Being innovative and making good things even better: For 30 years, the great strength of Techno-Classica Essen has been not to rest on its laurels. Always working on the own performance, building on stable foundations and not losing sight of the details – this unconditional commitment to self-optimisation has convinced exhibitors and visitors since 1989. Techno-Classica Essen 2019 is also proof of this self-conception, with the stands and booths arranged even more visitor-friendly in the redesigned exhibition halls of Messe Essen, and new attractions that take account of the trends of the classic car scene. The leading trade show for classic vehicles can continue to rely on all the partners who make its unique success possible in the first place: Enthusiasts, clubs and interest groups who put their hearts and minds into preserving the cultural heritage of automobiles.
Manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and repair shops who have come to appreciate lovers of classic vehicles as an important and expert target group, whose needs are being taken care of more and more comprehensively. And not forgetting the associations and museums: some of them as indispensable networkers, others as preservers and investigators of automotive tradition. The annual meeting in Essen is more than just a must for all of them. The Classic World Show is a celebration with like-minded people and friends: Welcome to Techno-Classica Essen 2019!
S.I.H.A. Special Show “Tour de France Legends”
The special show at Techno-Classica Essen 2019 is once again dedicated to motorsports: themed “Tour de France Automobile Legends”, legendary participants of the famous stage race held in France between 1899 and 1986 will be presented around the “Palais de l’Automobile” in the new Hall 5. The golden era of this race began in the 1950s – with interim evaluations on closed race tracks – and lasted until the mid-1960s. Ferrari was the measure of all things back then. The Tour was one of the most important motorsport events in the international racing calendar. When sports prototypes such as the Ferrari 512 S were allowed to take part in the race in the late 1960s – even the stages on public roads – the race became less and less compliant with international safety standards. The 50th and last Tour de France Automobile was held in 1986. The Techno-Classica Essen with some of the most spectacular cars of the 1950s – 1960s reminds of the most beautiful time and presents in the special show among others a Ferrari 250 Tour de France, a Porsche 550 Spyder, a Deutsch-Bonnet HBR 5, a Jaguar C-Type, a Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta (SWB) and an Aston Martin DB2 factory car.
World trade centre for classic and collector’s vehicles
More than 2,700 classics, collectors’ and enthusiasts’ vehicles, young classic cars and prestige automobiles will once again make Techno-Classica Essen the world’s largest classic marketplace in spring 2019 – the crème de la crème of international classic dealers meets with suppliers of utility classics and private sellers. The first successes of the big auction houses this year allow some optimism regarding the demand for high-quality classic automobiles. Real value investments – whether prewar or post-war vehicles – continue to be in vogue despite a slight slowdown in price increases. Accordingly, the sales rate will probably be 50 percent and above again in 2019. Well over 180,000 visitors guarantee maximum attention for what is on offer. A further incentive for retailers – and a well-kept tradition at Techno-Classica Essen – is the Concours d’Élégance, where an international jury of experts and specialist journalists selects the most beautiful, elegant and attractive classic retailers and the “Best of Show”. A good placement is an image gain for dealers and future owners … The range on offer at Techno-Classica Essen remains international at the highest level: the proportion of suppliers from Europe or overseas will be over 30 per cent in 2019, which will of course also bring interested parties from all over the world to Essen. You will find what you are looking for in Halls 1, 1A (RM Sotheby’s auction), 3, 5, 7 and 8 and Gruga Hall (Coys auction) and benefit from the visitor-friendly, clearer hall layout. However, the organiser has made sure that even long-time Techno-Classica Essen enthusiasts will have no problems finding their way around as usual
Prestige Cars
The classics of tomorrow are also present in Essen. The manufacturers have long recognised that there is no better opportunity to highlight their own brand DNA than the juxtaposition of classic and new. Current trends in automotive engineering create areas of tension that can be explored positively and with pleasure. Even those looking for a luxury or prestige car will find what they are looking for at Techno-Classica Essen: The terms fascination, individuality, beauty, fun and character particularly apply to the luxury sportsmen, noble limousines and special productions. Fans of modern classics do not have to be afraid to miss out anything this year either: Also in 2019, new racers like the Alpina B7, Porsche 992 or Lamborghini Huracán Evo, to name just three examples, will ignite at the next power explosion – future classic automobiles with prestige, indisputably.
