Caravan and an Opel Blitz fire engine. The highlight on the stand of the brand with the Blitz, however, is an Opel Diplomat 2.8 E, which was registered by coachbuilder Vogt in 1974 as a one-off with the rear section of the Rekord D station wagon. Its appearance at the Techno-Classica Essen is a sensation for Opel enthusiasts: this car was considered lost from the end of 1990 until 2016 - there were not even any brochures or contemporary photos. At the Alt-Opel IG stand, the Vogt-Diplomat will be presented to the public for the first time in its new condition after thorough restoration.
And for those who want even more infotainment on the subject of Opel: In Hall 2, the organizer has placed several other Opel clubs in the immediate vicinity of the Alt-Opel IG area: Klein-Rüsselsheim in Essen ...
Peugeot celebrates coupé and convertible anniversary
50 years ago, Peugeot introduced the 504 Cabriolet and the 504 Coupé, two cars styled by Sergio Pininfarina, alongside the 504 saloon, which had been built a year earlier and was created by Pininfarina designer Aldo Brovarone.
At Techno-Classica Essen, Peugeot's stand will be dedicated to this anniversary - with one of 26,128 504 Coupés built taking center stage. A 504 in rally version illustrates the robustness of the French evergreen and a new 508 saloon builds a bridge to modernity.
Porsche celebrates its mid-engine anniversary
Porsche AG's traditionally spectacular presentation in 2019 is themed "50 years of the Porsche 914". Porsche Classic will be showcasing the birthday child, which was launched in 1969 as the VW-Porsche 914 (with four-cylinder mid-engine) and as the Porsche 914/6 (with six-cylinder mid-engine) in Hall 4 as a Porsche 914/6 and as one of two Porsche 914/8s (with eight-cylinder racing engine) produced.
In addition, there will be around ten classic Porsches from Porsche Classic partners worldwide and vehicles from the factory restoration to admire. The Stuttgart-based company will also be showcasing many newly issued classic original and accessory parts, as well as the customization options offered by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur for new vehicles ex works. The Porsche Clubs will once again be presenting themselves in Hall 3 this year.
Seat with two anniversaries
Seat has been a regular exhibitor at Techno Classica Essen since 2006 - and is celebrating two 50th anniversaries this year: Both the Seat 1430 as a refined derivative of the Seat 124 and the SEAT 850 Sport Spider appeared in 1969 - and symbolized the then awakened self-confidence of the Spanish car manufacturer. At the SEAT stand in Volkswagen Group Hall 4, the limousine and five-door estate versions of the 1430 and the attractive 850 Sport Spider will be in the spotlight.
Skoda with 111-year-old one-off and Octavia birthday celebrations
ŠKODA is offering a full program at the Techno-Classica Essen: The main theme is "60 years of ŠKODA Octavia"- and will be impressively presented with various historic Octavia and with the Felicia convertible derived from it. The company from Mladá Boleslav illustrates ŠKODA's motorsport activities with an original, current Octavia WRC and an 'old' Octavia 1200 TS from 1961. Other special eye-catchers include the only surviving Laurin & Klement BSC from 1908, freshly restored in 2018, as well as a "barn find" and an exhibit on the subject of classic car restoration. An extra treat is the premiere of a three-volume ŠKODA chronicle.
VW with records, anniversaries and apprentices
Volkswagen will be presenting three exhibitors under the motto "The World of Volkswagen Classics": Volkswagen Classic, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Classic Cars and Volkswagen Classic Parts - each with fascinating exhibits on exciting topics. 70 years of series production of the Beetle Cabriolet and Volkswagen records are on the program, as are 60 years of mobile radar measurement with the first "Blitzer-Bulli" and 40 years of the Volkswagen T3.
The world's largest car manufacturer is also presenting an apprentice project from Volkswagen Osnabrück: the apprentices are finalizing the restoration of a Type 3 1600 TL at Techno-Classica Essen. And traditionally, there will be detailed information about classic spare parts with significant exhibits.
Volvo with limousine tradition
The Swedish brand Volvo is bringing together more than 90 years of saloon tradition at its stand in Hall 3 - from the first saloon, the PV4 from 1927, to the latest S60, which will be launched this spring. The exhibits include, for example, a 1966 "Amazon" and a 1981 240 Turbo. The star is the Volvo PV 36 "Carioca" from 1935, named after a South American dance. The Person Vagn, formerly driven by Volvo co-founder and engineer Gustaf Larson, stands in original condition with a fantastic patina in the center of the factory stand.
