Techno Classica 2007

Essen show is a petrol heads dream - as usual

Over 1,000 exhibitors at Essen show

This years Techno Classica show -- which some say is the biggest classic car show in the world -- spread itself through the 20 halls of the Gruga-Park exhibition centre, Essen, Germany, attracting over 1,000 exhibitors, 180 car clubs, 2,000 cars for sale and around 150,000 paying visitors.

Bugatti has been the marque of the moment in recent years and 2007 was no exception with two Veyrons present. Volkswagen displayed its Binder-bodied 1931 Royale Coupe de Ville, chassis 41111 and restoration specialist Carismatic Classic Car showed a completed Type 57 Ventoux next to an all aluminium Atlantique, arguably the most stylish car of all time.

Replica Jags mingled with the real thing

Desirable big cats present included the XJ13 sharing the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust stand with the X350 Concept Eight. If you lusted after the XJ13, you could always invest in a Proteus replica at £169,000 or perhaps a more modestly priced Lynx D-Type at £125,000. Not your idea of bargain buys? How about the immaculate 1963 MkII 3.8 Coombs offered by Peter Byrne for £95,000.

Unsurprisingly, German manufacturers provided plenty to drool over; Porsches ranged from the 1951 356 ‘Streamliner’ Mille Miglia car through the 907, 911 and 935 to Carrera GT Mirage GTR. BMW dipped into its collection to display cars from the sublime to the ridiculous -- the two-way Mini having four sets of pedals. In the Mercedes’ hall (each major German manufacturer has its own hall) the 1931 770 Kaiser Wilhelm II contrasted with the four-door convertible Ocean Drive Concept car that debuted at Detroit in January.

Lamborghini? Yes, more than you’d want to polish in a whole lifetime. Ferrari Classiche plundered the Maranello collection for its finest examples, Audi showed pre-war Horch, Wanderer saloons and cabriolets alongside more recent rally machinery whilst Volkswagen, not to be outdone by the modest nature of its model range, showed a couple of unique Karman prototypes and ‘as new’ examples of its line up from the last sixty years.

What carbon footprint?

British and American classic cars feature strongly in continental Europe but it’s not just the car that sparks interest, but the whole lifestyle. So you’ll find his and hers Edwardian motoring outfits, tweed jackets and plus fours, cowboy boots and Stetson hats to wear to establish your motoring ‘tribe’ and you’ll be able to decorate your home with neon signs, a juke box or a deep-buttoned chesterfield and book into your hotel carrying a well-travelled leather suitcase adorned with steamer labels. It’s all there for those whose boat it floats.

You can’t see everything in a day, or even two. We haven’t mentioned yet the Club stands, the commercial vehicles, the model and booksellers or the autojumble. Go and see for yourself next year, it’s only a 250 mile drive from Calais.

Bizzare push me-pull me Mini	Fearsome E2 Sport Quattro
Modern supercars as well as classics	Mighty Coombes Mk2
Plenty of these too...	Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux
Bugatti Royale	This 356 one of many Porsches