All preparations are in full swing, the stand builders are in the starting blocks and the transporters have planned the logistics - finally: after two years without Techno-Classica Essen, the pioneer and role model of all classic car fairs can finally open its doors again this year.
The entire industry has long been looking forward to this reunion with real, direct discussions and not least to the countless exciting automobiles on site: as things stand today, the organizer expects suppliers and clubs to present over 2,700 exhibits to visitors in all eight halls of the Essen exhibition grounds from 23 to 27 March 2022. In addition, extensive poster advertising in the region will inform anyone who is interested.
Major anniversaries and impressive special exhibitions
As the undisputed leading trade exhibition for the classic car industry, Techno-Classica will once again set new standards in 2022. Many highlights have been announced. For example, the focus of interest will be on Ferrari's 75th anniversary: since the presentation of the Ferrari 125 S in 1947, the first model under this illustrious name, the Italian sports car manufacturer has already delighted generations of automobile fans with enormously impressive models.
At Techno-Classica, manufacturer Ferrari S.p.A. is celebrating major highlights from three quarters of a century together with Eberlein Automobile, which has officially been awarded the Officina Ferrari Classiche label since 2017. The focus will be on the current Ferrari Roma, which elegantly plays with historical references. It will be supported by a Ferrari 275 GTB Long Nose and a Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet, both restored by Ferrari Classiche in Maranello. The increasingly important subject of certificates of authenticity will also be presented.
The special exhibition by the organizer S.I.H.A. is also under an Italian star. It is dedicated to a major chapter in the history of the coachbuilder, small series producer and automobile developer Zagato, which was founded in 1919. The exhibition focuses on the six decades of cooperation between Aston Martin and Zagato, which began in 1960 with the iconic DB4 GT Zagato and has since produced a rare and fascinating variety of automotive styles.
None other than Andrea Zagato, the great-grandson of the founder who now runs the company in Rho near Milan, has announced his intention to visit the Techno-Classica. He will be able to talk about the projects that have repeatedly resulted in small editions of unique special models in recent years.
In addition, highly coveted trophies will once again be awarded in two competitions at Techno-Classica: As part of the Concours d'Elegance, a jury of experts will select the most beautiful exhibits in various classes from the abundance on offer and will also choose the Best of Show. These prizes will be awarded on Friday, March 25, 2022. The competition for the Club Grand Prix, i.e. the most impressive club stand at Techno-Classica, will be decided by a separate jury on Sunday, March 27, 2022.
Many major dealers from all over the world set up their temporary showrooms
Another recipe for success at Techno-Classica is the impressive presence of the crème de la crème of German and international dealers. Only at a live event can a wide range of offers from all segments be directly compared and spontaneously negotiated. Techno-Classica traditionally offers unsurpassed variety, quality and size in this respect.
HK-Engineering, for example, will be offering six outstanding Mercedes-Benz 300 SLs, while KIENLE Automobiltechnik will be presenting its portfolio ranging from the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG to the 1936 540 K Cabriolet C, the car of the former Egyptian King Faruk. Rosier Classic Sterne also has a wide range of cars: The range extends from a very original, black Mercedes-Benz SSK to a current Black Series model.
Early 911 S and Thiesen Hamburg have also announced major exhibitions. The northern German dealer is bringing a 1924 Bentley 3 Litre Speed Vandenplas Tourer Red Label to Essen, as well as a Veritas BMW 328 RS (1949) and the 1953 Porsche 356 Pre-A, a bendy convertible once owned by Prince Bertil of Sweden.
The gems selected by dealer ChromeCars for the Techno-Classica include the oldest known Porsche 911 Soft-Window-Targa, an unrestored example from 1967, and the Tojero MG, in which Sir Stirling Moss once took part in races. Among the 33 exhibits are some desirable youngtimers and young classic cars - for example two Alpina models or Mercedes-Benz 190 E in Evo I and Evo II versions.
Well-known names from abroad have also registered their participation. The Houtkamp Collection is bringing rare Aston Martin cars to Essen, including one of only 19 DB5 convertibles built. A Lancia Lambda from 1927, which took part in the historic Mille Miglia four times, and the Arnolt Bristol Works Team Car from 1955, once the personal car of Wacky Arnolt, breathe impressive racing history.
