The airport has its own S-Bahn station, so you could actually get quite readily into the city as an alternative, and if you have any energy left. In truth, you probably won’t! There are 9 halls, and all were packed with glorious stuff. One was dedicated to a massive autojumble, one contained all manner of buses, motorbikes tractors, another was completely dedicated to Mercedes-Benz, another one was solely for American cars and a couple were dominated by some of the well known dealers who had cars for sale. Hall 6 was also full of rather more affordable cars for sale, and at times was the busiest place in the whole show. If you wanted to make a day trip of it, the 2013 flight schedules from LHR would just about make it possible, though you would probably struggle to see everything. In addition to the 9 halls, owners of classic cars are encouraged to park right outside the main entrance, and on both days that I attended, this area was crammed with interesting machinery. So much so that I probably spent my first hour on the Saturday just looking at this extra show before venturing into the Halls. 2 days, a lots of cars mean that this report contains over 1200 photos – I make no apologies for that, but I do have to say that even with that many pictures there are some things that I doubtless missed. Here it all comes:
ABARTH
A lovely 750 Zagato. These cars are now seriously expensive, with good condition cars going for over £75,000. And this one was pretty much perfect.
There were another couple of these Zagato based “Bialbero” designs on show, on needing more restoration work than the other.
AERO
Not a marque I had heard of before, and I initially thought it was just a model name when I saw it on one car, but in fact there were several of these small 1930s sporting and light cars on show.
ALFA-ROMEO
One of the very nicest Alfas in the show was this absolutely immaculate AlfaSud Ti. It was for sale, and was an awfully tempting proposition!
Sitting alongside it was a pristine Montreal, looking particularly wonderful in period orange hue
From the Giulietta range were a lovely Sprint and an even lovelier SZ, as well as rather clean Berlina which was offered for sale
From the 105 model Giulia range were a variety of cars including a couple of Sprint Speciale, a very rare GTC, a GT Junior and the not often seen Junior Zagato as well as several Spiders and number of Berlina models.
The 2600 Convertibles are now being appreciated for what they are, and prices have start to climb well away from the bargain they used to represent.
Also gorgeous were an array of 6C2500 models. These were among the last coachbuilt Alfas and that explains the array of different body styles in which these cars appeared.
Of course, the most valuable Alfa was this a 6C 1750 Zagato. Just droolsome in the extreme.
Another rare Alfa was this 1900C Barchetta
The Alfa Owners Club stand had a mix of cars, ranging from another Montreal, to an SZ, a Giulia Berlina, a 1900 SS, a Giulietta Sprint and the recent Zagato TZ3
A lovely Alfetta Berlina – a car you rarely see in favour of the GT and GTV Coupe variants – was offered for sale, and there was another one outside.
There were a couple of examples of its predecessor, the rather boxy 115 series 1750/2000 Berlina parked up outside.
ALVIS
1938 12/70 Convertible
AMC
The rather odd Pacer, in the rare estate version.
AMPHICAR
ASTON-MARTIN
A factory stand showcased the current range of cars, with the latest Vanquish the highlight for many people.
Among older Aston were this early 15/98, a DB Mark 3, a DBR3, a DB5 Convertible, a DB6, a V8 Vantage and the car that replaced it, the Virage.
AUDI
The first of the modern Audi was an update of the DKW F102 model, and it proliferated into a range number 60, 70, 72, 85 and 90, with 2 and 4 door saloons and an estate car. This is one example.
Audi’s real breakthrough came in 1969 with the launch of the 100, which came as a 2 and 4 door saloon and later a costly but elegant Coupe. All were on show.
The second generation 100 was notable for the first use of a 5 cylinder engine. This was a very neat looking design in its day. The Avant version was a true hatchback and not the estate that we get these days.
The 200 was a more luxurious version of that 100.
The urQuattro was surprisingly conspicuous by its absence, but I did find this recreation of a works car on one of the display stands.
There were a couple of early 80s outside, one from each of the first and second model series.
AUSTIN-HEALEY
3000
Frog-eyed Sprite
AUTOBIANCHI
Another favourite of mine, the diminutive A112. There were a couple of these hatchbacks which were sold as a precursor to the far more successful Fiat 127.
BAUR
Known for the production of convertible BMWs. this firm disappeared off the radar once BMW started to design and build their own models, though the 4 door E30 based 3 series showed that there was still potential even after BMW’s own 2 door convertible had debuted.
