Techno-Classica Essen has long established itself as Europe’s biggest – and best – indoor classic car show. That’s certainly a bold statement, but it’s one that few visitors would argue with.

For 2011 there will be 20 halls packed with manufacturers’ historic cars, club stands from all over Europe, autojumble, restoration companies, and – most importantly for those with the hankering to buy a classic car – no fewer than 300 dealer stands, as well as private sellers, between them offering over 2500 cars.

Techno-Classica is the perfect venue for vendors to find a new owner for their cars – in 2010, 180,000 visitors from over 30 countries visited the show, and most were there to spend money. With the classic car scene in even better shape in 2011, you can be sure that there will be even more visitors this time around. With so many dealers out in force, remember that prices are often marked high but can be negotiable. And don’t forget to visit the private sellers in the Techno-Collecta open-air courtyard. Even if you’re not buying, there’s always something interesting to see.

But the show isn’t just about buying and selling. It’s also about the spectacle of finding cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles you’re unlikely to see anywhere else. With the show taking place in such an accessible location, exhibitors travel from all around Europe – and quite a few from even further afield.
Techno-Classica is traditionally the world’s largest platform for the historic and classic sectors of the modern automobile industry, and this tradition grows for 2011.

Mercedes-Benz, BMW and the Volkswagen-Audi Group will dominate their halls, with the Mini marque being particularly well represented because of the Cooper’s 50th birthday. Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and BMW are also celebrating anniversaries this year.

As impressive as these major displays are, it’s the sheer scale and variety of the smaller stands that make Techno-Classica so useful for the typical classic car owner. With a wealth of stands for automobilia, literature and classic watches, it’s easily possible to fill at least two days simply searching out useful gems.

But what really makes Techno-Classica such an appealing draw for classic car enthusiasts is that it’s an enjoyable long weekend of motoring pleasure – especially if you dust off your classic and drive there. From the UK, it’s a six-hour motorway run from the Calais port and Eurotunnel. Of course, you could turn the show into a tour, and stop off to enjoy some of the sights along the way. Bruges and Aachen are  particular highlights en route.

Public transport within Essen is plentiful, and it’s well served by low-cost flight operators. The nearest airport is Düsseldorf:  a cab ride from there takes approximately 20 minutes and costs around €50. A Messe Essen airport express bus also runs directly from the airport to the exhibition halls, at around half the cost of the taxi. The Deutsche Bahn train runs every half an hour direct from the airport to Essen Hbf, the main station in Essen, and from there you can take the U11 train to the Messe/Gruga station for entrance into Hall 12, or to the Messe Süd/West stop for Hall 3.

Arrange your accommodation as soon as possible, because many hotels will be fully booked during Techno-Classica week. And one last tip: wear good shoes! There’s a lot to see...