The numbers aren't in yet, as the Retro Classics Stuttgart show still has a day to go, but what is clear from our two days at the event is that this is an absolute treat for old car enthusiasts across Europe. The sheer scale of the show is hard to comprehend unless you've been to Techno-Classica Essen, and even then, this manufacturer backed show, located in the heart of Swabia's car building area is far from dwarfed by Essen's 19-hall extravaganza.

The show itself is spread across eight halls, each of which is spacious, well lit, and impeccably organized, with special displays in a number of them. The stand-out areas are hall one, which was packed with high class dealers, selling some landmark cars (at landmark prices, it has to be said). The special dispalys devoted to the rotary engine was fascinating (did you know there were rotary powered lawn mowers?), as was the Dino (which was blessed by the classic and new Stratos).

But the one overriding impression of the Retro Classics Show is the sheer high quality of the cars on display. All were immaculate, unless they were supposed to look patinated, and were clearly benefitting to the German government's enlightened approach to classic car ownership, and the 30-year rolling exemption for 'oldtimers'.

Outside the halls in the main concours, visitors' classic cars were lined-up, and that was a rare treat with fantastically polished Opel Kadetts and Volkswagen K70s lined-up alongside Porsches and Ferraris and being given equal billing. It was here that you could lose hours browsing. This is the largest contrast with the Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham, which has no special parking for classics – a missed opportunity, given the quality of the cars on display for showgoers.

The Retro Classic Show comes highly recommended for a petrolhead weekend away. Messe Stuttgart is literally two minutes' walk from the airport, and its serving hotels, and budget flights are available from most UK airports for a cost-effective show. It's clean, appealing and spacious, and certainly something new and different for enthusiasts with Essen or NEC fatigue (despite this being the show's 11th running – such is its low-profile outside of Germany).

It's clear that comparisons with Essen are going to be made - and for 2012 the two shows are going head-to head on clashing dates. Then, it's down to the showgoers to decide.