BENTLEY
The real monster, this, an 8 litre Bentley.
Very nice Derby Bentley tourer.
From the post war period came this Mark VI, a car not known for the quality of its rust protection, so relatively few have survived.
Very elegant S Type Convertible and a matching saloon version to be found outside on both days
I had to look at the blurb to discover what this is. A Cresta Bentley, apparently, with a special body built on an S Type chassis. Not perhaps the prettiest car that ever wore Bentley badges, but certainly distinctive.
Far more recent was this Arnage
BITTER
The CD was based on the Opel Diplomat
BIZZARRINI
BMW
There were surprisingly few BMW in the show. Maybe it is the fact that this is Stuttgart and not Munich, but I was expecting to find far more Owners Club stands than I actually did.
Among the earliest were a 303 and a 319
From the 50s was this very rare 503, a 502 convertible and a couple of examples of the lovely 507, and the car that kept them going, the Isetta A further 502 was to be found outside on the Saturday.
The 2000 “Neue Klasse” is attributed with being the car that really saved BMW. There was also an expensive Coupe model, the 2000C and CS, an example of which was to be seen outside.
The E9 3.0 CS and E3 3.0Si models were both elegant designs, but date from before the huge increase in popularity of BMW, so are frustratingly rare these days.
Also from this era was a nice late model 1602 on display inside and a number of the 2002 and 1602 on show outside.
Among the 3 series cars on show were a few E21s parked up outside, and E30 320i saloon and convertible inside.
Among the 5 series, on show inside were just an E28 M5 and an E39 520i. There were some older models outside, including a couple of E12 first generation cars.
There were a couple of the E24 6 series to be found outside on the Sunday
The E31 8 Series Owners Club had a couple of cars on show.
A nice road going M1 parked up outside was joined by a display car inside the halls.
A couple of Z1, one of which was for sale. Unusually, both were red.
BORGWARD
As well as an Isabella saloon that was for sale, and a Coupe parked up outside, there was the much rarer 2.3 parked up outside. This very advanced car was too advanced for its day and was probably the final nail in Borgward’s coffin, as they ceased making cars soon after its launch.
BSA
BUGATTI
Type 35b
BUICK
1948 Roadmaster Convertible
CADILLAC
Some splendid old Cadillacs. Admire the chrome, and the fins!
1955 Model 62
1973 Eldorado, complete with an 8.2 litre engine, the largest capacity unit on offer in the market at the time.
CHECKER
Remember these? Famous for their role as New York taxis before the Crown Vic got the job. The Marathon was available in various sizes. This is a long wheelbase model dating from 1973.
CHEVROLET
There were examples of all 6 generations of Corvette. Pick your favourite!
Compare this 1958 Bel Air that was on show inside with the completely redesigned 1959 Impala that was parked up outside.
By the mid 1960s, the styling had been toned down somewhat, as this Chevelle shows
Some interesting old Pick Ups from the 1950s and early 1960s.
This Camaro is from the nadir of production when emasculated engines meant that the car was all show and no go.
CHEVRON
CHRYSLER
1958 Imperial Coupe
CITROEN
An interesting collection of classic DS/ID models.
A late model CX Prestige, one of very few built in facelifted format with the plastic bumpers was joined by an early CX Pallas parked up outside, as was one of the huge Safari estate cars.
Among the 2CV models was a rare Sahara, the twin engined creation that was made in 1964.
A couple of H Vans were at the event, but they were being used, generally to serve (sell) refreshments.
An early Ami 6 Break inside was joined by some later Ami 8 models parked up outside.
Older Citroen models included the C4 Rosalie and the Traction Avant
DATSUN
This 2000 was for sale. There is a sister car to this one in the UK which is a regular at shows, so I did recognise the model without having to look at the badge
De TOMASO
This car went through a change of identity, launched initially as the de Tomaso Bigua, but later was rechristened Mangusta. Between 2000 and 2002, 204 were produced by Qvale, only 18 of which were for the European market, and then a deal was done to develop the platform to underpin the car we know now as the MG SV.
DELAHAYE
Centrepiece of Hall 4 was an amazing display of Delahaye cars. 23 of these luxury sports machines of the 1930s and 1940s were on show, sporting a variety of coachbuilt bodies from no fewer than 13 different companies, so no 2 of these 135 and 235 cars on show were alike. The display included the 135S that finished second to another Delahaye at the 1938 Le Mans 24 hour race. There were some very elegant models indeed, and a fabulous highlight of the event.
