To kick off the 2026 driving culture season, dealers, connoisseurs, enthusiasts, collectors, clubs and media representatives will gather in the Ruhr metropolis of Essen to indulge in one of the most beautiful pastimes in the world over five days: the vehicle hobby, be it on two, four or more wheels and across all weight classes.
Character of the RETRO CLASSICS® trade fairs for driving culture
With its trade fair locations in Stuttgart, Nuremberg and Essen (from 2026), RETRO CLASSICS® is unique in Europe and sets the tone for driving culture in three metropolitan regions. Launched at the beginning of the 2000s, it has become an integral part of the international classic and modern classic car scene and stands for living driving culture - mobility from the past to the present, from the “brass era” to super sports cars. It makes the hearts of enthusiasts beat faster, brings technology to life and brings the international scene together.
Active promotion of young talent
A vibrant driving culture scene with a future is only alive if the next generation is secured. Truly not an easy undertaking in times when the analog often seems to take a back seat, and yet the RETRO CLASSICS® trade fairs succeed in inspiring the next generation for driving culture, for example, by presenting corresponding special show themes (e.g. also for participation) and increasingly focusing on youngtimers. Speaking of youngtimers: the “freshly baked 30-year-olds” are enjoying steadily growing popularity, not least because they are much more drivable and therefore easier to use and “cooler”. It is clearly the youngtimers that create the connection between old and young in the scene, which is why there will also be a “Youngtimer Arena” at RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN® 2026.
Increased manufacturer presence
Germany is and will remain a car nation: this is where automobility was created, where it has developed into a world leader and where it is heading into the future. And no future, no image without tradition, of which the German vehicle industry in particular has a lot. RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN® will therefore also provide an excellent stage for the major traditional companies, because there is no substitute for active image cultivation.
Clubs as the engine of the scene
The club scene is not only a central component of the driving culture cosmos, but also its engine. Even though many manufacturers are now actively cultivating tradition, many vehicles would be condemned to stand still if it weren't for rebuilds etc. initiated by clubs. Clubs stand for a huge pool of knowledge, parts and personal exchange, which is why they will also be a central component at RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN®.
Special shows and dealers as crowd pullers
There's no question that you can never please everyone. And yet the RETRO CLASSICS® trade fairs for driving culture always present the widest possible range of topics, so that ideally there is something for all tastes. On the one hand, there are the special shows, e.g. for vehicle anniversaries or a special era, and on the other, the presentations by vehicle dealers, which often show the special, the unusual and the bizarre and make a visit to the trade fair unforgettable.
Service & communication as a calling card
“Quality means that the customer and not the goods come back “* - the team at RETRO CLASSICS® trade fairs for driving culture has been acting according to this maxim for over 20 years and always tries to offer its exhibitors and media representatives a comprehensive, open and personal service and to have an open ear for every concern. With this in mind, we are already looking forward to welcoming you to RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN® at Messe Essen from April 8 - 12, 2026!
You can find further information at
*Quotation Hermann Tietz (1837 - 1907), German department store pioneer and founder of the
founder of the “Hertie” department store chain
