If there’s one classic car event that deserves a permanent place on the calendar, it’s Techno-Classica Essen. I’ve been attending this show for years now, and each time I go, I’m reminded why there’s simply nothing else like it in Europe – or anywhere, really. Whether you’re deep in the trade or just enjoy a well-kept vintage engine, this is the place where it all comes together.
From 9th to 13th April, Essen becomes the global epicentre for the classic car world. 2025 is the 35th edition of the show, and true to form, it promises over 2,700 cars across 120,000 square metres. It’s not just the numbers that impress, though – it’s the sheer mix of it all, with club-level enthusiasts showing off lovingly restored oddities right next to major dealers presenting collections that would put some museums to shame.
This year’s special exhibition, Inspiring Greatness, focuses on the craftsmanship and innovation of 20th-century motoring. Eight standout vehicles – including a Riley TT Sprite works car, a BMW 328, and two Bugattis – will be displayed around the S.I.H.A. Pavilion in Hall 5. If you’re drawn to engineering and the elegance of pre-war design, it’s worth seeing.
Techno-Classica wouldn’t be Techno-Classica without some big anniversaries. Expect a grand celebration of 70 years of the Citroën DS, including a lovingly recreated version of the original Paris launch rotunda. There’s also a dedicated tribute to the humble yet heroic Transporters of Germany’s economic miracle, courtesy of DEUVET.
As a Porsche fan, I’m particularly intrigued by Robert Bröcker’s collection of early 356s, including a 1949 aluminium Gmünd Coupé and a Speedster once owned by Roy Orbison. And for those of us who appreciate the peculiar charm of one-offs, don’t miss the stretched 1969 Porsche 911 four-seater by Pininfarina – quite a rarity.
There’s genuine variety here; Ferrari, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, even the brutalist LM002 from Lamborghini. You can spend a day in Hall 1 just absorbing what the Mercedes-Benz clubs and dealers have brought along, including a disc-braked 300 SL Roadster with pristine documentation.
What sets this show apart is the atmosphere. There’s a groundedness to it; a warmth that comes from the blend of passionate private owners and polished corporate displays. It’s not all polish and pretence, it’s a proper gathering of people who care. I find that two steady-paced days is about right to take it all in.
If you’re in the trade, thinking about getting into restoration, or just quietly obsessed with old metal, Techno-Classica Essen is where you need to be this April. If you’ve never been, make this the year. There’s simply nothing else quite like it.