DELOREAN
DKW
Lots of DKW on show. This is the marque that effectively became Audi in the mid 1960s and so is more important than you might think. The main models in the 1950s were variously called the Sonderklasse, the 3-6 and the Auto Union 1000. A range of 2 door saloon, convertible, estate and van body styles were available.
The Junior first appeared in 1960.
The 1000SP looks to all the world like a scaled down Ford Thunderbird.
Last new design before the transition to Audi-dom was the F102, which was offered as a convertible as well as a regular saloon.
DODGE
Charger and Challenger
FERRARI
250GTE
365GTB/4, the Daytona
365 GT
There were a couple of the 308 GT4 Dino models and the 308 GTB of similar vintage
This may look like a 288 GTO, but I am sad to report that it is actually a 308 underneath, just dressed up to look authentic. It was pretty convincing even from close up.
The 400i is just starting to generate some interest after languishing at the bottom of the Ferrari pile for far too long. I think it is a very elegant design, and it does sport a V12 engine.
Enzo
599 GTO
Newest Ferrari model on show was the F12 Berlinetta
FIAT
Based on the early 1950s 1400 saloon was this rather nice Coupe model, which was for sale and buyers were being tempted with the phrase “Mille Miglia ready”!
The Topolino Owners Club had some lovely cars on show, including a Steyr Puch version of the 500C Belvedere, which I thought was just fantastic.
The Nuova 500 was present. This little car has its fans everywhere these days it would seem! As well as a stand inside the show, several were parked up outside, including the Giardiniera model
Also outside was the larger 850. I could not help but notice the camber on the wheels when this one drove in! It was joined by an 850 Spider and a Sport Coupe. Such pretty little cars.
Fiat made lots of very elegant Coupes and Convertibles in the 1950s and 1960s such as this 1200TV, the 1600 Spider and the 124 Sport Coupe
None, though, in my opinion were more elegant or desirable than the lovely Dino Spider and Coupe. Gorgeous!
Not often that you see a genuine Fiat 124, as opposed to the Lada version, and even more unusual that it is an estate, This is such a car. There was also an early 124 Spider.
Late model 128s such as this one are also rare, as is this 1500, a car whose name was written out in full on the dash in front of the passenger – Millecinquecento.
There was an interesting showing of X1/9s, revealing how the pure and simple lines of the early cars were gradually spoiled, as is so often the way with car designs!
This 8V Supersonic is one of a very small number of cars built with this rather futuristic looking Ghia designed body.
Even more intriguing was this amazing 1943 1500 Aerodinamica. Only one such car was built, for the Italian racer Baroness Maria Antonietta Avanzo, who entered it in the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio. The amazing aluminium body covered a 1500cc supercharged six-cylinder engine, enough to push the little Fiat on to a top speed of 180km/h.
FORD
Ford does not have quite the same affection or popularity in Germany that it does in the UK, but I always like seeing old Fords at German events, as the older models are completely different from the ones sold in Britain, and even when a uniform set of products did start to appear, first with the Mark 1 Escort and Capri, there were all sorts of differences, from coupe body styles to the use of German engines leading to different model designations.
The Eifel was Ford’s main offering in the late 1930s
Successor to the Eifel was the Taunus, and this was the a mid 1950s 12M version.
In the 1960s, a completely new generation of Taunus 12M/15M was produced, in direct competition to the Cortina. One significant difference is that it was front wheel drive.
Taunus 15/17M, including the rare Badewanne convertible
Taunus 20/23M
The 1970 Taunus was very similar of the Mark 3 Cortina, though the back end was flatter, and a coupe model was offered as well as the saloon and estate.
The 1976 Taunus had become all but identical to the Mark 4 Cortina. This is an example of the facelifted car.
The largest Taunus were replaced by the 1972 Consul/Granada and these were offered to the Germans as 2 door saloons and as a coupe as well as the 4 door saloon and estate which were sold in the UK. It was only late in the model’s life that the UK got the Coupe and only as a top of the range Granada Ghia.
Escort models did not differ much between UK and Germany. Examples of all generations were at the event.
The first German market Capri has the rough V4 engines in them, and it was only when Capri 2 came along that they got the same units as the UK market machines.
