Getting started can sometimes be a bit of a struggle. The first edition of Retro Classics in Essen, held earlier in the year than Techno Classica, wasn’t quite what one might have hoped for. But I think this show has potential for the future.
Following the two – admittedly rather lacklustre – editions of Retro Classics in Cologne a few years ago, this is a fresh attempt to conquer the Rhineland. It’s actually impossible to compare it with Techno Classica, which has been established for decades. On the other hand, it’s precisely the event that aims to be an early highlight of the season.
What Retro Classics had to offer at this new venue wasn’t bad, but there’s certainly room for improvement. Essentially, this event in early spring is ideal for providing a glimpse into the classic car scene and heralding the new season. And the „Messe Essen“ is the well-known venue for this.
It’s worth noting, of course, that the Retro Classics has a distinctly different concept to Techno Classica. Everything is a bit more down-to-earth, a little less eccentric and therefore perhaps a bit more ‘suitable for everyday life’. So it’s also something for ‘ordinary enthusiasts’ and not just for high-end customers with the necessary bank balance. This is what makes Retro Classics so appealing and, ultimately, what defines the event.
Retro Classics also celebrates the very diverse club scene and, above all, classic commercial vehicles such as historic coaches and lorries. The hall housing these magnificent vehicles was certainly very interesting, albeit not very busy – at least that was my impression on Friday.
Hall 3, however, was also home to some very high-quality dealers offering truly beautiful collector’s items. It was striking that a large number of historic Ferraris were on offer there, ranging from the 250 GT SWB to the Ferrari Monza SP1. This was also the hall that attracted the most visitors.
To sum up, it must be said that this first edition of Retro Classics Essen was a resounding success. I think the organisers know exactly what will be needed in future to build up a reputation there that is just as strong as the one they have in southern Germany.
It remains to be seen what our region can expect from Techno Classica at its new venue in Dortmund this autumn. They intend to launch a new concept there in future and revive the ‘old’ spirit of the show. Unfortunately, in my view, the date has been chosen poorly, as the Spa Six Hours – a truly magnificent historic motorsport event – is taking place on the same weekend; and Spa Francorchamps is really not far away.
I hope for a wonderful future and great success for both trade fairs, Retro Classics and Techno Classica. After all, the Rhine-Ruhr region is one of the most populous in Europe, centrally located for visitors, particularly from the Benelux countries and France, and can therefore easily accommodate two trade fairs.
