Since the beginning of TECHNO-CLASSICA, clubs, associations and interest groups present their passion for classic vehicles at the Essen show. More than 220 vintage car clubs again use the world classic show as their platform, making TECHNO-CLASSICA also the world's largest meeting of clubs.
There are more than 1,000 vintage car clubs in Germany, each with between ten and about 5,000 members. They have established the classic scene in this country and still their work is of immeasurable value as non-profit organisations. Most associations specialise in one brand or even individual models, therefore they often have a deeper expert knowledge than many professionals. For most of the clubs, TECHNO-CLASSICA is an event of utmost importance in club life and we cannot imagine to do without them at the lively global gathering on the occasion of the Essen show. This also is the significance of the automobile manufacturers and importers, who often actively support the performance of "their" clubs. Therefore, the acknowledged Mercedes-Benz clubs are found at the stand of the brand with the star, just like those of the BMW clubs and the international Audi clubs.
Meanwhile, it is a tradition already that the clubs present themselves not just with lots of expert knowledge, but also with a great deal of humour and historical ambience at their exhibition stands, decorated with loving care. Again this year, the volunteers come up with a lot of ideas. Workshop scenes, gas stations and camping scenery will be set up, just as an American farm of the nineteen-fifties with classic US cars, an après-ski party and even an organ (engine) transplantation on an operating table from a hospital will be on display.
Also the themes that the clubs have indicated for 2012 promise a lot of excitement and fun: Among them are "All inclusive", "Launch pad to the moon", "Endangered species", "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", "Se(i)x on the Beach", "Stars and their cars", "Battle of the dwarfs", "About the splendour of elegance" and "Over-30 party". Some clubs present barn finds and objects of restoration - and of course the results achieved after careful work often for many years. The exhibits also include rare vehicles - in 2012 for example a Mochet of 1953, a DKW Munga prototype of 1956, an Adler Trumpf convertible of 1938, a Ferrari Dino 246 of 1970, a Panther De Ville of 1976, a converted DAF 66 or a Dutton Phaeton of 1981.
Often it is the clubs who commemorate important anniversaries and focus them in their presentations. This year, TECHNO-CLASSICA will celebrate, amongst other jubilees:
100th anniversary of Bertone
75th anniversary of Stoewer Arkona
60th anniversary of the Allard victory at the Rallye Monte Carlo
50th anniversary of Alfa Romeo Giulia, Iso Rivolta GT, MG-B and Austin Healey 3000 Mk II
40th anniversary of Renault 5, Opel Commodore B and Rekord D, Fiat X1/9, Alfasud, Mercedes six-cylinder engine M 110 and Kawasaki Z models in Germany
35th anniversary of Alfetta
Some clubs even celebrate their own anniversaries, such as Alt-Opel IG (40 years), the Alfa Classic Club (30 years), Kadett B and Olympia A club and the Citroen SM club (25 years each). Also the MB /8 club celebrates a special anniversary: this club participates in TECHNO-CLASSICA for the 20th time.
So this is a tremendous commitment of the club scene - which is expressively appreciated by S.I.H.A. and therefore, the best performance at TECHNO-CLASSICA is rewarded with the Club Grand Prix. An independent jury of members from the club scene will evaluate the clubs with the most imaginative exhibition stands and the winner will receive prizes of up to € 2,500 for the club funds. Again, this will not be easy this year…