From March 21 to 25, 2018, S.I.H.A. will be hosting Techno-Classica Essen, the world's most successful and best-attended classic car trade fair, for the 30th time. Organized in February 1989 as the first major German motor show for classic cars, enthusiasts and collectors' vehicles, it was and is an often copied but never equaled model for many other events of this kind. With regular model upgrades, it has maintained and even expanded its pioneering role - and yet has remained the unrivaled original. Its recipe for success: always presenting the latest from the international scene as a selection of the best from all areas of the classic car hobby to visitors from over 40 nations.
With more than 1,250 exhibitors from over 30 nations, Techno-Classica Essen cements its importance as the number one international classic car and collector vehicle trade fair and offers 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: Around 25 automobile brands present exquisite exhibits on their factory stands, most of which can only be seen 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. Classic car enthusiasts appreciate this: in 2017, more than 185,000 visitors flocked to the fully occupied 20 exhibition halls at Essen's Grugapark. And the exhibitors know this too: They play in the Champions League at Techno-Classica Essen.
To mark the anniversary exhibition, the organizer is offering a world-class special show: to mark the 95th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, S.I.H.A. is presenting a special exhibition of racing cars in Hall 6 at the heart of the Classic World Show, which are regarded as automotive history treats even by the real connoisseurs among the classic car connoisseurs: Seven icons of the long-distance classic from the 1960s onwards will be on display at the Palais de l'Automobile.
However, Techno-Classica Essen also has attractive offers for newcomers to the classic car scene: More than 30 percent of the automobiles on sale are affordable "plug and play" youngtimers. The total of more than 2,700 classic, collector's and enthusiast's cars, youngtimers and prestige automobiles on offer will once again make Techno-Classica the world's largest classic car trade fair in spring 2018 - the crème de la crème of international classic car dealers will be meeting up here with suppliers of utility classics and private sellers. The latter are mainly to be found in the four outdoor areas.
For the more than 220 exhibiting classic car clubs and interest groups, Techno-Classica Essen 2018 is once again regarded as the most important classic car trade fair of the year: the volunteers make it one of the world's largest club meetings for the classic and vintage car scene and reflect the diversity of the international classic and vintage car scene with their commitment. Their appearances are complemented by the qualitatively and quantitatively unrivaled offerings of top restorers, suppliers, car literature providers, spare parts dealers, accessory sellers, watch and technology dealers, artists and gallery owners, publishers and, last but not least, car model suppliers. Techno-Classica Essen is the trade fair with the greatest potential for success. As a result, the specialist dealers - as well as the visitors - come not only from all over Europe, but also from overseas. For example, exhibitors from North and South America and, in recent years, increasingly from the Far East also present their products.
One of the traditions cultivated at Techno-Classica is a Concours d'Elégance, 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". There is also a "Club Grand Prix", in which the most attractive club presentations are honored with large cash prizes for the club coffers. And the annual Coys auction, in which well over 60 collector's cars regularly go under the hammer, is also one of the standards of the Classic World Fair. The constant improvements to details, innovations and fresh ideas also keep the "30th World Fair for Vintage, Classic & Prestige Automobiles, Motorsport, Motorcycles, Spare Parts, Restoration and World Club Meeting" - the official subtitle - young and provide surprises every year.
Past and future: the five-day trade fair offers everything, but really everything to do with classic and modern classics - from March 21 to 25, 2018, many celebrities from film and television, stars from the past and present of motorsport and also the most important decision-makers from the classic car scene will meet there. The attractive and fascinating range of exhibits makes Techno-Classica Essen a first-class automotive infotainment event for the whole family, a world exhibition of the automobile.
Further information can be found on the website.