Hard to imagine, but the Sierra passed its 30th birthday last year, and this was an example of an early and basic model, complete with the dustbin lid wheel trims. A Sierra Cosworth was to be found outside
Dating from early in Ford’s history were a fabulous array of Model T, most of them the “sporting” models, such as the Speedster and the Runabout.
In the American cars display, there were all manner of US Fords, starting with tha Model A and a couple of 1930s V8
F100 Pickup
Galaxie
There were a couple of the second generation Thunderbird, the ones sometimes known as the “Squarebird”, the reason for which is obvious when you look at the car
1972 Ranchero GT
There were several Mustang, ranging from the early 1964 cars right up to some of the very latest machines.
LTD
GLAS
Best known for the Goggomobil, a series of German economy cars made in the 1950s.
The last cars were made in the mid 1960s before the integration of the range into BMW, and there was an example of the 1300 GT Coupe which had a brief rebirth as a BMW.
HISPANO SUIZA
HONDA
Another real rarity now – an early Accord
HORCH
I doubt that I will ever see such an assembly of Horch models again. Truly this was one of the highlights of the show, with an array of 18 models to admire, thanks to sterling efforts by the Horch Museum and the Owners Club. The cars ranged from a 1925 10/50 Cabriolet and a gorgeous 1933 710 Spezial Roadster to the 1957 P240 Sachsenring.
INTERMECCANICA
INVICTA
JAGUAR
The gargantuan Mark X on show inside the halls was joined by a couple of the much smaller Mark 2 models parked up outside
Along with several XK150s on show was the earlier XK120.
There were surprisingly few E Types, but some were parked up outside.
A duo of Coupe models marked the 40th anniversary of the launch of the XJ Coupe.
Jaguar had a stand with their latest cars on it, of which the F Type was the one attracting the most attention.
JEEP
A vast stand in one corner of the American cars hall contained a mixture of models from current production as well as some older Jeep, ranging from an early model through the classic CJ5s and Wagoneers.
JENSEN
A 541R. Quite a surprise to find this here, and on German plates, though I note that it was indeed right hand drive.
LAMBORGHINI
A couple of 400GT as well as its progenitor and first Lamborghini road car, the 350GT
The gargantuan LM002
Early model Countach, before all the spoilers and skirts were added
Espada
Diablo
Among the more recent cars were both Gallardo and Murcielago
LANCIA
The very imposing DiLambda
The traditional Lancia shield grilled gives away the marque, but for the model, I had to look harder. It is an Aprilia and was made after the War.
There were a couple of Aurelia GT
The display Flaminia Berlina was joined by a Coupe that was for sale
The very pretty Fulvia Coupe, of which there were a couple of early examples and one more offered for sale.
Of all the Thema models, it is the Ferrari engined 8.32 which attracts all the attention these days. It might look pretty innocuous, but there’s quite a punch from that engine!
Stratos
A couple of first generation Delta, the Integrale and the now less often seen HF Turbo
Kappa Coupe
LAND-ROVER
Another manufacturer stand adjoining Jaguar’s, this one also had the latest products on display, of which the new Range Rover was the car that most people wanted to see, though I also rather liked the Range Rover Classic that was alongside it.
LINCOLN
There were a number of examples of the massive Continental model from the 1960s and 1970s.
LLOYD
A cheap German car from the 1950s.
LOTUS
Europa
Elan
LUX
MARMON
MASERATI
Parked up next to the latest Quattroporte was an example of the third generation car. I am no fan of the latest model, which seems to have lost the elegance of its predecessor. The latest Gran Cabrio was also on show
There were a few examples of the Biturbo era, ranging from a late model Ghibli to my favourite of the vast array of models produced, the Shamal.
There was a Merak indoors and another one outdoors
There were a couple of the 3500GT, the first road car that Maserati sold in significant quantity.
Earlier than that was the AG6, such as this one.
From the halcyon days when Maserati competed in and won Grand Prix was this 250F.
MATRA
The M530 was an evolution of the Djet, the first sports car produced by this French firm.
The very pretty but short lived Murena
MCLAREN
An example of both Coupe and Spider versions of the MP4-12C
MERCEDES-BENZ
There must have been more Mercedes in the show than anything else, and when you consider that Stuttgart is the home of the Three Pointed Star, that is only right and proper. The factory had a splendid display of some very varied machinery ranging from a 1904 Simplex 60/75 though a 1929 Nurburg 460, a 770K Grosser to a “fin tail” 300SE
The 170s date from the 1930s, and production of these resumed again for a little while after the War.
