Techno Classica Essen March 26 - 30 2008.

VIP, Preview day March 26.

20th TECHNO-CLASSICA ESSEN from 26 to 30 March 2008:
The Classic Fair of the Superlatives

Stage for the International Elite of Vehicle Restorers

About 70 specialised companies for restoration of classic vehicle from at home and abroad present their expert skills in Essen. Thus, the TECHNO-CLASSICA is the largest German competitive exhibition of the restoration sector - provid-ing visitors with all information in this field. Skilful expert knowledge is needed in order to technically and optically (re)vitalise vintage and veteran cars as well as young classic cars.

The repair of the old technology also means revival of the corresponding feeling to reflect the spirit of the age. This exactly accounts for the fascination of the hobby of vintage cars. According to a FIVA study of 2006, an owner of a vintage car spends an average annual amount of approx. € 2,500 for repairs, maintenance and restoration. To find the proper repair shop often is the most important decision. Experience, skilful expert knowledge and the appropriate philosophy is essential to revive vintage cars or keep them alive.

The TECHNO-CLASSICA offers the chance to get information on the elite of vehicle restorers: Experts as Feierabend GmbH, Leseberg Automobile, HK-Engineering, Hackenberg, Automobilservice Küke, Christahl, Oldtimer Center Osnabrück and Freisinger present their skill just as the best European restoring companies as for example Red Willow Racing, Classic Motors Polska or Carrozzeria Granturismo Mi-lano - and of course the restoration departments of major automobile manufacturers as Mercedes-Benz or BMW. They are showing their skills at the TECHNO-CLASSICA, whether by means of state-of-the-art high-tech tools or traditional meth-ods of former times - it is the objective of these specialists in terms of restoration to do a perfect job both under technical and historical aspects.

The TECHNO-CLASSICA Academy is a tradition meanwhile. This educational initia-tive was established in 2003, lead-managed by the National Association of North Rhine-Westphalia of the German motor vehicle business. The visitors of the classic world fair can experience live at a large exhibition stand in the Galeria what kind of job opportunities are offered by the motor vehicle sector. Together with the Schwein-furt Vehicle Academy, the renowned British Leeds College and the Berlin University of Engineering and Economy, the association gives a realistic impression of the skills and methods for restoration of historic vehicles.

In addition to a PowerPoint presentation on restoration of historic vehicles, particu-larly practical demonstrations will be shown. The main focus is put to sheet metal processing, restoration of timber substructures and saddler works for seats and up-holstery - visitors get a chance to have a close look at such works. Of course the experts are ready to answer any questions that interested laymen or experienced specialists may have.

The currently planned show project is an absolute highlight: a Mercedes-Benz LG 3000 from 1936, to be presented to the public for the first time at the TECHNO-CLASSICA. The motor truck with box body and high-frequency transmission system was deployed as part of a mobile radio transmitter in World War II, subsequently par-ticipated in the establishment of RIAS in Berlin and still in operation until 1988. Since two years, the vehicle which now belongs to the German Museum of Technology in Berlin, is reconstructed by students of the Berlin University of Engineering and Econ-omy. By the time this publication went to press it was not clear whether this premiere will take place or not - we will be anxious to get to know.