The 35th and final edition of Techno-Classica Essen unfolded from April 9 to 13, 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the world’s premier classic car exhibitions. Held at Messe Essen, the event attracted over 1,250 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, showcasing approximately 2,700 classic and collector vehicles across 120,000 square meters of exhibition space. With more than 200 car clubs in attendance, the show served as a vibrant hub for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
This year’s event featured a diverse array of vehicles, from vintage automobiles to youngtimers and prestige cars. Notable highlights included special showcases organized by SIHA, presenting ten extraordinary automotive rarities, and thematic displays celebrating milestones such as 50 years of the Porsche Turbo. The exhibition also offered a comprehensive range of products and services, including parts dealers, restorers, model car vendors, and sellers of automotive literature and memorabilia.
Among the most appealing pieces of literature on the show, we found a rare Porsche 906 and Porsche 907 manuals. And the cherry on the cake for me was a Liebe zu Ihm book, in a thin plywood box that was covered with fake leather, a small Porsche crest, and a small print of the book. The vendor told me this was a gift from the Swedish Porsche importer to his grandfather, that worked from the early 60s at Porsche Sweden. So far we have not been able to verify that story, but we are doing research on it and will come back to it later.
Robert Brocker’s Porsche 356 Pre-A Collection: A Highlight of the Show
Among the standout displays was Dutch collector Robert Bröcker’s exceptional assembly of 13 Porsche 356 Pre-A models, primarily from 1950 and 1951. This collection offered a rare glimpse into the early years of Porsche’s automotive journey .
The centerpiece was a 1949 Gmünd Coupé with an aluminium body, representing one of the earliest examples of Porsche’s post-war production. Another notable vehicle was a Speedster once owned by American singer Roy Orbison, adding a touch of celebrity allure to the historical lineup .
Bröcker’s display was strategically located in Hall 3, near the transition to the Galeria, allowing visitors to appreciate the meticulous restoration and preservation efforts that went into each vehicle . The collection not only highlighted the design and engineering prowess of early Porsche models but also underscored the brand’s enduring legacy in automotive history. What made the display even more impressive was the wall with 36 restored Porsche 356 engines.
A Fitting Farewell
As Techno-Classica Essen concludes its 35-year run, the 2025 edition served as a testament to the event’s enduring appeal and significance in the classic car community. The diverse array of vehicles, from early 20th-century models to modern classics, provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of automotive evolution.
The event’s conclusion paves the way for its successor, Retro Classics Essen, set to debut in 2026 under the stewardship of the team behind the successful Stuttgart show . While the name changes, the spirit of celebrating automotive heritage is poised to continue, ensuring that enthusiasts and collectors alike will have a platform to share their passion for years to come. Techno Classica announced they will have a show at another location, however so far nothing more is known.
Picture gallery Techno Classica 2025
Pictures copyright Tim Havermans
