Just Kampers at Techno Classica Essen 2016
As a life-long fan of all manner of classic vehicles, Mark Reynolds, MD of JK, couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go to Techno Classica Essen 2016. The show usually takes place at the same time as the VolksWorld Show, so this is the first time in a long time Mark has had the opportunity to attend.
It was a long drive from JK HQ in Hampshire, UK, over to Essen, Germany, but it was well worth it to attend Techno Classica Essen 2016. Mark took the new VW T6 he has for testing parts and accessories, but was stymied by the 60mph speed limit for vans on dual-carriageways in the UK (and by the traffic on the M25!). Several hours and 400 miles later, and it was definitely worth the trip.
Techno Classica Essen is the biggest classic car fair in the world, a fact that didn’t really dawn on Mark until he arrived and saw the sheer scale of the event.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the event, to give you a sense of the size:
- 5 Days
- 120,000m2 of exhibition space
- 20 huge halls
- 4 outdoor areas
- 1,250 exhibitors
- 190,000 visitors
- 220 different car clubs
- 25+ international vehicle manufacturers
- 41 different countries represented
190,000 is more than the capacity of the two biggest sports stadiums in Europe combined, so it really is a massive event!
The sheer range and standard of the vehicles on display was breath-taking. There were cars there from small British manufacturers that Mark had never seen ‘in the metal’ before, and even those vehicles that are oh-so-familiar were in superb condition.
Being a German classic car show, Volkswagens were well represented, and VW had a really cool stand at the event, which displayed both old and new VWs.
Their GTI Roadster concept car seemed to be dividing opinions.
There was event a 1963 Split Screen nearby selling Becks beer!
Upstairs, a whole hall was devoted to Volkswagen car clubs, which was really good to see. Each club set up a stand to display their vehicles and chat to fellow enthusiasts, with really laid back and friendly atmosphere.
Gregory Peck’s Rometsch was on display in the VW Club Hall, which was an amazing thing to see. It was even displayed with a cut out of Peck playing Atticus Finch, now arguably one of his most famous roles.
This Beetle was one of Mark’s favourite VWs in the club area. After the Lil’ Bugger he might have gotten a taste for unusual Beetle conversions!
This one of a kind Glöckler-Porsche, above, was absolutely stunning. With an aluminium body and a Fuhrmann Engine, this car was developed for the Mille Miglia 1954. The full and complete documented history of the car is also with it, which is even more amazing.
VW-based Porsche’s, like the 356 and the 914, were also out in force, which was great to see.
This ‘shabby-chic’ 356 was one of Mark’s favourite vehicles from the whole show.
This gorgeous VW Variant always had a crowd admiring it.
What do you think of these wheels?
Shown on a new VW T6 at the VW stand at the show.
The Autojumble halls were full of all sorts of goodies, from obscure NOS parts, to vehicle manuals, to leather care kits!
This (apparently rare) ‘VW Beetle Marrakech’ model was on sale on one of the stalls in the autojumble.
Vehicles ranged from incredibly well preserved pre-war behemoths to stylish 1970s icons, and all were in stunning condition. Thousands of vehicles were put up for auction throughout the event, which was full of eager shoppers.
Such was the incredible range of vehicles on display that there was even an ultra-rare, ultra-cool GM Futurliner!
Overall it was a fantastic show, and definitely one we’d recommend if you’re interested in a wide range of classic cars from throughout history and around the world.
Next year’s Techno Classica Essen will take place 5th – 9th April 2017 in Essen, Germany.