Pre-war 220
There were a number of other very imposing pre-war Mercedes including these
All generations of the SL were well represented. I thought that there were a lot of 300SLs at Retromobile, and indeed there were, but even more were here.
The 190SL shared the same overall styling theme as its far more exclusive brother, but look again and there are plenty of differences.
There were also a lot of the 230/250/280 SL Pagoda W113 cars, which was unsurprising as this is now a much appreciated car, and also one that is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Appropriately, the very first 230SL made was one of the cars present.
Lots of the R107 models, too. These really are very elegant, and don’t look that dated even now, despite the fact that they design is more than 40 years old. There were a few of the SLC model, too.
The large 300 models of the 1950s are most often seen as a regular limousine, but there were a few with convertible roof, too.
The 300SC was a very expensive machine when new and so only a small number were ever built.
I had not realised that as well as the 180/220 models sometimes known as the Ponton, the W120, there was a different car called the 219, or by its factory code of W105, which looked the same, but larger. Both were represented, of course, and as well as the saloons, there were some very elegant Coupes
The W110 replacement for this model was known as the “FinTail” for obvious reasons. There were plenty of these, in saloon and coupe format.
Lots of W108, too. These are sometimes thought of as the first S Class, though in reality that honour goes to the replacement for this model, the W116.
The W111/112 were elegant machines most especially as the now very valuable Convertible.
The W100, the magnificent 600.
Lots of W114/115 “Neue Klasse”
There were more W123s than you could count. A Youngtimer maybe, but this is clearly a very popular classic indeed in Germany. Contrast the variety of bright and pastel shades with the palette of greys, silver and black that dominate the E Class of today!
Among the S Class, there were plenty of the first generation W116 cars, including a couple of the 6.9 models.
Later S Class models were all there, with W126, W140 and W220 on show. There were also a couple of the W126 SEC models.
The W201 cars are now around 30 years old. There were several including the Cosworth engine 190E-2.3 and 2.5 models.
CLK Black Series.
There were a few McLaren SLRs, of course including the rare 722 model.
An early Benz.
The Concept F125 was on show in a display around concept vehicles and technology.
MERCURY
This 1963 Monterey model had the Breezeway rear window, which opened.
MG
A number of pre-war MGs included a J2 and other models
From the post war era were this TD and a couple of the elegant TF
MGA
ZT-T
MINI
There were several of the classic Issigonis designed Mini on show, including the rare pick up model, a Traveller and a number of the later cars.
MORGAN
MORRIS
The Minor Traveller.
NARDI
A 1957 Nardi 750 Vignale. Definitely one of the most unusual cars of the show.
NSU
An interesting display on the NSU Owners Club stand, which as well as featuring the Prinz models, included examples of the sort of bespoke racer that the Neckarsulm firm produced in the 1960s. One was a 1967 example with the four-cylinder unit from a Prinz. It put out only 85bhp – but then the car itself weighs just 360kg. A 1969 version with a Speiss engine was displayed alongside. Both of these neat little cars were driven in circuit-racing and hillclimbing by Kurt Brixner.
The Ro80 is one of my favourite cars from the 1960s. I think it still looks very striking today. There were several on display in and outside the show.
There were some more NSU parked up outside, ranging from the first Prinz through to the wild 1200TT model.
OLDSMOBILE
1962 Super 88 Holiday Hardtop
Ninety Eight
Cutlass
OPEL
In years to come, perhaps we will think of the Adam as a “classic”. Now it is more of a “novelty”.
In complete contrast were a couple of very early Opel models.
The GT was a sort of mini Corvette that was never sold in right hand drive. The 1100 models were probably rather more about style than speed, but the 1900 ones went quite well.
Staple model for Opel in the 1930s and 1940s was the Olympia, like these
By the 1960s, Olympia had become a posher version of the staple, which was the Kadett. Types A and B were quite boxy, and there were a few of each. They were offered in a wide variety of body types.
The Kadett C is better known in the UK in its Vauxhall Chevette guise, though we never got the rather stylish coupe model that formed the basis of the GT/E rally, several of which were on display, and nor did we see the Aero, a targa roofed model. There were plenty of saloons and estates, too.
Kadett D was the first front wheel Kadett, and is better known to those in the UK as it became the first Vauxhall Astra. There are not many left these days.
Kadett E was an attempt at an aerodynamic design, in contrast to the rather straight edged D model which preceded it. Now rare these cars have little appeal to the collector except in the small selling versions such as the GSi and the Cabrio.
Lots of Rekords, from the 1950s all the way through to the last model to bear the name the Rekord E (which begat the Vauxhall Carlton).
The Commodore was effectively a 6 cylinder version of the Rekord, first appearing in the mid 1960s, so that Commodore A was equivalent to Rekord C. The second generation cars with their 2.8 litre fuel injected engines were well respected as a desirable autobahn express in their day. The last Commodores were the C model.
The most luxurious Opels of the 1950s through to the early 1970s were the Kapitan, Diplomat and Admiral models, and there were lots of examples of these showing the model progression throughout this time.
The Manta emerged in 1970 as Opel’s answer to the Ford Capri, and although it was probably a better car in many ways, it never enjoyed anything like the same sales success. A trio of first generation cars were on one stand and I did also spot a second generation GT/E model.
The Ascona arrived in 1970 to fill the gap between the Kadett and the Rekord. This is a first generation car.
OSI
This is based on a Ford Taunus 20M, and was produced in the mid 1960s.
OTHERS
I confess that a few cars have escaped my memory, so until identified, will have to sit under this heading.
PACKARD
1950 Super de Luxe Convertible
PEUGEOT
This immaculate looking 504GL was a real time warp car, looking like it had just come out of the factory.
From the same era of Pinifarina designed Peugeot was this 304 Cabrio and outside I found one of the few 504 Estates that has not found its way to Africa.
There was a lovely display of the little 202, Peugeot’s volume selling car of the 1930s.
This larger 402 model shows that taking the same styling theme and enlarging for a bigger model is not a new phenomenon! Also, if you compare it with the Chrysler Airflow, you will see more than a hint of resemblance, showing that stylists were not afraid to copy what they saw from their rivals, then as now.
There was also a 402 Eclipse, complete with metal folding roof, which is going to require some restoration.
One of Peugeot’s prettiest cars ever is the 504 Cabrio. This is a late model, with the bumpers reflecting the 1970s trend for plastic facings on them.
Tucked away at the end of Hall 4 were some more Peugeot including a 404, and a couple of 203s including a pick up
This very clean looking 205 T16 was offered for sale, and judging by the signs on it, someone had evidently bought it
PIERCE ARROW
1930 Model C
PLYMOUTH
1968 Satellite R/T
Roadrunner
PONTIAC
This 1958 model does not spare the chrome embellishments!
Firebird Trans Am
PORSCHE
The 50th anniversary of the 911 and the fact that Stuttgart is Porsche’s home town should have made for a special display, and indeed. Porsche brought along a nice variety of 911-related models from their factory collection, ranging from the 754, or T7 prototype produced in 1959, through the very first 911 Turbo ever made, the prototype 911 Cabrio, to a 911 GT1
There were plenty of other 911 based models scattered throughout the show.
The 356 was extremely well represented, too, with lots of models ranging from the early 1500 engined cars through the 1600 models, and the Speedster on show.
Plenty of the 924/944/968 cars, too.
There were rather fewer of the VW-Porsche 914.
928s also featured, of course.
There were a few examples of the race-purposed machines from early in Porsche’s history from the 550 through to the 906.
RENAULT
Nice collection of R5 models, ranging from the wacky Turbo 2 mid engined cars, through the Alpine (Gordini to UK viewers) and the limited edition LeCar, to a rather more basic SuperCinq. as well as the EBS converted Cabrio.
The Estafette van was the equivalent of Ford’s Transit in France in the 1960s and 1970s, precursor to the Trafic.
Also good to see was this assembly of the R4, the “Quat’relle” as it is known in France.
I was not convinced that this was really an R12 Gordini, but any R12 is rare these days, so it was nice to see it.
The Caravelle was a stylish coupe and convertible based on Dauphine componentry.
Also very rare is the R16. These were the once popular TL model
Rarer still is this, a Rodeo, Renault’s version of the Citroen Mehari, but far less well known.
This 4CV was another of the outside show cars.
Among the Alpine Renault were a lovely duo of Alpine A110 for sale and on the Owners Club stand a mix of A110, A610 and GTA cars. An A310 was to be found outside.