Coys auction
The dozen is full: for the twelfth time, the renowned British auction house Coys is holding a classic auction at Techno-Classica Essen. As in the previous three years, the classic specialists from Richmond/London are using the arena in the Gruga Hall to probably bring over 100 vehicles under the hammer – from affordable young classic cars to topclass noble classics. The collector’s cars offered at the Coys auction will be on display throughout the duration of the show and can be viewed during this time. The auction takes place on 13 April. At the time of going to press, the registration period for vehicle offers had not yet expired, but some of the classic automobiles registered so far point to a high-class auction. Among the classics registered so far are a Porsche Carrera GT (2005), a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster (1961), a Maserati Sebring (1963), a BMW Z8 Roadster (2002) and a BMW M1 from 1979. With this car converted to LPG operation, racing driver Harald Ertl set a world speed record for LPG automobiles with 301.4 km/h in 1981. Coys presents the unique specimen as an unrestored individual item. Further information can be found at www.coys.co.uk
RM Sotheby’s auction
Big premiere at the Techno-Classica Essen: For the first time, the world’s leading auction house RM Sotheby’s will hold a classic auction in Germany. The auction house, which is based in Blenheim/Ontario, Canada, deliberately opted for Techno-Classica Essen as an adequate venue for this internationally highly acclaimed event: Here, at the Classic World Show, the international enthusiast scene meets – with more visitors than at any other show for enthusiast vehicles. Among the expected 180,000 guests are also many solvent collectors who have concrete intentions to buy valuable rarities. The auction, which was extended from one to two auction days due to the large volume of attractive vehicles, is also likely to appeal to those interested in affordable classic automobiles: Among the approx. 230 cars are more than 85 exemplars from a huge Swiss collection of young classic cars for sale, which are offered without a lower limit. This means that each of these young classics is sold at the highest bid – regardless of its price. These offers alone will attract many bidders willing to buy: After all, most of the cars in the collection of young classic automobiles are desirable luxury saloons as well as sports and off-road vehicles – and many feature the logos of renowned manufacturers such as Alpina, AMG, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Rolls-Royce.
In the lower price categories with estimated values between 15,000 and 20,000 euros there are a good dozen lots – from the Mercedes-Benz 600 SEL (W 140) from 1992 in very well-kept condition with less than 14,000 miles to the Jaguar XJS V12 convertible from 1992 with less than 13,000 miles on the speedometer. Rarities such as a 1930 Avions Voisin C23 Conduite Intérieur, a 1975 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale, a 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K convertible A with Sindelfingen bodywork (with an estimated value of 2 to 2.4 million euros) or a 1949 Veritas BMW Racing complete the top end of the range. If you want to get a live impression of the collection of young classic automobiles, you will find an entertaining and stimulating report by the renowned British car journalist Chris Harris under the keyword “Inside Chris Harris’ Dream Garage | Chris Harris Drives | Top Gear” on the Youtube homepage. And if you want to see the RM Sotheby’s offer in reality at Techno-Classica Essen, you will find what you are looking for in Hall 1A. Further information can be found at www.rmsothebys.com
Everything for restoration and preservation
Factory restorations continue to be in vogue, as the manufacturer presentations at Techno-Classica Essen 2019 once again clearly show. Not only, but also when looking at current projects by manufacturers, it becomes clear that the “Young Classics” market is gaining in importance and that relatively young vehicles are already being put into new condition ex works. The more exclusive the car and the more tradition-conscious the fans of the brand are, the greater is the willingness to dig deep into their pockets. Because that much is also clear: a factory restoration guarantees flawless results, but this perfection also has its price. The restoration of a comparatively young Porsche Carrera GT from 2005 may cost a six-figure sum. Against this background, anyone who would rather entrust their classic automobile to a different workshop will find numerous potential partners at Techno-Classica Essen. Even hobby restorers who want to do their own restoration work get all the support they need in Essen, because depending on the project, it is often not feasible to do all the work themselves. Whether engine overhaul, painting or upholstery work – at the 2019 Classic World Show everyone will find “his” or “her” specialist.
Continuing education: Techno-Classica Academy
The success story of the Techno-Classica Academy is written in its 17th chapter. With live demonstrations and workshops on all days of the show, it demonstrates what traditional craftsmanship combined with state-of-the-art technology can achieve. The educational initiative under the leadership of “Deutsches Kraftfahrzeuggewerbe” (ZDK) (German Motor Vehicle Trade) will also be organised by the Schweinfurt Vehicle Academy in 2019. Its specialists will be on hand at the Galeria’s Academy stand to answer visitors’ questions, technical questions and provide do-it-yourselfers with tips and tricks based on real-life examples. Information and entertainment also merge during the live restorations – this year the focus is on a special topic: conservation. In cooperation with the “Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin”, the oldest Citroën 2 CV approved in Germany is used to demonstrate how a car can be obtained without sacrificing the traces of its history for restoration. Its owner wants to preserve the car and its patina as a contemporary asset.
