RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN® 2026 will bring the international classic car scene to Messe Essen from April 8 to 12, 2026. As a key meeting point for collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts, the event combines automotive heritage, high-quality trade, and exceptional special exhibitions under one roof. Visitors can look forward to a diverse experience centered around historic vehicles and living automotive culture.
With The Houtkamp Collection from Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, one of Europe’s leading addresses for classic automobiles will be represented. What began as a passion became a profession for John Houtkamp as early as 1977. Today, Rutger Houtkamp runs the family business, which is especially known for its refined British and Italian classics and ranks among the top addresses in Europe. Visitors can find the exhibitor in Hall 3 at stands D23 and C24.
Maxilite AG will present its significantly expanded range of wheels for classic cars and young classics. With around 500 models for over 60 automotive brands, the company covers vehicles from 1950 to 2010, underlining its market leadership in the field of classic wheel designs. Visitors can look forward to numerous new products, including various style wheels for brands such as Citroën, Lancia, Ferrari, Volvo, BMW, and Škoda. A particular highlight is the new three-piece design series RC90, Super RS, AERO3, and Le Mans for modern classics.
A standout highlight is the special exhibition “100 Years of Bugatti Royale” by Eric van Lammeren in Hall 3. At its center are three extraordinary vehicles presented as spectacular reconstructions of the so-called “Missing Royales”: the Bugatti Royale Prototype Packard (1926), the Royale Prototype Weymann (1929), and the Royale Esders Roadster (1932).
These three vehicles revive an almost vanished chapter of automotive history as rolling works of art and pay impressive tribute to the visionary power of the Bugatti brand—crowned by the iconic radiator mascot of the dancing elephant by Rembrandt Bugatti.
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the official opening press conference of RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN® 2026 will take place, to which all media representatives are warmly invited. The press conference begins at 12:15 p.m. in Hall 8 (stage) at Messe Essen; admission is possible from 12:00 p.m. upon presentation of an AFAG press pass.
Further information is available at: www.retro-classics-essen.de
find more news here.
