Inside the 2019 Retro Classics Show

Inside Retro Classics 2019

The 19th instalment of the Retro Classics event in Germany has proven to be a huge success. With over 4000 cars on display and a host of manufacturers supporting the experience, no-less than ten themed halls are buzzing with all things automotive; entertaining car-crazed guests of all calibers.

There’s something for everyone, with a host of vintage and modern icons starring alongside one of the show scene’s best – and largest – autojumbles. Here’s our whistle-stop tour of Retro Classics 2019.

Inside Retro Classics 2019

What A Welcome!

Immediately after clicking through the turnstiles you’re presented with a landscape of wish-list cars. This horde of four-wheeled treasure is up for sale with eye-watering price tags, each diverse vehicle attracting prominent international collectors.

Witnessing various historic Lancias parked shoulder-to-shoulder with modern-day supercars – such as the Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster – is quite a sight!

A Palace Of Porsche

Hall 1 is a dream come true for any Porsche enthusiast, with models of all eras on display. International dealers have provided Europe’s finest examples of the 911 lineage, while restoration shops tell their stories of rust to riches.

A Palace Of Porsche

Porsche itself has a dedicated stand full of impressive cars borrowed from the marque’s museum in Stuttgart. A pristine 914 celebrates the 50th anniversary of the entry-level sports car, which gets our vote! The first road-production Porsche 356, an original 910/8 Bergspyder, and the latest 911 GT2 RS all join the restored Porsche 917 No.1.

BMW Legends

The BMW hall is comprised of a combination of international BMW dealers and BMW itself. Dealer cars range from plucky 2002 models all the way up to the iconic M1. These highly polished examples would be a tempting proposition for any collector.

BMW Legends

BMW’s official stand is primarily a homage to motorsport with a pair of V12 LMP cars from the late 1990s, one finished in naked carbon fiber. Between the racers lurks a BMW 328 Touring Coupé replica, a distinctive model well known for its success at the Mille Miglia.

BMW Legends

There are also some great Formula cars ranging from junior models, all the way up to Williams’ FW22; powered by a BMW V10. The FW22 was piloted by Ralph Schumacher and Jenson Button during the 2000 Formula 1 season.

BMW Legends

BMW are also showcasing its extensive history on two wheels, with classic models and distinctive Dakar bikes. However, it was this 1956 BMW R 26 that caught our eye. What a beauty!

Neo Classics

Neo Classics is a segment of the show that recognises more modern vehicles as collector cars. With various models being sought after from day 1, they are instant classics. This hall is full of ‘up and comers’.

Neo Classics

The Ferrari F430 Scuderia stands out as a model that could be a safe investment. Values are already rising, but looking at other special Ferrari models of the past few years, the Scuderia is a sure bet for further appreciation.

Neo Classics

All flagship V12 Lamborghinis are special, but the dramatic Aventador SV was given a sharper focus for use on track. This bright orange Roadster model, packing 690hp and a 0-62mph time of 3 seconds, will have the wind rushing through your hair at 217mph.

Neo Classics

When Porsche celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 911, it produced a limited-run car. Fiftieth Anniversary Editions are based on the Carrera S model, but are denoted by wider bodywork , additional chrome, and traditional Fuchs alloy wheels.

Car Clubs

A good amount of floorspace is dedicated to car Clubs at Retro Classics, giving the event an über-cultural feel. Everyone is very enthusiastic about their brand or club, with no end of eye-catching displays.

Italian Stallions

There is a strong showing of Latin craftsmanship within the Italian hall, Ferrari opening the batting with an F1 car. The F1 126 CK on display was campaigned by Gilles Villeneuve and has also featured at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Italian Stallions

Alfa Romeo is well represented with classic GTAs, modern-day Stelvio Quadrifoglio, and handsome Spiders. However, the star Alfa has to be a 1922 RL Sport, carrying plenty of patina. This imposing racer hosts a six-cylinder engine with 90hp — powerful stuff for the early 1920s.

Italian Stallions

Lancia’s car club has brought along a very special example in the form of a Hyena by Carrozzeria Zagato. Just 24 of the coupés were built on the bones of a Lancia Integrale EVO. Featuring its donor car’s turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, it goes as good as it looks.

American Heroes

There is also a strong showing of American cars at Retro Classics. Everything from Chevrolet Corvette C1s to Dodge Hellcats are on show with many available to be purchased and driven away the same day. This well-presented Boss 302 Mustang got plenty of attention.

American Heroes

An immaculate Dodge Challenger R/T with its 383-magnum engine caught our eye. Finished in a classic shade of brown with contrasting vinyl roof, it certainly looks the part.

Every Nut And Bolt

If you’re working on a restoration and need a very specific part, odds are you will find it at Retro Classics. Traders of all makes and eras provide a huge catalogue of parts for collector cars. Need an indicator cap from 1971, or period-correct spark plugs? You’ll likely come away with what you’re looking for.

Three-Pointed Star

Mercedes-Benz is hosting an impressive collection of cars on its stand. Vintage racers are joined by the iconic CLK GTR for a formation worth millions that is rarely seen together.

Three-Pointed Star

However, the star of the Mercedes stand is an impressive deconstructed Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. The artistic sculpture appears to levitate while spectators peer into the model’s inner workings.

Big Trucks

A large area is provided for displaying mammoth working vehicles of all ages. Stylish coaches from the 1960s boasting intricate chrome work contrast the patina coated tankers and haulers. This Mercedes-Benz L311 Tankwagon sporting a faded historic Esso livery was our pick of the bunch.

Big Trucks

What display of working vehicles would be complete without a Unimog? This enduring go-anywhere model has gained global fame, becoming everything from an all-terrain ambulance, to an enormous pickup truck. This classic fire engine example looked great.

2020

Next year will mark the 20th Retro Classics show with various celebrations to take place. It has been revealed that one of the core themes will be Gulf Racing, so expect some iconic machines to play a starring role next year.

Inside Retro Classics 2019