Prestige cars
The classics of tomorrow are also present in Essen. Current trends in automotive engineering create areas of tension that can be explored positively and with pleasure. Anyone looking for a luxury or prestige car will also find what they are looking for at Techno-Classica Essen: The terms fascination, individuality, beauty, fun and character apply particularly well to the luxury sports cars, luxury limousines and custom-built vehicles. Fans of modern classics need not fear missing out this year either: In 2019, new racers such as the Alpina B7, Porsche 992 and Lamborghini Huracán Evo, to name just three examples, are once again igniting the next explosion of performance - future classics with prestige, quite indisputably.
Coy's auction
The dozen is full: for the twelfth time, the renowned British auction house Coys is organizing a classic car auction at Techno-Classica Essen. As in the three previous years, the classic car specialists from Richmond/London will be using the arena in the Gruga Hall to bring over 100 vehicles - from affordable youngtimers to top-class classics - under the hammer. The collector's cars on offer at the Coys Auction will be on display for the entire duration of the fair and can be viewed during this time. The auction will take place on April 13.
The classic cars registered so far include a Porsche Carrera GT (2005), a Mercedes- Benz 300SL Roadster (1961), a Maserati Sebring (1963), a BMW Z8 Roadster (2002) and a BMW M1 from 1979. With this car converted to run on LPG, racing driver Harald Ertl set a world speed record for LPG automobiles in 1981 with a speed of 301.4 km/h. Coys presents the unique car as an unrestored one-off. Further information at www.coys.co.uk
RM Sotheby's Auction
Big premiere at Techno-Classica Essen: For the first time, the world's leading auction house RM Sotheby's will be holding a classic car auction in Germany. The auction house, based in Blenheim/Ontario, Canada, has deliberately chosen Techno-Classica Essen as the appropriate venue for this internationally acclaimed event: the expected 180,000 guests include many solvent collectors who have concrete purchase intentions for valuable rarities.
However, the auction, which has been extended from one to two auction days due to the large number of attractive vehicles, should also appeal to those interested in affordable classics: Among around 230 cars on offer, over 85 examples from a huge Swiss youngtimer collection are up for sale, with no lower limit. This means that each of these young classics will be sold at the highest bid - regardless of the amount.
These offers alone will attract many willing bidders: After all, most of the cars in the Youngtimer Collection are desirable luxury saloons, sports cars and off-road vehicles - and many of them sport the logos of well-known manufacturers such as Alpina, AMG, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Rolls-Royce. In the lower price categories with estimated values between 15,000 and 20,000 euros, there are a good dozen lots - from the Mercedes-Benz 600 SEL (W 140) from 1992 in very well-kept condition with less than 14,000 miles to the Jaguar XJS V12 Cabriolet from 1992 with less than 13,000 miles on the clock.
Rarities such as a 1930 Avions Voisin C23 Conduite Intérieur, a 1975 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale, a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Cabriolet A with Sindelfingen bodywork (with an estimated value of two to 2.4 million euros) or a 1949 Veritas BMW Rennsport round off the top end of the program.
If you want to get a live impression of the classic car collection, you can find an entertaining and inspiring report by renowned British motoring journalist Chris Harris on the YouTube homepage under the heading "Inside Chris Harris' Dream Garage | Chris Harris Drives | Top Gear". And if you want to see the RM Sotheby's range in real life at Techno-Classica Essen, you will find what you are looking for in Hall 1A.
Further information at www.rmsothebys.com
Everything for restoration and preservation
Factory restorations are still in vogue, as the manufacturers' presentations at Techno-Classica Essen 2019 clearly show once again. Not only, but also when looking at the manufacturers' current projects, it is clear that the "Young Classics" market is gaining in importance and that even relatively young vehicles are being restored to new condition ex works. In principle, the more exclusive the car and the more tradition-conscious the brand fans, the greater the willingness to dig deep into their pockets. A factory restoration guarantees flawless results, but this perfection comes at a price. The restoration of a comparatively young Porsche Carrera GT from 2005 can cost a six-figure sum.
Against this background, anyone who would rather entrust their classic car to another workshop will find numerous potential partners at Techno-Classica Essen. And hobby restorers who want to do it themselves will also get all the support they need in Essen, because depending on the project, it is often not possible to carry out all the work themselves. Whether engine overhaul, paintwork or upholstery work - everyone will find "their" specialist at the 2019 Classic World Fair.
