When we first noticed the programme of the 29th edition of Techno Classica Essen, it was immediately clear that the show would meet the high expectations all visitors always have. After all, the Techno Classica has grown over the years into the largest classic car show in the world with some impressive numbers. Last year’s edition of the Techno Classica had over 2500 cars, approximately 1250 exhibitors and over 200.000 visitors in just 5 days. That documents the popularity of the “World fair for vintage, classic- & prestige-cars, motorsport, motorcycles, spare parts, restoration and world-club meeting” – so the official subtitle of the Techno-Classica Essen.
Grand Prix of Monaco – „The Golden Fifties of Formula 1“
This year, the organisation wanted to bring the Golden fifties of Formula 1 under the attention of the visitors, and more particular the cars that starred at the GP of Monaco in that era. Not hard to understand the number of cars gathered for that special exhibition wasn’t that big. However, once again the statement was proven that quality easily overrules quantity. One of the special delicacies is that original Maserati 250F, which Juan Manuel Fangio drove in 1957 with a lead of more than 25 seconds to the victory. The car belongs to a private collection and wasn’t shown to the public since over 20 years. In addition there is a Mercedes-Benz formula 1 W 196 from the fund of the Mercedes-Benz museum and a Ferrari-Lancia D50, as it got second with Fangio and Collins 1956 in Monaco.
Porsche celebrates 40 years of Porsche 928
Porsche presented 3 very special 928 models from the Porsche Museum Collection. First there was the one-off Porsche 928S with extended wheelbase and 4 full sized seats that was built as a present for the 75th birthday of Ferry Porsche in 1984. Second was a study vehicle based on the Grand Turismo, designed as a safety-vehicle with an aluminum front-end. And the last of the 3 was the Trigema Porsche, used to be raced by Gunter Steckkönig. A car that you could have seen and hear at work at the Porsche Sound Nacht 2015 too.
Porsche Classic Partners show their selection.
Some 15 selected Porsche Classic Partner could show one or more cars at the Porsche Stand. Eye-catchers were the Porsche 356 Carrera 2 Cabriolet that was in the last phase of the restoration. Next to that, the ex Robert Buchet Porsche 904-021 could be your for a minimum offer of 1.200.000 Euro.
Endless selection and variety of Porsches
There was a large variety of Porsches offered by the dozens of exhibitors. The cars ranged from the early Porsche 356 over the swb Porsche 911s all the way up to the most modern Porsche 991 GT3RS or the 2016 Porsche 911R. Even though I don’t think cars like the latter one deserve a spot at a classic car show, but that’s just my personal opinion.
Exactly as last year, both Serge Heitz and Jan B. Lühn brought a very strong selection of cars. Serge Heitz focus is more directed towards the street cars, even though there was a 1974 Porsche 911 RS 3.0 among the cars he offered. Jan B. Lühn once again had a 1967 Porsche 911R in his selection, a car once raced by Gerard Larousse. Next to that, a stunning 1973 Porsche 911RS with extensive race history, and a 6 time Le Mans Competitor with the Porsche 934. And then we didn’t mention the Porsche 924 Carrera GTR. Another extremely rare car that sold fast as a lightning, was the Porsche 550 Spyder in Hall 6. If you weren’t at the preview day or on Thursday at the Techno Classica, you have missed the car. We will bring you more on this extra ordinary car that the young Swiss Michael May changed by adding a wing to add more downforce to the car.
Parts, Books,memorabilia, toys, literature, ….
The number of exhibitors that don’t offer cars seems endless too. The variety of products that can be related to classic cars is really infinite. From the obvious parts for the cars over the memorabilia, clothes, watches to the books and literature that belong to your car. There’s absolutely no way a classic car addict can walk out without having opened is wallet. We had a blast during our 3 day visit, spend hours talking with other classic car and Porsche enthusiasts. We’ll be back in 2018 and we hope you too.
Techno Classica 2017
Pictures by Vintage Race Photography