A further treat is the on-site restoration of one of the very rare Citroën 11 CV Traction Avant convertibles at the stand of the Schweinfurt Vehicle Academy. Current figures also show that “a trade in hand finds gold in every land”: According to the ZDK, more than 660 motor vehicle dealers now carry the additional symbol “Specialist dealer for historic vehicles”. They offer professional restorations and competent service.
Clubs & World Club Grand Prix
Already 30 years ago, at the first Techno-Classica Essen in 1989, the classic clubs played an important role: Among the 255 exhibitors of the first hour there were 70 clubs. Over the years, the appearances of clubs, associations and interest groups have also grown parallel to Techno-Classica Essen – both in terms of quality and quantity: at this year’s Classic World Show, some 220 classic car associations will be presenting a crosssection of the entire scene and presenting themselves, their vehicles and services. The clubs represent almost all car brands, a large number of individual vehicle models and also motorcycle classics. The clubs truly compete when it comes to the design of their exhibition stands. A special incentive for top performances by volunteers: Since the first Techno-Classica Essen, the S.I.H.A. has honoured the most imaginatively designed stands of classic clubs, interest groups, brand clubs and associations with cups and handsome cash prizes – and thus established a tradition that is still cultivated with great consistency today. “Club Grand Prix” is the name of this competition. The clubs that do not present themselves at manufacturer stands also particularly appreciate the fact that S.I.H.A. makes the exhibition space available to them free of charge. This year, in Halls 1 to 8, 8A 8B and in the Classic Arena of the Gruga Hall, real club cities have been created with individual districts divided by brand, so that visitors can find their way even better. The importance of the clubs at Techno-Classica Essen is underlined by the close partnership between the organiser S.I.H.A. and FIVA. The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens is the world federation of classic vehicle clubs. It is committed to the preservation of historic vehicles, which represent an important part of our technical cultural heritage. Founded in 1966 in Paris, FIVA today represents a total of more than 1.5 million classic car owners from over 60 countries. FIVA President Patrick Rollet is also patron of the 31st Techno-Classica Essen in 2019.
Associations and museums
Late January 2019: Eight major German associations and clubs have joined forces to “protect, preserve and promote historic vehicles as outstanding technical cultural assets” in the “Historical Vehicles Working Group”. So much concentrated commitment needs platforms and forums to meet the main demand – “Historical vehicles belong on the road!” – to be represented in a high-profile manner. Against this background, TechnoClassica Essen offers all important associations and multipliers who are committed to preserving automotive cultural assets at home and abroad an internationally highly regarded platform for effectively representing the interests of the classic car scene. On the one hand, the World Classics Fair is a guarantee that the company’s own messages will be perceived by a broad public.
On the other hand, hardly any other event offers such comprehensive opportunities for the direct exchange of different opinions and interest groups among each other. The passion for classic vehicles is also conveyed by the approximately 250 technology museums that exist in Germany alone. Many of them present themselves at the TechnoClassica Essen. This also includes the museums of the automobile manufacturers, which present themselves on the factory stands, as well as the “German Museum’s Road” initiative with its 45 members. Museums from abroad also present themselves and strengthen the international flair of the Classic World Show: The National Motor Museum Beaulieu (GB), the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile Turin (I), the Cité de l’Automobile (Musée National – Collection Schlumpf, the largest automobile museum in the world) in Mulhouse (F), the Autoworld in Brussels (B) and the Louwman Museum in The Hague (B) invite you on a European tour of fascinating automobile collections – on foot through the Essen exhibition halls.
