With its premiere from April 8 to 12, 2026, at Messe Essen, RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN® has impressively demonstrated that the concept works at the Essen location. Naturally, a first-time event is always accompanied by a learning process—there is always room for optimization, which is neither unusual nor unexpected. All the more important is the overall picture: and based on initial feedback, this is clearly positive.
Both exhibitors and visitors confirmed that the fair reached the right audience from the very beginning. Discussions at the stands were of high quality, often characterized by concrete interest and serious purchase intentions. Especially against the backdrop of currently challenging economic conditions, this is a particularly important signal for us—just like the numerous vehicle sales across all price segments achieved on site.
The trade fair for automotive culture has thus already positioned itself in its first edition as a platform for discerning collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts of classic vehicles. The interim goals set were achieved—particularly in terms of market proximity and relevance within the scene, an excellent foundation has been laid for further development. It is therefore only logical that the first registrations for RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN® 2027 were already received during the fair.
The event’s core target audience—professionally interested visitors, collectors, as well as stakeholders from the classic and youngtimer scene—was successfully reached. This key group was present throughout all days of the fair and played a decisive role in shaping and confirming the event’s profile through intensive exchange and concrete demand.
With an international visitor share of 16 percent and guests from 51 countries, the fair also underlined its global relevance. The broader general public with an affinity for automotive culture, however, fell short of expectations, particularly over the weekend. This visitor group is nevertheless of great importance for the overall attractiveness and reach of the event and will be more strongly addressed in future editions—also taking into account current recessionary influences. A total of 65,500 visitors were welcomed at the premiere.
Successful Approaches and Positive Market Signals
The first RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN® impressed with a range of successful approaches and set important impulses already at its premiere. The new premium Hall 3 delighted both exhibitors and visitors alike, setting new standards in presentation and visitor experience. Conceptual innovations also proved to be effective: sales were good to very good for most exhibitors, while the integration of buses and trucks for the first time successfully expanded the spectrum of the classic vehicle scene and attracted additional target groups.
Another highlight was the newly established club culture of the event, which provided the community with a visible and lively platform. As part of the first-ever Club Challenge, the most impressive club presentations were honored. In total, more than 120 clubs, interest groups, and associations presented themselves across three halls, impressively underlining the diversity and commitment within the classic car scene.
Selecting the winners was correspondingly difficult for the independent jury. During the award ceremony on April 11, 2026, the following rankings were announced:
1st place (endowed with €1,000): Capri Club Remscheid
2nd place: IG T3 with IG 16 Zoll
3rd place: 1. Original Golf I IG e.V.
4th place: Porsche brand & model clubs
This initiative honors the voluntary commitment and the immense importance of clubs in preserving and maintaining automotive cultural heritage.
Exhibitor Voices
Feedback from exhibitors has also been consistently positive. Many particularly praised the high quality of visitors, the organization, and the successful mix of commerce, community, and experience.
“We had a beautiful and exclusive selection of vehicles at our stand. Sales at the premiere of RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN were good, and we are looking forward to the follow-up business.” – Randy Hauck, Hauck Classics GmbH
“The quality of visitors was very high, which is also reflected in the sales results—we were able to sell seven vehicles. The first few days in particular were very successful for us, with many interested and ready-to-buy visitors.” – Nick Aaldering, Gallery Aaldering
“The fair went very positively overall, and the sales figures were convincing. Visitor interest was consistently good, and the event provides a solid foundation for further development. I am already looking forward to the second edition of RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN.” – Rick Hettema, Munsterhuis Sportscars
“For us, it was the first time participating as an exhibitor, and we are very satisfied. Our diverse range of affordable vehicles was extremely well received by the public. Many visitors had personal memories connected to our cars. Our concept fit the fair perfectly, and we were able to sell successfully. We are absolutely satisfied and would be happy to return.” – Sascha Winters, Petrolheads
“In retrospect, the fair went very well for us on our first participation. RETRO CLASSICS successfully implemented the concept known from Stuttgart in Essen as well. Of course, there is always room for improvement, but we were positively surprised. The organization was dedicated and always approachable—we are happy to be part of this event.” – Emily Wendt, Kunsthandel Burkhard Wendt
“We are very pleased to be represented here as Porsche Club Germany. Our members can exchange ideas, experience impressive vehicles, and bring in their questions. This sense of community among the clubs is excellently showcased here—it is a great pleasure to be part of it.” – Christian Striepen, Porsche Club Germany
“When I walked through the exhibition on Wednesday morning before visitors arrived, it was already clear that there were truly outstanding exhibits. Over the days, I spoke with many dealers who also reported good sales. Of course, there is always room for improvement, but overall it is very positive that such fairs still exist. The courage to organize such an event is truly remarkable—and many here see it the same way.” – Martin Utberg, Top Speed moderator
“I am very satisfied and would not have expected the fair to go so well, especially as it is the first event. We sold four cars in the first two days—of course, it could have been more. Overall, however, I am positively surprised. The audience was good and willing to buy, and for a first fair, this is a great success for us.” – Jürgen Becker, JB Car Design & Tuning Zentrum
“We are very pleased to have exhibited the Royale from 1926 and its sister vehicles here. The audience is thrilled to experience these special automobiles live. RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN provides an excellent platform for this. For a premiere, the event is very successful—with a wide variety that offers something for everyone.” – Eric van Lammeren, special exhibition “100 Years of Bugatti Royale”
“We exhibited at RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN for the first time and presented art that connects lifestyle themes with cars as portraits. Our approach of combining classic cars and art was very well received. We had many exciting conversations and expect promising follow-up business.” – Detlef Kümmel, Kuemmel.Gallery
“For us, the fair was a complete success. Our location right at the entrance of Hall 8 and the excellent audience contributed significantly. We really enjoyed it – we would be happy to return anytime and are already looking forward to next year.” – Guido Eickholz, Reutter Karosserie by Erlkönig Classic GmbH
Outlook for Upcoming Trade Fairs
Following the successful premiere, preparations for RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN® 2027 are now underway together with exhibitors and partners. For the upcoming edition, new topics will be further intensified and the presentation will be optimized, with a particular focus on enhancing the overall visitor experience. Initial highlights for 2027 will be announced later this year.
The second RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN® will take place from April 14 to 18, 2027, once again at Messe Essen. This will be followed by RETRO CLASSICS® in Stuttgart from April 29 to May 2, 2027.
Further information can be found at: www.retro-classics-essen.de
Image source: Pierre Johne
