From 25 to 28.04.2024, more than 70,000 driving culture lovers of driving culture came to RETRO CLASSICS® in Stuttgart and admired well over 2,000 classic cars and services from manufacturers, dealers and clubs in six full exhibition halls.
Good atmosphere and great response on all four days of the fair – Over 2,000 classic cars in six halls
There was no sign of a subdued consumer mood in Germany during the 23rd RETRO CLASSICS® in Stuttgart, with more than 70,000 visitors over four days 70,000 visitors over four days not only ensured that the six exhibition halls were full but also many “Sold” signs on the vehicles on display from all eras. of all eras. The huge selection with well over 2,000 vehicles from the from entry-level classics under 10,000 euros to iconic sports cars in the millions. Exhibitors were very satisfied with the exhibitors were very satisfied with the good sales results and contacts. A fact that also applied to the auction that took place on Saturday: As As in the classic sale, it was probably the diverse range of vehicles including automobilia, which ensured lively bidding and corresponding new owners.
Strong presence of vehicle manufacturers
The classic car divisions of the major German manufacturers Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Porsche once again presented themselves at the Stuttgart RETRO CLASSICS® and received a great response from the public, not least due to new concepts that brought the great history of the brands to life. For example, the Mercedes-Benz brand clubs offered driving opportunities on the exhibition grounds in classic cars such as the Pagoda and the Heckflosse. Porsche celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 911 Turbo and, together with the Porsche Type Clubs, honored the achievements of its recently deceased employee “of the first hour”, Herbert Linge. The presence of BMW Classic from Munich was dominated by racing legends from the past and new spare parts offers, and the numerous brand fans in attendance appreciated this.
Special show themes and active work with young talent
“Lower, wider, faster – the tuning icons of the 80s and 90s” was the motto of the major special show theme, which showcased the sometimes flashy creations of this era and completely thrilled the visitors, whether it was the “Bertie Manta” from “Manta Manta Part Two” or the SGS Arrow by Hamburg styling pope Chris Hahn, who was on hand to answer questions and was downright celebrated. and was downright celebrated. The Fahrzeugakademie Schweinfurt also actively promoted young talent at its stand, impressively demonstrating old craftsmanship and promoting its seminars to ensure that the knowledge of the past continues to provide functioning technology and beaming drivers’ faces tomorrow. The fact that this work with young talent is bearing fruit was not only made clear by the keen interest of the often young spectators, but was also demonstrated by the traditional graduation ceremony of the Stuttgart Motor Vehicle Guild, which this year once again released a large number of young people with a focus on classic motor vehicles from their duties as apprentices.
Big club presence with big anniversaries
Where can you admire Gianni Agnelli’s ex-chauffeur’s car or the management car of former Lancia boss Cesare Romiti? At Stuttgart’s RETRO CLASSICS®, of course, which this year once again set off a firework display of vehicle anniversaries: 40 years of Lancia Thema, 50 years of Citroen CX, 60 years of Trabant 601 and, last but not least, 60 years of Ford Mustang, to name the most important birthdays, which would not have been possible without the great work and support of the clubs. would not have been possible without the great work and support of the clubs.
Satisfied managing directors
The new Managing Directors of RETRO Messen GmbH, Henning and Thilo Könicke, were also very pleased with their “premiere”: “We are satisfied with our first RETRO CLASSICS®. We liked the positive atmosphere and the quality of the vehicles on display was impressive. We are full of motivation and are already starting preparations and new concepts for the next RETRO CLASSICS. You can look forward with us to an exciting and further developed RETRO CLASSICS 2025 and already now to the next RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA® in Nuremberg from December 6-8, 2024.”
Exhibitors’ comments on RETRO CLASSICS® 2024 in Stuttgart
Dimitri van Looy, Managing Director of BEAU-CAR, Antwerp (Belgium)
“With our small but exquisite range of vehicles, we have obviously the taste of the RETRO CLASSICS® visitors and achieved good sales results. achieved good sales results. RETRO CLASSICS® Stuttgart is aprofessionally organized organized and a top marketplace for us.”
Alexander Müller, Managing Director of Müller Classic, Donzdorf
“As a service provider and official partner for classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles, we were delighted to meet an extremely qualified audience at the Stuttgart RETRO CLASSICS®, the trade fair is the ideal platform for making direct contact with enthusiasts.”
Kahan Tuluk, owner of Sportgarage, Nuremberg
“RETRO CLASSICS® Stuttgart has a high-quality audience that appreciates premium vehicles. And traditionally there is a strong focus on NEO CLASSICS® vehicles from the 90s and 2000s, so we are exactly right with our range of vehicles.”
Klaus Baumann, Managing Director of Ascari GmbH, Röttingen
“A classic car trade fair like RETRO CLASSICS® Stuttgart is an important marketing component for us in terms of customer contact and sales. Promoting younger generations of vehicles through RETRO CLASSICS® is particularly in line with our concept and the focus of our vehicle range.”
Ralf Reller, Managing Director of Reller Automobile, Paderborn
“The qualified audience, the infrastructure and the organization of RETRO CLASSICS® Stuttgart are great, so for me it’s the ideal forum for networking!”
Andreas Düniß, Managing Director of AMS Auto, Gevelsberg
“As a first-time exhibitor, we are very pleased with the overwhelming response at RETRO CLASSICS®, despite our large and well-known online store, we were able to make many good new contacts here – we’ll be back!”
Richard Anthony Snow, Managing Director of 195 mph Ltd, Retford (UK)
“RETRO CLASSICS® 2024 was a complete success for us, as we not only meet our regular customers in Stuttgart, but are always able to win new customers for our product range. We really appreciate this marketplace.”
