Superlatives have been the rule rather than the exception in the history of Retro Classics Stuttgart, which now spans almost two decades, and the 2019 edition will not be stingy with highlights either: on a total area of 140.000 square meters, the international trade fair for driving culture, which was recently named "Show of the Year" at the Historic Motoring Awards, presents a vibrant scene in all its facets. Enthusiasts, collectors, fans and "mechanics" will find literally everything their hearts desire in all the halls of Messe Stuttgart - and much, much more about the automobile as a cultural asset.
Spacious brand halls
Traditionally, the "big" brands in the automotive industry have their own exhibition halls: the L-Bank Forum (Hall 1) will be the Porsche Hall. In addition to dealers and relevant clubs, the Porsche Museum will also be exhibiting there.
In Hall 4, which bears the name of the Bavarian car manufacturer BMW for the first time, visitors can look forward to a large motorsport special show, among other things. The new Paul Horn Hall (Hall 10) in the west of the Stuttgart exhibition grounds will be the presentation platform for Mercedes Benz, as it was this year.
Young classics
Those who not only want to collect, maintain and cherish, but above all want to drive carefree, are increasingly looking at cars from the young classics segment, which are called Neo Classics at Retro Classics: These fine one-offs, rare manufactory vehicles and other rarities up to 20 years old have been a growing segment of the classic car market for years. Interested parties can meet at the corresponding sales market in Hall 5, which is an important part of the huge vehicle sales market, which includes other areas in the Oskar Lapp Hall (Hall 6, commercial), on the gallery of the L-Bank Forum (Hall 1) as well as on the trade fair piazza and in Rothauspark. Thousands of cars are waiting there for new owners.
International driving sensations
As a cultural asset, the automobile is charged with countless emotions: Freedom, independence and highway romance are inextricably linked with the mighty road cruisers that shaped the traffic image of the United States in the 1950s. Fans of US cars are therefore drawn to Hall 5, while right next door - in Hall 7 - the Italian driving experience and way of life prevail.
Interesting special shows
The lavish special shows, each of which highlights a specific aspect of automotive and technical history, are eagerly awaited at every "Retro". In addition to fans of exclusive American vehicles, two-wheeler enthusiasts will also get their money's worth: rare motorcycle sidecars, for example, can be admired at the AMSC Leonberg stand in Hall 8.
An exhibition by Bulldog- und Schlepperfreunde Württemberg e.V. (Hall 8) will focus on the revolutionary implement carrier for agriculture.
Entertaining supporting program
What would a Retro Classics be without its supporting program? It's all about seeing and being seen on Thursday evening at the Allianz Retro Night (Paul Horn Hall, Hall 10), when first impressions of the trade fair are exchanged in a relaxed atmosphere. Meanwhile, the popular Classicbid auction (Saturday, Hall 4) promises pure thrills, with (not only) automotive dreams going under the hammer in front of a spellbound audience.
Further information on Retro Classics Stuttgart can be found on the event's website.
