An incredible 185,000 visitors flocked to Essen for this year’s Techno Classica, drawn by a dazzling display of more than 200 car clubs, 2700 cars for sale and around 1250 exhibitors. The event, which took place from 5-9 April, once again assembled a world-class roster of collector cars, helped in part by the heritage departments of 27 major manufacturers.
A highlight for many was a stellar lineup of Formula One and Grand Prix cars which had graced the hallowed streets of Monaco between 1952 and 1960. Eight cars turned out for the display, with the jewel in its crown Juan Manuel Fangio’s 1957 Maserati 250F, which was put on public display for the first time in more than 20 years.
Also drawing a great deal of attention was adventurer Heidi Hetzer, who had just returned from an epic round the world tour in her 1927 Hudson Eight. The septuagenarian spoke at length about her journey, which had taken an incredible 960 days.
Meanwhile, the coveted Best of Show award was won by a 1960 Alfa Romeo 6C 3000 Superflow IV clothed in stunning Pininfarina bodywork. The car was brought to the show from Great Britain by Jim Stokes Workshop.
The Cabriolet award was scooped by a Delahaye 135MS Franay, while renowned German dealer E. Theisen found success in the pre-war category with a 1937 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 B Pesara and placing second in the Youngtimer class with a 1992 Lancia Delta Integrale.
A number of top classics also changed hands at the event, which has gained a reputation as a major marketplace for concours classics. A Vignale-bodied Fiat 8V fetched in the region of €1m, as did a 1938 Bugatti 57SC with Gangloff coachwork, while a BMW Z1 Alpina sold for a scarcely believable €165,000 within an hour of the show doors opening.
Around 200 car clubs put on special displays at Essen, with the Dortmund Vintage Vehicle Friends scooping first prize (and a boost for their club coffers) with a diorama titled ‘Chateau Booze’.
Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC