Leon Franssen, one of the leading persons in the S.I.HA. announced at the Wednesday's press conference that the 23rd edition of the Technoclassica would be even more informative, more attractive and more internationally. Nice words, but what does that mean in practice. Well , that means that the venue's 20 halls are completely booked out, not a square meter left unused by the over 1000 international exhibitors, and a continuously increasing quality of cars. That sounded much promising , and it confirms that Essen , Germany is and remains the world's capital of vintage cars.
After a first quick walk through the giant show, it became clear that Leon Franssen didn't lie a word. One couldn't have eyes enough to admire all the wonderfull , sometimes astonishing beauties.
I don't think there are many oppurtunities to see 4 original Porsche 550 Spyders at the same spot. Well probably this year in october at the Porsche Race Car Classic in Carmel, California, but that's USA.. a completely different Porsche world, isn't it. This year, no Benoit Couturier at the Technoclassica. The french collector is usualy the highlight of Hall 3, the Porsche hall as i nickname it. But even without his presence, a real Porsche addict could spend at least a day in this hall, admiring great car, as the 4 earlier mentioned Porsche 550 Spyders. State of Art brought 4 cars again to the show, 2 1953 Porsche 356 and 2 Porsche 550 Spyders.
Harald Hackenberg, a german restorer, had 2 more Porsche 550's on display. One was the same Porsche 550-016 which he showed last year , the other with unknown chassisnumber to me in unrestored condition. Just fabulous.
In another hall, a great restored 4digit 1950 Porsche splitwindow, a few Porsche 356 Carrera 2's, some Porsche Speedsters, a Porsche 356 Carrera GS.GT , and ofcourse lots of normal Porsches 356 A, B and C.
If you are more into Porsches 911 or derivatives, there's lots of reason to visit Technoclassica too. Porsches 911 of all ages can be found all over the show, in all conditions, from just flawless to unrestored with great patina. Whatever your budget is, you can find a car even though prices seem to increase every year.
Are you into the race stuff ? No problem at all if you could spend a small fortune to the Porsche 935 K3 presented by Thiessen , or some less priced but still not cheap Porsche 911 RS or RSR's.
Collectors of literature, memorabilia do find their way to Esesn too, with some stunning early Porsche factory posters for sale, with prices ranging from a few tens for a brandnew posters to near 4000 Eur for mid-50s posters.
In a later report I'll bring some more on prices for cars and memorabilia, in the mean time enjoy the pictures.
Text : Liebe zu Ihm
Pictures : Liebe zu Ihm
