On Wednesday the Messe Essen exhibition centre opened its doors for 2011 edition of the annual Techno Classica. Attracting well over a 1,000 exhibitors to fill the venue's 20 halls, it is easily the biggest in-door classic car show in the world. Among the exhibitors are many of the major manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, the Volkswagen Group, BMW and also the likes of Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Porsche. The remaining space is filled to the brim with clubs and vendors of anything loosely related to the classic car world.
It took some time and a lot of walking but we managed to find some interesting machines in the sea of cars. The result of our effort can be found in this brief report and 150 shot gallery.
Surprisingly few 'unusual' press releases hit our desk this morning. One exception was a BMW mailing with news of the all new M3 Pickup. Combining the best of both worlds this drop-top machine sports the familiar high-revving V8 but also a luggage compartment big enough to transport 20 golf bags. It is also the first M3 ever equipped with a trailer tow hitch. To ensure that customers will reach the golf course in record time, the BMW engineers have honed the car's suspension setup on the 'Ring. We look forward to seeing the M3 Pickup in the metal soon but we have a sneaking suspicion that today will be the last we'll hear of this machine.
Enjoy the links:
2011 Techno Classica - Report and Slideshow
2011 BMW E92 M3 Pickup - Images, Specifications and Information