RILEY
ROLLS-ROYCE
The very stately Phantom.
A first generation Silver Shadow
There was a stand show-casing the latest models, with Ghost and Phantom Drophead, which were presented on either side of a splendid 20/25
ROVER
Rovers ranged from a 1930s 12 Tourer through an “Aunty” P4 to a rather nice SD1 Vitesse.
SAAB
Very few of these cars, and they were parked outside. So 1970s, a 99 in bright orange!
SIATA
Daina Grand Sport
SIMCA
The pretty Bertone styled 1200 Coupe
The Aronde was the smaller of the two designs sold in the 1950s
STEYR PUCH
I will admit that I had no idea what this is. It was badged Imp GT. Based on the Steyr Puch 500, it turned out that it was built by Intermeccanica in the early 1960s, as a rival to the Abarth Fiat 595 and 695s. It is thought that just 21 were made and that 5 survive.
The other Steyr Puchs were more familiar – the Fiat 500 based models and the Pinzgauer utility vehicle.
TALBOT
THURNER
These sports cars were based on the NSU 1200TT, and were built between 1969 and 1974.
TOYOTA
The only Japanese cars that I spotted in the entire show were this trio of classic Land Cruiser models.
Parked up outside some were some now rare Toyota, including a first generation Starlet and a second generation Carina
TRIUMPH
There were examples of all generations of TR from a couple of TR2 and TR3, though TR4, TR250 and TR6 that were for sale along with a display of a trio of TR7s.
Believe it or not, this is TR3 based, too. Built in 1960, it is a one-off and is called the Tasmanian Devil.
A couple of Dolomite Sprint models featured.
This Herald was parked up on the Gallery to Hall 1. I can’t imagine that many of these were sold in Germany when they were new.
There was a nice Spitfire 3 parked up outside on the Saturday.
VENTURI
VERITAS
VOLKSWAGEN
The Beetle is held in the same sort of affection in Germany as the Morris Minor is in the UK, and accordingly there were all manner of models on show, including an example of one of the very last Mexican made cars.
There were also a number of the Karmann Ghia based models.
The Type 2 van is now highly collectible and there were some lovely examples on show, ranging from the early models such as the Samba with their array of side windows to the more affordable “Bay Front” models of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
There were a few examples of VW’s first effort at a larger car the 1500 and 1600 Type 3 models.
In a few weeks time the Passat will be 40, and there was a special display with an example of each of the initial three body styles, of 2 door, 4 door and Variant. I still think this is an elegant looking car, and in some ways my favourite Passat ever.
There were a few second generation Passat parked up outside, including a 3 door model, the like of which I don’t think I had ever seen, as the UK only received 5 door models.
Slightly surprisingly, the only Scirocco and Golf that I found were in the For Sale hall or parked up outside.
There were also a couple of Mark 1 Jetta, in the 2 door form which was never imported into the UK and the 4 door that we did see.
The 181, known affectionately in America as “the Thing”.
VOLVO
Classic models on show focused on the early 1960s with the “Amazon” and the P1800ES sports hatch from the early 1970s.
A number of other classic Volvos were parked outside including a PV544, a P1800 Coupe, a 131 “Amazon” and both a 142 and a 164.
There was also a 66 GL, the model that Volvo inherited from DAF.
CLASSIC BUSES
Although not my specialist subject, by any means, I really enjoyed this display of old buses and coaches. These are vast things to store away and yet someone, or rather lots of someone, clearly has room for them somewhere. There were examples not just from Germany, but also neighbouring France, Austria and Switzerland. I loved the idea of the 1950s style outing in some of these heading over the Alps, and what an adventure this must have seemed to a Europe still recovering from the effects of 6 years of conflict.
TRUCKS
There were also an array of trucks, ranging from large, to gigantic. Again, memories of a by-gone of the sort of vehicles that you used to see.
TRACTORS
In some ways even more interesting was the collection of old tractors.
PETROL PUMPS
A vast array of old petrol pumps lined one of the hallways. Although I had seen something similar on previous visits to the show, again this was a fascinating display of how the means of getting our fuel has changed over the years.
And there you have it………. 1215 photos later if you have steadily gone through the whole report. A quite incredible event. Given the ease of access, definitely quite easy to do from the UK, and if you book early enough not that costly. Worth thinking about for 2014.
