After 35 editions in Essen, a new chapter is beginning for Techno Classica. With the Techno Classica Salon, this long-standing event is moving to Dortmund and, at the same time, shifting from spring to September. The new date was deliberately chosen for the end of the season: It offers an opportunity to look back on the past months, assess current developments, and already look ahead—to plans for the next season and to the projects coming up over the winter.
The new location is also part of this concept. The Ruhr region is one of the areas with a particularly vibrant automotive scene. Classic cars, sports cars, tuning, restoration, and motorsports have been firmly established here for decades. In Dortmund’s exhibition halls, this diversity will come to life across approximately 50,000 square meters.
International
The Techno Classica Salon remains an international event. Exhibitors and attendees from numerous countries are already expected for the premiere; at the last event, more than 46 nations were represented. Dealers, collectors, clubs, and institutions from Germany and abroad make the salon a meeting place that extends far beyond the region.
Exchange, Encounter, and Inspiration
The Techno Classica Salon deliberately does not limit itself to a vehicle exhibition or a trading venue. The historic term “Salon” stands for exchange, encounters, and inspiration. It is precisely these qualities that define the new format.
In addition to classic cars and prestige vehicles, the program also includes newer classics, restomods, automobilia, literature, clubs, and the diverse range of services related to automotive cultural heritage. Dortmund is set to become the central hub for exchange within the industry.
With the Classics of the Future
Special attention is given to “Future Classics.” Which vehicles of today will become coveted classics tomorrow? What topics interest a new generation of enthusiasts? And how is the way automotive passion is lived and communicated changing? The Techno Classica Salon aims not only to provide answers to these questions but also to spark and moderate the discussion, serving as a platform for everyone passionate about the subject.
A good example of this is the collaboration with FranzImAuto. Franz Johann, known as FranzImAuto, embodies a youthful, direct style of automotive communication and combines his enthusiasm for classic cars with stories from the garage and workshop. He will be present at the Future Classics event in Dortmund, offering a perspective that views classic cars not merely from a historic standpoint, but as a passionate part of today’s and tomorrow’s automotive culture.
With a Live Podcast
The format itself will also be experienced on-site: Oldtimer Markt’s “Future Classics” podcast will record an episode live in front of an audience—with FranzImAuto as a special guest. This brings the discussion about the future of the classic car scene right where it belongs—right in the heart of the scene and in direct dialogue with its key players. In keeping with this, the inaugural Future Classics Award specifically highlights younger vehicles that have the potential to become classics. In Dortmund, the fascination with historic automobiles remains at the heart of the event—but current trends and the industry’s future direction will also be highlighted.
New Opportunities
“We don’t want to leave this great tradition behind; we want to build on it,” says Janine Franssen, project manager of the Techno Classica Salon and managing director of the organizing body SIHA. “The new location, the new timing, and the new concept open the door to new themes—and endless opportunities to engage in conversation with one another. With the Techno Classica Salon, we’re exploring the future of classic cars.”
Four days
The Techno Classica Salon is open for four days:
- Thursday, September 24: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Friday, September 25: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, September 26: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Sunday, September 27: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Day passes cost EUR 25.00; discounts are available for children, teenagers, students, apprentices, people with disabilities, etc.
For more information, visit the event’s website.
