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Report: Techno-Classica Essen 2013

Published 17 April 2013

The 25th running of the Techno-Classica proved that there's continued growth in interest in classic cars across Europe. Because over the course of four public days, and during the first sunny weekend in Germany of 2013, it managed to attract more than 190,000 visitors, a record number.

And it's the scale of the show that continues to impress. More than 1200 traders and exhibitors and – very important for the overall success – 230 car clubs displayed their wares throughout 20 halls, while the major manufacturers continued to muscle in on the action, using the event to show new products, and place them in the context of what came before.

Don't believe us? There were three new cars shown for the first time in Germany - the Jaguar F-Type, Opel/Vauxhall Cascada and Citroën DS3 Cabriolet. All were surrounded by classic variations on the theme, a policy that worked better for some than others. The Cascada looked pretty good alongside a one-off Monza prototoype, while the DS3 struggled alongside the glorious Chapron-converted SM Mylord (below). Jaguar's F-Type, managed to outgun the last-off-the-line XJS, a part of the Jaguar Heritage collection.

Citroen Chapron SM Mylord

But as usual, the club stands provided the hidden gems. Being in Germany means Techno-Classica is a great opportunity to see cars that you just don't normally encounter in the UK. Although it probably won't be trumpeted by too many people, the strong Youngtimer movement for classics between 10-30 years old, was responsible for some quite extraordinary cars.

We'll say it's probably the first time we've seen a beige Opel Kadett saloon (Vauxhall Belmont) in a classic car show, but the extraordinary selection of more desirable, newer, classics is a heartening reminder that the Youngtimer movement represents the future of the movement. As for the other club stands, there was a very camp theme running through Essen this year (see below)...

Isetta Towing Combo

Other stories from the show are the size and scope of Coys' sale. We won't know the full results for a few days thanks to the sheer number of after-sale deals to be brokered, but one of the team told HJClassics that. 'it was a great result, with the 1948 Alfa Romeo 6C-2500SS topping the sale at more than €300,000.' The London-based auctioneer thought that the new location for the sale, 'wasn't without problems, butit was certainly atmospheric, and created a more intimate sale.'

Typically, the prices reached on the sale were high, and this was also reflected by those offered by the dealers throughout the halls; the 1993 Saab 900T16S Cabriolet for €21,500 was typical. But there were some bargains also for those who fancied something different - a Qvale Mangusta for €29,000, or immaculate Citroen CX Safari, fresh from France, for €6000. Agreat classic-shaped workhorse for those who need to transport large objects at high speed on a regular basis.

Last word should go to the special exhibition of 1930s grand routiers, with many being supplied by the Louwman Collection based in the Netherlands. The sheer variety of cars will have you determined to pay a visit in 2014. If you love cars, you won't be disappointed - it's just five hours' drive from the Dover-Calais ferry crossing.

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Essen Cars For Sale