For its 33rd edition, Techno Classica will open its doors in Essen from April 12 to 16, 2023. It is considered the pioneer and role model of all classic car fairs and enjoys a unique international reputation. It has set unsurpassed standards in terms of its size, variety and offerings and has long been regarded as an incomparable gathering for experts and fans alike. The impressive figures for this world trade fair are proof of this. Organizer S.I.H.A. is once again expecting around 1250 exhibitors from more than 30 nations this year. Manufacturers, dealers and clubs will bring over 2700 collector cars to Techno Classica. It has an excellent reputation as an established sales forum for exquisite vintage, classic and prestige automobiles.
Over 120,000 square meters of exhibition space will offer visitors exciting insights into the great diversity of automotive history over five days. Techno Classica will occupy all eight halls of the exhibition grounds, including the Galeria and additional exhibition areas on the open-air site.
Many anniversaries
60 years of Lamborghini is the title of the special exhibition organized by S.I.H.A. It pays tribute to the great Italian brand with a good dozen fascinating exhibits, including the green Miura, an Espada, Islero and Countach LP400 "Periscopo", which was shown for the first time in Paris in 1968.
Many other major anniversaries can be celebrated at Techno Classica, e.g:
- 100 years of MG
- 75 years of Porsche
- 75 years of Citroën 2CV - the duck
- 70 years of the Corvette
- 60 years of the Mercedes-Benz 600
- 50 years of the BMW 2002 turbo
- 50 years of the Volkswagen Passat
Major appearances by world-famous and exclusive brands
No other trade exhibition in the classic car sector today offers a similar variety of appearances by major and sought-after brands as well as exciting topics. Under the title "Renewal", the Autostadt will be showing four classic vehicles in various states of preservation and restoration. Together with Audi, Škoda, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Volkswagen Classic Parts, the Autostadt will fill a stand in Hall 3 covering around 1400 square meters.
Porsche will also be appearing here. Organized by eight dedicated clubs, the Stuttgart-based company is celebrating two anniversaries at once: 75 years of sports cars and 60 years of the Porsche 911. In Hall 1, on the other hand, fans will find the big brand with the star again. With the active support of Mercedes-Benz, various brand clubs - including the Kompressor Club - will be presenting classic models from all major model series. Mercedes-Benz Classic is also bringing extraordinary exhibits to Essen.
One highlight of the trade fair will be the last Mercedes-Benz 600 ever built. In keeping with this, interested visitors and newcomers will have the opportunity to take a ride in a classic Mercedes-Benz for the first time on open-air site 2. For many guests, certainly younger ones too, this initiative by some clubs will be an unforgettable experience - and perhaps mark the first step towards entering this lively scene.
The focus will also be on the Italian cult and luxury brand Ferrari. The impressive models from Maranello have already thrilled generations of automobile fans. At Techno Classica, the manufacturer Ferrari S.p.A. will be supported by Eberlein Automobile, which has officially been allowed to bear the Officina Ferrari Classiche label since 2017. The focus of the presentation will be Michael Schumacher's Formula 1 racing car from the 2005 season, which commemorates the great career of the exceptional talent from Kerpen. Ferrari will also be presenting the increasingly important topic of certificates of authenticity as part of its trade fair appearance.
Over 200 clubs
It is a great tradition of Techno Classica to provide a home for many active clubs. Over 200 will be guests again. This fascinatingly large private commitment impressively showcases historic models from many major brands. These include BMW and Fiat, Ford and Opel and, of course, Japanese manufacturers.
A new edition of "Citroën-Strasse" will present itself to the public in an extensive and impressive way - this year with a celebration to mark the 75th birthday of the Ente. The initiative is backed by the exhibitor association of German Citroën and Panhard clubs.
The crème de la crème of international classic car dealers
Techno Classica has always been an important trading venue for vintage, classic and prestige cars, racing cars and motorcycles. Only at a live event can a wide range of offers from all segments be directly compared and spontaneously negotiated. This is where Techno Classica traditionally offers unsurpassed variety, quality and size.
It is therefore no surprise that the crème de la crème of international dealers and leading auction houses such as RM Sotheby's and Artcurial will once again be coming to Essen in 2023. They come from all over Europe, from Scandinavia to Italy, from the Baltic States to Great Britain, from Hungary to France, but also some from overseas: it is not only the quantity of vehicles that impresses in the eight halls, it is especially the unique quality that comes together here.
There is even a European premiere to celebrate at Techno Classica 2023: Kreinzel Manufaktur is showing its Porsche 993 Targa, a convincing model in the spirit of the classic Targa, which has never existed in this pure form from Porsche.
In addition, the open-air grounds will once again be the scene of countless classic car offerings. The atmosphere here will also be decidedly lively and very international: traditionally, many small suppliers from abroad use this stage to offer their exotic cars to the public.
Artists, craftsmen and service providers complement the large portfolio
In addition to the historic vehicles, Techno Classica also offers many exciting topics from the surrounding area. For example, DEUVET, the German Association for Oldtimer-Youngtimer Vehicles, will be present, as will major automobile clubs and insurers. Interested parties will find spare parts and literature here as well as automobilia and lifestyle objects. The International Road of Automotive Art, known as the Artists' Road for short, offers a wide range of insights into the work of the experts.
Out of conviction, Techno Classica also offers broad support to charitable initiatives. The stands of Lebenshilfe Gießen with its unique classic car donation campaign and the Stiftung Kinderherz foundation are always popular points of contact for many visitors. Both charitable organizations will be on site again, as will the children's cancer charity Oldtimer Markt. They all achieve a lot of good with classic cars and pursue charitable goals with a big heart.
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, April 14, 2023. 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, April 16, 2023.
Tickets are available online - and again at the box offices on site. Further information can be found on the organizer's website.