Spare parts and tools – old and new
Anyone looking for spare parts at Techno-Classica Essen will find them even faster in 2019: In the new Hall 6, with over one hundred stands, a competence centre has been created in which you can search quickly and purposefully despite the incredibly large range of products on offer. However, renowned spare parts and tool suppliers continue to present themselves at their “regular locations”: primarily in Halls 2, 3, 6 and 8. For many vehicle owners, the wide range on offer is an urgently needed decision-making aid, because the more popular the classic automobiles become, the rarer – and therefore more expensive – many parts become. Many manufacturers have recognised the signs of the times in this area and offer a comprehensive range of spare parts for their own brand vehicles. However, as with factory restorations, the safest route to quality is not always the cheapest. Where you buy in the end, it is the demands, patience and purse that decide – Techno-Classica Essen always provides the complete basis for the decision. The classic scene also benefits from new technical developments, especially in the case of expensive one-off productions, such as decorative parts. Today, 3D printers are already making many remanufactures affordable that might not have been affordable a few years ago. When it comes to tool procurement, the line between cheap and inexpensive is particularly narrow. Whatever you can and want to spend according to your requirements: a visit to Techno-Classica Essen creates clarity in terms of the market situation, because the range is broader and at the same time more target group-specific than anywhere else – as is the opportunity to obtain in-depth information.
Service providers and service – problem solvers at Techno-Classica Essen
If you want to arrive in Essen in style, you may want to make use of their services even before the show: organisers of excursions and rallies have long since discovered Techno-Classica Essen as a worthwhile and popular destination. Hiking through beautiful landscapes with your own classic, dining and staying overnight exclusively in the evening and the next morning with the shuttle service to the show – that’s what we are talking about!
Those who have little free time anyway and simply want to spend it driving know how to appreciate the numerous service offers for the classic automobiles. Whether insurance, transport, registration, professional storage or the right care – more than 100 companies from Germany and abroad offer their services for owners of classic cars at TechnoClassica Essen, and thus provide a solution for (almost) every problem.
Classic motorsports
The wide range of historic racing sports cars on offer at Techno-Classica Essen will also once again delight motorsport fans. The organiser S.I.H.A. estimates that more than 200 classic racing cars will be available for sale again in 2019. Many of the renowned classic car dealers offer exclusive historical competition vehicles in addition to their range of road vehicles. On the stands of the industry, historical racing cars can be seen time and again, and also many club stands present cars that have written racing history. Those who like to admire very special racing sports cars from the 1950s and 1960s, which are unique in this combination, should visit the Palais de l’Automobile of the S.I.H.A. in the new Hall 5. Some of the legendary sports cars that once caused a sensation during the great tour of France are exhibited there in the special show “Tour de France Legends”.
Modern classic cars – classics of the future
Affordable young classic automobiles are still very much in vogue. More than 30 percent of the vehicles on offer at Techno-Classica Essen are such “Modern Classics” – at prices that even beginners can afford. And the objects of desire are getting younger: in addition to everyday classics, the first examples of which are ready for the “H” licence plate, vehicles from the later 1990s are also increasingly being targeted by bargain hunters. No 3,000 EURO for a fully equipped Pininfarina convertible like the Peugeot 306 in top condition? Some people can get weak! And the higher level of safety offered by vehicles from the mid-1990s onwards may also tempt the whole family to buy a classic. The triumphal march of electronic control units can become a drop of bitterness in the economic analysis, because replacement is often expensive. In 2019, some interesting vehicles will be joining the “H” licence plate candidates again, which are still good and cheap to have, for example Citroen XM or Nissan 200 ZX. They are an example of the wide range of future or already crowned classics that are often even cheaper as young classic cars, but no less fascinating than their predecessors are. With the increasing acceptance of Young Classics as a cultural asset, a booming scene has also developed. And it is also the modern classics that have paved the way for more acceptance for classic tuning in Germany. Historically correct changes continue to be in vogue – regardless of whether it is an engine, chassis or body. This applies to the tuned classics offered for sale at the show as well as to the accessories trade. The US hot rod and customs scene also has its stage at the Classic World Show in Essen.
Motorcycles, boats, airplanes and historical commercial vehicles
It’s just too beautiful, the look in the rearview mirror. In 2019, many motorcycle manufacturers will continue to focus on classic looks and virtues, because retro looks and deceleration are at the top of the wish lists of many customers. In addition to brand manufacturers such as Ducati, who are celebrating the good old days with current models, new small manufacturers are increasingly establishing themselves in the (niche) market.
The concept: coherent retro designs with often high-quality components and robust, undemanding engines from the middle range. The results are often impressive, but hopefully many enthusiasts will again open their eyes to the beauty of the originals… However, the enthusiasm of customers and manufacturers is also a positive factor for the presence of two-wheelers in Essen, which has increased noticeably in recent years. In addition to two-wheeled vehicles, classic commercial vehicles, boats and airplanes are also attracting more and more visitors. Old-timer tractors in particular now have a fan base that cannot be overheard and, depending on the traffic situation and length of the convoy, are difficult to overtake on many country roads. However, if you are on the road in your own classic automobile, you will stay calm anyway and enjoy the concentrated diesel power. To be honest, it doesn’t always have to be a 911 – a Porsche tractor is at least as exclusive!
