190,000 people can’t be wrong

Hugely popular German season-opener gears up for action

It’s a bIg ’un, is the annual Techno-Classica Essen. Germany traditionally kicks off its classic calendar with this massive exposition of vintage, classic and prestige cars, motorcycles and motorsport – in fact, all things automotive and interesting. Annual attendance of 190,000-plus proves that the tried-and-tested, and extremely slick, formula still hits the spot in this, the event’s 28th running. It’s even been reliably described as ‘the world’s largest classic car show’.

Spread throughout 20 halls and display areas, the traditionally vast array of classic specialists is complemented by impressive showcases from many of the world’s major car marques, which are keen to celebrate their own heritage. There are more than 2500 collector’s vehicles for sale, as well, from the exotic to the everyday.

Hands-on classics owners and restorers are likely to find everything they require for any job in hand, thanks to the abundance of spare parts, literature, automobilia and restoration guidance on offer. Further inspiration and help comes from the 220-plus clubs that are represented on-site, many with cleverly themed and professionally presented vehicle displays of their own.

Additional attractions include the daily live demonstrations of the Techno-Classica Akademie, Coys auctions, Top Salon Exclusiv, a concours d’élégance, and autograph sessions with the great and the good of the classic world. Heading up this year’s range of official special displays will be one marking the legendary 1955 Mille Miglia race, featuring a Ferrari 750 Monza, Maserati A6 GCS, Porsche 550 Spyder and Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR among other iconic machines.

Aim to schedule in at least a couple of days to fully explore the event, as it’s simply too big to cover in a single exhausting session. And make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking a very long way indeed…