Further training: Techno-Classica Academy
The success story of the Techno-Classica Academy is writing its 17th chapter. With live demonstrations and workshops on all days of the fair, it shows what traditional craftsmanship can achieve in combination with state-of-the-art technology. The educational initiative under the auspices of the German Motor Vehicle Trade (ZDK) will once again be organized by the Fahrzeugakademie Schweinfurt in 2019. Its specialists will be available to answer visitors' questions in the Galeria at the Academy's stand, answer technical questions and give do-it-yourselfers tips and tricks using real-life examples. Information and entertainment will also merge during the live restoration sessions - with this year's focus on a special topic: conservation.
In collaboration with the Berlin University of Applied Sciences, the oldest Citroën 2 CV registered in Germany will be used to demonstrate how to preserve a car without sacrificing the traces of its history to restoration. Its owner wants to preserve the car and its patina as a contemporary document. Another treat is the on-site restoration of one of the very rare Citroën 11 CV Traction Avant Cabriolets on the stand of the Schweinfurt Vehicle Academy. Incidentally, the latest figures also show that craftsmanship has a golden basis: According to the ZDK, more than 660 car dealerships now carry the additional mark "Specialist dealership for historic vehicles". They offer professional restoration and competent service.
Clubs & World Club Grand Prix
Already 30 years ago, at the first Techno-Classica Essen in 1989, the classic car clubs played a major role: 70 clubs were among the 255 exhibitors from the very beginning. Over the years, the appearances of the clubs, associations and interest groups have also grown in parallel to Techno-Classica Essen - both in terms of quality and quantity: at this year's Classic World Fair, around 220 classic car communities will show a cross-section of the entire scene and present themselves, their vehicles and services. The clubs represent almost all car brands, a large number of individual vehicle models and also classic motorcycles.
The clubs are in a veritable race when it comes to the design of their exhibition stands. A special incentive for top performances by the volunteers: since the first Techno-Classica Essen, the S.I.H.A. has been recognizing the most imaginatively designed stands. has been recognizing the most imaginatively designed stands of classic car clubs, interest groups, brand clubs and associations with trophies and handsome cash prizes - thus establishing a tradition that is still maintained with great consistency today. This competition is called the "Club Grand Prix". The clubs that do not present themselves on manufacturers' stands also particularly appreciate the fact that the S.I.H.A. provides them with exhibition space free of charge.
This year, in Halls 1 to 8, 8A 8B and in the Klassik-Arena of the Gruga-Halle, veritable club cities have been created with individual districts organized by brand, so that visitors can find their way around even more easily. The importance of the clubs at Techno-Classica Essen is underlined by the close partnership between the organizer S.I.H.A. and the FIVA. The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens is the world association of classic car clubs. It is committed to the preservation of historic vehicles, which are an important part of our technical cultural heritage. Founded in Paris in 1966, FIVA today represents over 1.5 million classic car owners from more than 60 countries. FIVA President Patrick Rollet is also the patron of the 31st Techno-Classica Essen in 2019.
Associations and museums
End of January 2019: Eight major German associations and clubs are joining forces in the "Historic Vehicles Working Group" to "protect, preserve and promote historic vehicles as outstanding technical cultural assets". So much concentrated commitment needs platforms and forums in order to represent the most important demand - "Historic vehicles belong on the road!" - effectively in the public eye. Against this background, Techno-Classica Essen offers all important associations and multipliers who are committed to the preservation of automotive cultural assets at home and abroad an internationally respected platform to effectively represent the interests of the classic car scene.
The passion for classic vehicles is also conveyed by the approximately 250 technology museums that exist in Germany alone. Many of them will be exhibiting at Techno-Classica Essen. This also includes the museums of the automobile manufacturers, which will be presenting themselves on the factory stands, as well as the "German Museum Route" initiative with its 45 members. Museums from abroad will also be exhibiting, adding to the international flair of the world classic car fair: The National Motor Museum Beaulieu (GB), the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile Turin (I), the Cité de l'Automobile (Musée National - Collection Schlumpf, as the largestThe Cité de l'Automobile (Musée National - Collection Schlumpf, the largest car museum in the world) in Mulhouse (F), Autoworld in Brussels (B) and the Louwman Museum in The Hague (B) invite you on a European tour of fascinating car collections - on foot through the Essen exhibition halls.
