Retromobile Show, anybody been?

[BeastieBoy73]

I’ve been to the classic car show at the NEC a couple of times in recent years and, despite having little/no interest in classic British cars, I’ve enjoyed a good day out.

Obviously, a classic car show in the U.K. is going to have a heavy bias towards cars build here but the NEC still has plenty for me to look at.

I’m particularly into German cars so took myself off to Essen last year to attend the classic car show there. I’d highly recommend a visit, particularly if you’re into Porsche’s and VW’s though it’s tough to cover the show properly in a day. Also, stay in Düsseldorf as there are some amazing bars there...

Anyway, I’m now looking at going to Retromobile in Paris next February and wonder if anyone has been. I’d expect the place to be full of French cars but as I’ve previously owned a lowered 2cv and would like to own a Renault 4, I’m not put off by this. Has anybody been? If so, where would be the best place to stay in Paris (I’ve never been).

Is there a classic car show in Italy?

Thanks in advance.

[early_911]

I went years ago and loved the eclectic nature of it. Yes it's very bias towards French motors, but there was loads I hadn't seen before and lots of collectable bits and bobs to look at and buy.

Never been to the this www.oldtimer-meeting.de . . . but it's on my list. Baden-Baden is a lovely setting.

Phil

[Jagmanv12]

Retromobile is a lot smaller than the Essen show so easily seen in one day.

The Padova "Auto e Moto d’Epoca" is on soon - 25-28 October.

[BeastieBoy73]

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated.

The two other shows you've mention certainly look worthy of consideration. Another on my bucket list is The Race of Gentlemen in the States...

https://www.theraceofgentlemen.com/

[Pericoloso]

Retro Classics in Stuttgart is on same weekends as TC Essen.
I did both this year.
They're both HUGE.
I was exhausted !

[Jagmanv12]

Pericoloso said:

Retro Classics in Stuttgart is on same weekends as TC Essen.
I did both this year.
They're both HUGE.
I was exhausted !

That was this year. Next year Stuttgart show (March 7-10) is the weekend after the Antwerp Classic (March 1-3).

[BeastieBoy73]

Surprised they allow similar events to clash but if Essen was anything to go by, there is plenty of quality cars to go around...

Another place well worth visiting was the classic car storage place in Düsseldorf.

http://www.remise.de/Classic-Remise-Duesseldorf-en...

Edited by BeastieBoy73 on Thursday 18th October 20:05

[Riley Blue]

I've been to the Antwerp Show a few times. It's much smaller than Techno Classica (just four or five halls) but as you get to see a different selection of cars it's always worthwhile. It can easily be done in a day but if you want to stay over the Crown Plaza Hotel is a short walk away.

[lowdrag]

Just one example of the eclectic nature of Retromobile. It is a great show and should not be missed.

[Paracetamol]

I go to both Paris and Essen. I love Paris because it's Paris! Essen is a total dump.

Paris has great auctions too. The mix of cars isn't as large as Esssen but good quality nonetheless. Much better than NEC..which is very British (in a bad way)

[BeastieBoy73]

lowdrag said:

Just one example of the eclectic nature of Retromobile. It is a great show and should not be missed.

Excellent! I love dusty old cack! A hobby of mine is bike taxidermy (as seen here on the wall of a bar in Nottingham).

I’m wondering what I can make with rusty tools, now...

[BeastieBoy73]

Paracetamol said:

I go to both Paris and Essen. I love Paris because it's Paris! Essen is a total dump.

Paris has great auctions too. The mix of cars isn't as large as Esssen but good quality nonetheless. Much better than NEC..which is very British (in a bad way)

I’ve never been to Paris and whilst I’m sure it would make for a nice weekend break with the wife, once I mentioned the car show she said we can go together another time...

Didn’t see anything of Essen but remember thinking jeez, Germany’s a bit of a hole on the train journey from the airport to Düsseldorf. Grim looking buildings and lots of graffiti. Düsseldorf itself though was excellent. Great Alt beer and green parrots everywhere.

[Pericoloso]

No one goes to Essen for the sights of the city.

It does have free parking if you don't mind a little walk.

You also need an Umwelt emissions sticker in your window ,very cheap to obtain.

[sim16v]

I've done Essen off and on for the last 20 years or so, and love the classic show.

As already mentioned, Essen is a bit industrial, so we now always stay in Dusseldorf.

We've had some great nights out there.

For Italy, the Milan Classic is the end of next month, and just for a change of scenery, it is brilliant.

We were there a couple of years ago when they had a mega auction of a fantastic private collection of all things automotive and the place had a real buzz.

I couldn't recommend it enough.

I'm hoping to get to the next one, subject to selling one of my cars.

[lowdrag]

BeastieBoy73 said:

Excellent! I love dusty old cack! A hobby of mine is bike taxidermy (as seen here on the wall of a bar in Nottingham).

I’m wondering what I can make with rusty tools, now...

Not a lot - they're made of chocolate

[BeastieBoy73]

lowdrag said:

BeastieBoy73 said:

Excellent! I love dusty old cack! A hobby of mine is bike taxidermy (as seen here on the wall of a bar in Nottingham).

I’m wondering what I can make with rusty tools, now...

Not a lot - they're made of chocolate

Ha! I did wonder why they put old rusty tools in such nice boxes!?!

[BeastieBoy73]

sim16v said:

I've done Essen off and on for the last 20 years or so, and love the classic show.

As already mentioned, Essen is a bit industrial, so we now always stay in Dusseldorf.

We've had some great nights out there.

For Italy, the Milan Classic is the end of next month, and just for a change of scenery, it is brilliant.

We were there a couple of years ago when they had a mega auction of a fantastic private collection of all things automotive and the place had a real buzz.

I couldn't recommend it enough.

I'm hoping to get to the next one, subject to selling one of my cars.

Thanks for the tip, re Italy... another country I’m yet to visit.

[generationx]

I've done Retromobile several times and am in the process of planning 2019. For me it's unmissable, and certainly more diverse than when I went ten years ago. Yes the major French manufacturers do have big stands there, and there are a few of the major dealers taking up a lot of space, but ask nicely and they let you on to have a good close look. Of course the bonus is you can see some of Paris without having to stay there too long...

I go to Essen every year too as I'm quite local. It's a monster and a struggle to see in one day. II'll be giving it another go though. And Peri' is incorrect, you don't need an emissions sticker, the Messe is outside the zone where that is necessary (sorry Peri).

You can see a decent classic event somewhere in Europe just about every weekend over the summer months.

[BORN2bWILD]

mmm.. now let me think, best show?

Classic Italian cars, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Lancia, Maserati, Pagani, Etc Etc.

Or French cars made to look like dustbins on wheels to carry eggs across farmers fields,

Tricky one this

[Doofus]

BORN2bWILD said:

mmm.. now let me think, best show?

Classic Italian cars, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Lancia, Maserati, Pagani, Etc Etc.

Or French cars made to look like dustbins on wheels to carry eggs across farmers fields,

Tricky one this

Ahahaha.