Techno Classica

About the Event

Two days in the premiere year became five, the number of visitors increased sixfold: the courageous idea of a classic car fair developed into a world event for exhibitors from over 30 nations.

In the beginning there was an ambitious plan - and a huge surprise: When the first Techno-Classica Essen opened its doors for the first time on 4 March 1989, the organisers hoped for 15,000 visitors, a thoroughly ambitious figure. Anyone who remembers the classic car scene in Germany in the 1980s can certainly understand the reticence. Back then, there were already plenty of classic car enthusiasts, but as a hobby, the subject remained confined to the leisure sector. Those who needed parts joined a club or regulars' table, and now and then someone organised a flea market.

But there was already another level. The noble Rétromobile in Paris, for example, which served as a model and with its internationality and location in the middle of the city gave the theme a completely different character. This new form characterised Techno-Classica Essen from the very beginning. In the first year, exhibitors occupied six halls at Messe Essen, with around 250 exhibitors and 70 clubs bringing vehicles and merchandise. As early as 1989, the benchmark was quality: the best of the international classic scene were to present themselves here in Essen. Everyone of distinction was present in Essen.

When the last guest had left the exhibition halls at the first Techno-Classica Essen on 5 March 1989, history had been written. Instead of the expected 15,000 visitors, which hardly seemed possible to achieve, more than twice as many had come to the fairgrounds at the Gruga Park. The concept had worked. The anticipation for the second edition was not dampened either: the number of Classic car fans who did not want to miss the event under any circumstances doubled to 60,000 - also thanks to the extended duration of the event to now three days.

Word of the great experience from the premiere year had spread quickly. After all, the media had reported intensively.

From the very beginning, the automotive industry had also taken a look at the fair. The new fair was ideally suited to celebrate round anniversaries and to offer the traditional departments of the manufacturers a tailor-made forum that directly involved the target group. Techno-Classica Essen still occupies a leading position worldwide in this respect.

Measured in terms of the number of visitors, the quality of the exhibitors, the sales success and the international reputation,Techno-Classica Essen is the undisputed global leader. It is convincing as the most successful world fair in the industry and is a must-attend event in the calendars every spring - but one that is considered extremely pleasant for many reasons. One of the most important, apart from many impressive figures, is the good atmosphere on site.