Automobilia and literature
There are lovers of classic vehicles who simply want to drive or tinker. And there are the others who have an eye on entire brand histories, epochs or lifestyle. Who persistently search for historical and contemporary automobilia, memorabilia, devotional objects and nostalgia around the topic of automobiles. You can meet many of these special hunters in Essen because Techno-Classica Essen offers something that online stock exchanges simply cannot: the opportunity to browse on site, to quickly and unexpectedly succeed in hunting, to talk shop. And the good feeling of being among like-minded people. Whether historical pedal car, advertising sign or radiator figure, for passionate collectors from all over the world the Techno-Classica Essen is a must. Because the Classic World Show offers an unsurpassed range of historical and contemporary automobilia, memorabilia, devotional objects and nostalgia referring to automobiles. The same applies to literature: operating instructions or spare parts lists, repair instructions or valuable original brochures, classic illustrated books or reference books – for classic enthusiasts they are “securities, stocks and bonds”. Nowhere else is the corresponding range so varied and of such high quality. The renowned book and magazine publishers are also aware of this and like to come to Essen. So if you have always wanted to meet your favourite author: At the Techno-Classica Essen there is a good chance that this will come true.
Model cars
With more than 80 model car sales stands – mostly from professional suppliers and model manufacturers – Techno-Classica Essen is a huge marketplace for antiquarian and current car miniatures. It is a real paradise for the big friends of the small models and a huge showroom for all the novelties of the Nuremberg Toy Fair that collectors can expect this year. Many model car suppliers are accommodated in Halls 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8 – but attentive model car enthusiasts will also discover interesting miniatures in the shops on the stands of car manufacturers, clubs and car dealers. And many a rare piece hides in the spare part offer of the dealers for the big models of the miniatures. German automobile manufacturers are also offering special models at this year’s Techno-Classica Essen. Because one thing is clear: model cars are also ideal ambassadors for a brand, especially when it comes to its own history and classic automobiles.
Even proven specialists, whose heart beats for antiquarian goods, can find what they are looking for at the Classic World Show on the subject of model cars. Because the world of classic and young classic automobiles also has its own special appeal in miniature. The big show of small cars – this, too, is featured at the 31st Techno Classica Essen 2019.
Art and lifestyle
The automobile is both a work of art and a subject: for most classic car enthusiasts, this statement is unreservedly true. Those who are enthusiastic about classics as objects of the fine arts will find works from over 130 years of art history, from the wild twenties or the pop art of Andy Warhol to the present day. Whether original or copy, whether oil painting or sculpture, in Essen you can find many new sides to the automobile as an object of fine art. The organiser has made this easier by redesigning a complete artists’ quarter in Hall 6. Lovers of classic automobiles often also cultivate the corresponding lifestyle. This includes matching accessories such as clothing or watches. The latter can be just such mechanical marvels as classic vehicles. In 2019, the Bauhaus anniversary year, interest in classic timepieces with a simple, functional design is particularly high. The rediscovery of the Bauhaus design, in which less is often more, has led to a wider range of classic watches in various price categories, the full breadth of which will also be on display at Techno-Classica Essen. Lifestyle is another reason why many celebrities from film and television, motorsport stars and the most important decision-makers from the classic scene will meet in Essen from 10 to 14 April.
Bargain markets in the open air
In 2019, the four outdoor areas of Messe Essen will once again be an Eldorado for fresh air fanatics and bargain hunters. More than 300 young classic automobiles and classic vehicles in the low price segment are waiting for interested parties. Here you can still find them, the more or less patinated sympathetic everyday classics, which you can simply drive or park in the garage as the next winter project, depending on your requirements and budget. The range has become increasingly international in recent years: German brands have long shared the square with old Swedes, Italian divas, American dreams and equipment wonders from the Far East …
Further information: www.siha.de
31th TECHNO-CLASSICA ESSEN 2019 from 10* to 14 April 2019
(* 10 April 2019: Preview Day, Happy View Day)
Opening hours: Wednesday, 10 April 2.00 pm – 8.00 pm Thursday, 11 April 9.00 am – 6.00 pm Friday, 12 April 9.00 am – 7.00 pm Saturday, 13 April, Sunday, 14 April 9.00 am – 6.00 pm
