The 25th edition of the Retro Classics show in Stuttgart once again confirmed why this event is considered one of the most important gatherings for classic car enthusiasts in Europe. From February 19 to 22, 2026, the halls of Messe Stuttgart were filled with thousands of visitors who came to celebrate automotive history, craftsmanship and passion. Around 83,000 visitors explored seven exhibition halls and the atrium, where approximately 2,800 vehicles spanning more than a century of automotive development were on display. The anniversary edition had a special atmosphere, bringing together collectors, restorers, manufacturers and fans who share a deep appreciation for historic automobiles. For enthusiasts of the Stuttgart-based sports car brand, the show once again proved to be a highlight of the classic car season.
Retro Classics has always been more than a traditional car show. It is a meeting place where stories, engineering and passion come together. Visitors could explore everything from rare pre-war automobiles to iconic sports cars, youngtimers and motorsport legends. Dealers, museums and private collectors displayed vehicles that are normally hidden away in collections, giving enthusiasts a rare opportunity to see them up close. The anniversary edition also attracted a strong international audience, underlining the global appeal of classic car culture.
Hans Herrmann tribute
As we told before, one of the most emotional highlights of the 25th Retro Classics was the tribute to German racing legend Hans Herrmann. The special exhibition titled “Hans im Glück – HH 97” was located in the central atrium and honored the remarkable life and career of the driver who passed away in January 2026 at the age of 97. Curated by his biographer Tobias Aichele, the exhibition brought together thirteen significant racing cars from Herrmann’s career, made possible through collaboration with major collections and museums.
75 Years of Porsche Motorsport
For Porsche enthusiasts, the brand’s presence at Retro Classics was once again a central attraction. The exhibition combined elements of heritage, innovation and motorsport history, presenting a carefully curated selection of cars that demonstrated the evolution of the marque. Visitors could explore iconic models and learn more about the work of the Porsche Heritage and Museum department, which preserves the brand’s rich history while keeping it alive through events, exhibitions and historic racing programs.
Under the motto “Raceborn: 75 Years of Porsche Motorsport”, Porsche is celebrating 75 years of motorsport this year. The Porsche Museum therefore brought four racing cars from different generations to Retro Classics. Relatively unknown to the general public was the Porsche 356 Gmund SL, of which only 11 were ever built. One of these can be found in a Belgian collection. The Porsche 909 Bergspyder also attracted a great deal of attention from the public.
A Celebration of Automotive Passion
With its 25th anniversary edition, Retro Classics once again proved why it remains a cornerstone of the international classic car calendar. The combination of rare vehicles, emotional tributes and brand heritage created an event that appealed to both long-time collectors and younger enthusiasts discovering classic cars for the first time.
For Porsche fans in particular, the show offered a powerful reminder of how deeply the brand is woven into the history of motorsport and automotive culture. From the tribute to Hans Herrmann to the carefully curated Porsche exhibit, Retro Classics Stuttgart once again delivered an unforgettable experience for everyone who shares a love for the cars from Zuffenhausen. In a few weeks we’ll know whether the Retro Classics concept will be a good replacement for the Techno Classica Show in Essen.
Picure Gallery Retro Classics Stuttgart
Pictures ©Tim Havermans