Spare parts and tools - old and new
Anyone looking for spare parts at Techno-Classica Essen will find them even faster in 2019: In the new Hall 6, a competence center has been created with over one hundred stands, where you can search quickly and purposefully despite the incredibly large range on offer. However, well-known spare parts and tool suppliers will continue to present themselves in their "regular places" - primarily in Halls 2, 3, 6 and 8.
The broad spectrum on offer is an urgently needed decision-making aid for many vehicle owners, because the more popular classic cars become, the rarer - and therefore more expensive - many parts become.
It is true that many manufacturers have also recognized the signs of the times in this area and offer a comprehensive range of spare parts for their own brand vehicles. However, as with factory restorations, the safest route to quality is not always the cheapest. Where you buy ultimately depends on your requirements, patience and budget - Techno-Classica Essen always provides the complete basis for making a decision. The classic car scene is also benefiting from new technical developments, particularly when it comes to expensive one-offs, such as decorative parts.
For example, 3D printers are already making some reproductions affordable that people might not have wanted to afford a few years ago. When it comes to tool procurement, there is a very fine line between inexpensive and cheap. But whatever you can and want to spend depending on your requirements: a visit to Techno-Classica Essen provides clarity in terms of the market situation, because the range on offer is broader and at the same time more target group-specific than anywhere else - as are the opportunities to obtain in-depth information.
Service providers and service - problem solvers at Techno-Classica Essen
If you want to arrive in Essen in style, you might want to make use of their services even before the trade fair: organizers of excursions and rallies have long since discovered Techno-Classica Essen as a worthwhile and popular destination. A guided tour through beautiful landscapes in your own classic car, exclusive dining and overnight accommodation in the evening and a shuttle service to the trade fair the next morning - that's the way to live.
But anyone who has little free time and simply wants to spend it driving will also appreciate the numerous services on offer for classic cars.
Whether insurance, transportation, registration, professional storage or the right care - over 100 companies from Germany and abroad offer their services for owners of classic cars at Techno-Classica Essen, providing a solution for (almost) every problem.
Classic Motorsport
The large selection of historic racing sports cars at Techno-Classica Essen will once again delight motorsport fans. The organizer S.I.H.A. estimates that a total of over 200 classic racing cars will once again be for sale in 2019. In addition to their range of road vehicles, many of the renowned classic car dealers will also be offering exclusive historic competition vehicles. Historic racing cars can always be seen on the industry stands, and many club stands also present cars that have made racing history. And those who want to admire very special racing cars from the 1950s and 1960s, which are unique in this compilation, should visit the Palais de l'Automobile of the S.I.H.A. in the new Hall 5: Some of the legendary sports cars that once caused a sensation on the great Tour of France are on display there in the special "Tour de France Legends" show.
Modern Classics - classics of the future
Affordable modern classics are still very much in vogue. More than 30 percent of the vehicles on offer at Techno-Classica Essen are "modern classics" - at prices that even newcomers can afford. And the objects of desire are getting younger: in addition to everyday classics whose first examples are ready for the H license plate, vehicles from the later 1990s are also increasingly being targeted by bargain hunters. No 3,000 EURO for a fully equipped Pininfarina convertible like the Peugeot 306 in top condition? And the higher level of safety offered by vehicles from the mid-1990s onwards may also tempt you to buy a classic for the whole family. However, the triumph of electronic control units can foreseeably become a downer in terms of profitability, as replacements are often expensive.
In 2019, some interesting vehicles will once again join the ranks of H-plate candidates that are still readily available at reasonable prices, such as the Citroen XM and Nissan 200 ZX. They are examples of the wide range of future or already crowned classics that are often even cheaper as youngtimers, but are therefore no less fascinating than their predecessors. With the increasing acceptance of Young Classics as a cultural asset, a booming scene has also developed. And it is also Modern Classics that have paved the way for classic tuning in Germany to become more accepted. Historically correct modifications are still in vogue - regardless of whether they involve the engine, chassis or bodywork. This applies to the tuned classics on sale at the trade fair as well as to the accessories trade. The US hot rod and custom scene also has its stage at the Classic World Fair in Essen.
Motorcycles, boats, airplanes and historic commercial vehicles
It's just too beautiful, the view in the rear-view mirror. In 2019, many motorcycle manufacturers will continue to focus on classic looks and virtues, as retro looks and deceleration are still at the top of many customers' wish lists. In addition to brand manufacturers such as Ducati, who are celebrating the good old days with current models, new small manufacturers are increasingly establishing themselves on the (niche) market.
