Essen's Iconic Car Show Passes the Torch: A New Era Dawns for Retro Classics

The world-famous Techno-Classica Essen, a long-standing pillar of the classic car enthusiast community, is set to hold its final event in 2025. This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter, as Retro Classics – the team behind the successful and long-running Stuttgart show, plus several smaller regional events – will take over the Essen show from 2026 onwards.

Bidding Farewell to a Legendary Automotive Showcase

The Rise and Decline of Techno-Classica Essen

Techno-Classica Essen was once the largest and most prestigious classic car show in Europe, and arguably the world. Manufacturers would dedicate entire halls to their heritage collections and club scenes, creating a truly European flavor across the event's many halls. The eccentric antics of the lively independent clubs packed into every nook and cranny of Messe Essen added to the show's unique charm, making it a true highlight of the international automotive event scene. However, in recent years, the event has struggled to maintain its former allure, facing a series of challenges that have impacted its overall appeal.

Waning Manufacturer Presence and Visitor Trends

Despite still attracting a significant number of visitors – 188,000 from 41 nations, with 1,250 exhibitors from 30 countries in 2023 – Techno-Classica Essen has fallen short of its mid-2010s glory days. The manufacturer support, once a hallmark of the event, has become more muted, with the Volkswagen Group's presence notably reduced compared to previous years. This can be attributed to the company's ongoing financial challenges and the ripple effects of the emissions scandal. Additionally, the impact of Brexit regulations has made it more difficult for UK dealers and visitors to participate, with only a few notable exceptions, such as British restoration firms.

The Decline of the Vibrant Club Scene

One of the most significant disappointments for visitors in recent years has been the diminished presence of the vibrant club scene stands. These eccentric displays, which once added an extra level of personality to the event, have dwindled in both number and enthusiasm. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll, with the tragic loss of key, enthusiastic individuals and ongoing health concerns dissuading others from participating in large-scale events.

The Rise of Retro Classics Stuttgart

The continued success of Retro Classics Stuttgart has also played a role in the challenges faced by Techno-Classica Essen. The Retro Classics event has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, thanks to its slick organization, extensive international PR efforts, and strategic location. Messe Stuttgart's proximity to the airport and several renowned automotive museums, as well as the ease of access for international visitors, have made it a more appealing destination for classic car enthusiasts.

The Transition to Retro Classics Essen

As Techno-Classica Essen prepares to hold its final event in 2025, the Retro Classics team is set to take over the Essen show from 2026 onwards. This transition marks a new chapter for the iconic event, with the Retro Classics team expressing their excitement and confidence in the potential of the Ruhr region and its unique car culture.Despite the changes, one aspect of the Techno-Classica Essen experience that many hope will remain constant is the opportunity to indulge in the iconic currywurst while contemplating the temptation of a "must-have" classic car. As the curtain falls on Techno-Classica Essen, the stage is set for Retro Classics to usher in a new era of automotive enthusiasm and excitement in Essen.