Wouter Melissen
04-18-2010, 11:03 AM
Earlier this month the vast Messe Essen exhibition centre was packed to capacity with classic cars, parts and accessories. The occasion was the 22nd annual Techno Classica, the world's largest show of its type. Over 170,000 visitors traveled to the German city to get a closer look at the stands of the 1,100 exhibitors. There were so many classic cars present that quite a few had to be displayed on the parking lots next to the dozen halls.
While most exhibitors were at the Techno Classica to flock their wares, there were also clubs and manufacturers that showed some if their finest cars. Mercedes-Benz dominated the first hall with a vast display celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Mercedes(-Benz) sports cars. In addition to the production cars, the company also brought the unique C111 and C112 concept cars. Other manufacturers that were on hand with prominent displays were Alfa Romeo, BMW, Mini and the Volkswagen Group.
Much of the remainder of the available space was allocated to a wide variety of dealers. Some opted to pack as many cars on their stand as possible but fortunately there were also several that left some space between the cars. Among the best was Hall & Hall who had an interesting selection of cars on display, highlighted by the unique Sokol 650. This Grand Prix car was built for the son of Joseph Stalin immediately after the War by former Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union engineers. Auctioneer RM Auctions used the Techno Classica as an in-the-metal preview for the upcoming Monaco sale. Their display was dominated by the BMW 328 'Buegelfalte' Roadster that we featured earlier in the week.
We worked our way through the twelve halls and corridors of the Messe Essen for our full report, which is illustrated by a 100-shot gallery.
Enjoy the links:
2010 Techno Classica Report and Slideshow (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/event/257/2010-Techno-Classica.html)
While most exhibitors were at the Techno Classica to flock their wares, there were also clubs and manufacturers that showed some if their finest cars. Mercedes-Benz dominated the first hall with a vast display celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Mercedes(-Benz) sports cars. In addition to the production cars, the company also brought the unique C111 and C112 concept cars. Other manufacturers that were on hand with prominent displays were Alfa Romeo, BMW, Mini and the Volkswagen Group.
Much of the remainder of the available space was allocated to a wide variety of dealers. Some opted to pack as many cars on their stand as possible but fortunately there were also several that left some space between the cars. Among the best was Hall & Hall who had an interesting selection of cars on display, highlighted by the unique Sokol 650. This Grand Prix car was built for the son of Joseph Stalin immediately after the War by former Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union engineers. Auctioneer RM Auctions used the Techno Classica as an in-the-metal preview for the upcoming Monaco sale. Their display was dominated by the BMW 328 'Buegelfalte' Roadster that we featured earlier in the week.
We worked our way through the twelve halls and corridors of the Messe Essen for our full report, which is illustrated by a 100-shot gallery.
Enjoy the links:
2010 Techno Classica Report and Slideshow (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/event/257/2010-Techno-Classica.html)