Gallery Aaldering will also be showcasing exceptional vehicles, such as Juan Manuel Fangio's Maserati 4CLT from 1948, a one-off Delahaye 235 Cabriolet built in 1952 and a Bizzarini 5300 GT. Other dealers will be traveling from Italy, Scandinavia, the USA and even Argentina.
For commercial and private vendors, a new, extensive vehicle sales market will be set up in Hall 4 with hundreds of offers of all kinds and prices. In addition, the outdoor areas will once again be the scene of countless classic car offers. The atmosphere here will once again be lively and very international: traditionally, many small suppliers also come from abroad with their exotic cars.
A strong tradition: the presentations by clubs and associations
The countless clubs and associations will take center stage this year. Hall 1, for example, is traditionally home to those whose theme is the star from Stuttgart. With intensive support from the manufacturer, 17 recognized Mercedes-Benz brand clubs will be presenting a magnificent panopticon spanning many decades on a total area of over 2400 square meters, from pre-war vehicles - with a special compressor exhibition! - from the 1920s to modern super sports legends of the 21st century such as the Mercedes-Benz SLR.
A community of Ford clubs is honoring the anniversaries of 90 years of Ford Y and V8 engines, 50 years of Granada and 40 years of Sierra on a common area. There are not only around 20 rare classics here, but also particularly loyal exhibitors: the Capri Club Remscheid has been present at Techno-Classica without interruption since the first edition.
The exhibitors' association of German Citroën and Panhard clubs has a traditionally large presence with the Citroën Street. The GS and SM models are celebrating their unusual 50th birthday here, the BX is 40 this year - and the HY is already 75 years old.
In contrast, the Opel Commodore B-Club Germany is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Commodore B and Rekord D with its stand this year.
The Jensen Owner's Club is celebrating the entire post-war spectrum of the brand, which went under in 1976, including a Jensen FF Mk I from 1968, the pioneer of permanent four-wheel drive and the ABS braking system.
The Porsche Club North America will be coming all the way from the USA to join the large number of other make and model clubs. They will be showing a wide range of exhibits and special themes of historic vehicles from Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Maserati, Porsche and Volkswagen.
In addition to the historic vehicles, Techno-Classica also offers many exciting topics from the surrounding area. Visitors will find spare parts and literature here as well as automobilia and lifestyle, and an International Street of Automotive Art, known as the Artists' Street for short, also provides a wide range of insights into the work of the experts.
Great diversity thanks to associations, foundations and museums
The DEUVET Federal Association for Oldtimer-Youngtimer Vehicles will once again be present at Techno-Classica. It recalls that 25 years ago, with its support, the H license plate became a success story and thus one of the essential foundations for the diversity of today's scene. Major automobile clubs have also announced their participation as exhibitors. The AvD will present its AvD Histo Tour 2022, which will take in four race tracks over two days and will show an Audi 5GT Coupé in rally trim. The ADAC will be welcoming its guests with two stands - and showing a major retrospective of the history of the ADAC road patrol.
The Einbeck-based PS.Speicher foundation regularly brings outstanding vehicles to the Techno-Classica in Essen. This year, a Tatra 87, a Citroën DS Cabriolet Chapron and a Talbot Rancho, among others, will be on the road, supported by rare two-wheelers such as the Ducati Dustbin by aluminum artist Evan Wilcox or the Yamaha TX 750. The Technik Museum Sinsheim has also announced a large stand in Hall 2.
The stands of Lebenshilfe Gießen with its unique vintage car raffle and the Kinderherz foundation are always popular points of contact for many visitors. Both charitable organizations will be on site again, doing a lot of good with classic cars and pursuing charitable goals with a big heart.
Maximum safety for visitors and exhibitors
As the organizer, the S.I.H.A. is very aware of its great responsibility in these times. An adapted hygiene concept will ensure maximum safety, scouts on site will constantly monitor the situation and make the necessary decisions according to elaborated plans.
By the way: Tickets for a visit to Techno-Classica will be available at the box offices, but booking in the online ticket store is recommended. It can be accessed quickly and easily on the event's website.
The opening hours of Techno-Classica 2022:
- Wednesday, 23.03.2022, Preview/Happy View Day from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thursday, 24.03.2022, to Sunday, 27.03.2022, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but until 7 p.m. on Friday