The concept: harmonious retro designs with often high-quality components and robust, unpretentious engines from the Middle Kingdom. The results are often impressive, but hopefully also open the eyes of many enthusiasts to the beauty of the originals ... Whatever the case, the enthusiasm of customers and manufacturers is also really good for the two-wheeler presence in Essen, which has increased noticeably in recent years. In addition to two-wheelers, classic commercial vehicles, boats and airplanes are also crowd-pullers with growing appeal. Vintage tractors in particular now have a fan base that cannot be ignored on many country roads and, depending on the traffic situation and length of the convoy, can be difficult to overtake. But if you're on the road in your own classic, you'll stay calm anyway and enjoy the concentrated diesel power. And let's be honest, it doesn't always have to be a 911 - a Porsche tractor is just as exclusive!
Automobilia and literature
There are classic car enthusiasts who just want to drive or do a bit of wrenching. And then there are the others. Those who have entire brand histories, eras or lifestyles in mind. Those who persistently search for historical and current automobilia, memorabilia, devotional objects and nostalgia relating to the automobile. You can meet many of these special hunters in Essen because Techno-Classica Essen offers something that online fairs simply cannot: the opportunity to browse on site, to make a quick and unexpected find, to talk shop. And the good feeling of being among like-minded people.
Whether it's a historic pedal car, advertising sign or radiator grille, Techno-Classica Essen is a must for passionate collectors from all over the world. This is because the world classic car fair offers an unsurpassed range of historic and current automobilia, memorabilia, devotional objects and nostalgia relating to the automobile. This also applies to literature: operating instructions or spare parts directories, repair manuals or valuable original brochures, classic car illustrated books or reference works.
Model cars
With more than 80 model car sales stands - mostly from professional suppliers and model manufacturers - T echno-Classica Essen is a huge marketplace for antiquarian and current miniature cars. It is a real paradise for the big fans of small models and a huge showroom for all the new products from the Nuremberg Toy Fair that collectors can expect this year. Many model car suppliers are located in Halls 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 - but attentive model car enthusiasts will also discover interesting miniatures in the stores at the stands of the car manufacturers, clubs and car dealers. And many a rare piece will be hidden in the dealers' range of spare parts for the miniatures' great role models. German car manufacturers will also be offering special models at this year's Techno Classica Essen. Because one thing is clear: model cars are also ideal ambassadors for a brand, especially when it comes to its own history and classics.
Even proven specialists whose heart beats for antiquarian goods can find what they are looking for when it comes to model cars at the Classic World Fair. Because the world of classics and youngtimers also has its own special charm in miniature. The big show of small cars - that is also the 31st Techno Classica Essen 2019.
Art and lifestyle
The automobile is both a work of art and a subject: for most classic car enthusiasts, this statement is absolutely true. Anyone who is enthusiastic about classics as an object of fine art will find works from over 130 years of art history, from the roaring twenties or the pop art of Andy Warhol to the present day. Whether original or copy, oil painting or sculpture, in Essen you can discover many new sides to the automobile as an object of fine art. The organizer has made this easier by redesigning an entire artists' quarter in Hall 6.
Lovers of classic automobiles often also cultivate the corresponding lifestyle. And this includes matching accessories such as clothing or watches. The latter can be just as much mechanical marvels as classic vehicles. And in the Bauhaus anniversary year 2019, interest in classic timepieces with a simple, functional design is particularly high. The rediscovery of Bauhaus design in particular, where less is often more, has led to a wider range of classic-looking watches in various price categories, the full breadth of which can also be seen at Techno-Classica Essen. Keyword lifestyle: This is another reason why many celebrities from film and television, motorsport stars and also the most important decision-makers from the classic car scene will be meeting in Essen from April 10 to 14.
Bargain markets under the open sky
In 2019, the four outdoor areas of Messe Essen will once again become an Eldorado for fresh air fanatics and bargain hunters. More than 300 youngtimers and classics in the affordable price segment await interested parties there. Here you can still find them, the more or less patinated, likeable everyday classics that you can simply drive or put in the garage as your next winter project, depending on your requirements and budget. The range has become increasingly international in recent years: German makes have long since shared the space with old Swedes, Italian divas, American dreams and equipment wonders from the Far East ...
Further information can be found on the Techno-Classica Essen website