With over 1,100 exhibitors and greater than 200 membership displays on present at Messe Essen, the thirty third Techno-Classica occasion was an enormous affair.

It’s the present to attend for anybody with an curiosity in basic automobiles, and never only for these dwelling in Germany however the entire of Europe and even additional afield too. The variety of languages and accents I heard whereas doing the rounds at Essen solely additional cemented its standing as a very worldwide occasion.

Personally, I really like attending Techno-Classica simply to spend a day with automobiles you by no means see in your day-to-day life. Some you’ll not often see wherever.  

I gave you a little style of final week’s occasion a few days in the past, however now it’s time to get actually caught into Techno-Classica 2023 with the best hits of this yr’s occasion. Belief me, whittling down the automobiles to those who made the minimize on this publish was not simple, such was the sheer quantity of automotive awesomeness on show. Let’s get began…

Lamborghini Islero
The Lamborghini Islero is one in every of my private prime three best-looking automobiles, purely based mostly on design (in case you’re questioning, the opposite two are the Mercedes-Benz 300SL and the BMW 507). Powered by a 4.0-liter V12 engine that produced 320hp and wrapped up in a physique designed and constructed by Mario Marazzi at Carrozzeria Marazzi, the Islero changed the 400 GT and was produced from 1968 to 1970.

Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
I discussed in my preliminary Techno-Classica 2023 publish that Mercedes-Benz nonetheless brings out a few of their prized possessions to this occasion, however I by no means anticipated to see a prototype CLK GTR. The 6.9-liter V12 GTR was constructed between 1998 and 1999 to compete within the FIA GT Championship, with a restricted variety of highway automobiles additionally manufactured. By ‘restricted’ I imply simply 25 coupes and 5 roadsters, however do you know that Mercedes-Benz constructed two extra highway automobiles? The prototype pair had been used for growth and demonstration to prospects and the press, and that is one in every of them. Speak in regards to the holy grail!

1959 BMW 507
The hanging BMW 507 might need been constructed as a direct competitor to the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, but it surely was removed from the business success its producer had envisaged it will be. The 507 was costly to supply, costly to purchase, and within the US market the place BMW anticipated it to thrive, was quick on efficiency when measured towards home choices. Solely 252 models had been produced through the 507’s three-year manufacturing run, making this an especially uncommon automotive right this moment.

Porsche Carrera RS 2.7 Light-weight
There are such a lot of devoted homages to the Porsche Carrera RS 2.7 that it’s typically arduous to select an actual automotive from a duplicate. There was no mistaking this being one of many 1,580 real articles constructed between 1972 and 1973 although, partly as a result of the plaque in entrance of the automotive mentioned so. Nevertheless it’s much more particular than that, because it’s one in every of roughly 200 ‘Light-weight’ automobiles. In keeping with the data offered, the automotive’s first proprietor specced it with 4 further choices: A restricted slip differential (#220), headrests left and proper (#258), a Blaupunkt Coburg radio (#454), and yellow H3 fog lights mounted beneath the entrance bumper (#459). Documented choices like these solely make a automotive like this much more fascinating, therefore why it’s on the market with an asking value of US$1M.

Porsche Carrera RS 2.7 Duplicate
See what I imply about it being tough (at first look) to tell apart a real Carrera RS 2.7 from a recreation?

BMW M1
There have been 5 M1s in whole at Techno-Classica 2023, however each one in every of them had its personal story to inform. In keeping with manufacturing facility manufacturing information, the M1 above was the third instance ever constructed and the primary manufacturing automotive delivered to a supplier in Germany. Initially, it served as a coaching automotive at BMW service facilities earlier than being offered to Alf Gebhardt, an avid BMW fan and profitable racing driver. Gebhardt, who had shut ties to BMW, owned the automotive for round six years and drove it roughly 1,000km per yr in that point. The second proprietor, who held onto the M1 for 30 years, solely just lately offered it to it present custodian, who now has the BMW again available on the market with an asking value of €695,000 (roughly US$765,000).

1980 BMW M1 Procar #80 (BASF)
Of all of the BMW M1s produced, this BASF-liveried race automotive is arguably essentially the most recognizable. It participated in BMW’s M1 Procar Championship within the early Nineteen Eighties, a help collection for Formulation One which was contested by professional drivers that included F1 stars. Hans-Joachim Caught took the BASF M1 to 3rd place within the ’80 championship.

1980 BMW M1 (Modified by BMW Motorsport)
The ultimate M1 I need to present you is the automotive Franz Reuther – somebody higher often known as Frank Farian – took supply of brand name new in February 1980. Farian based the Seventies disco pop group Boney M, and within the ’90s the Latin pop band No Mercy and the notorious R&B duo Milli Vanilli. Throughout his decade-long possession, the automotive was modified by BMW Motorsport to mimic the broader, extra aggressive look of the M1 Procar.

1992 Porsche 964 RS N/GT
The Porsche 964 RS N/GT is taken into account particular for a number of causes. First, it was a restricted version mannequin with simply 290 models produced. It was additionally designed with competitors use in thoughts, and featured a number of efficiency enhancements over the usual 964 RS mannequin, together with a revised suspension, upgraded brakes and a light-weight physique building. Some of the notable options of the 964 RS N/GT is its engine – a 3.8-liter air-cooled flat-six that produced round 300hp. When it comes to aesthetics, the 964 RS N/GT had a definite look that set it aside from different 964 fashions, specifically a singular aerodynamic bundle that included a entrance spoiler and rear wing. The inside was additionally stripped down and race-oriented, with light-weight bucket seats, a roll cage and minimal sound insulation. Total, the mixture of rarity, efficiency enhancements and distinctive aesthetics make the Porsche 964 RS N/GT a extremely sought-after mannequin amongst Porsche lovers and collectors.

1951 Pegaso Z-102 GT Berlinetta Enasa
I’m not certain what it was that lured me for a better have a look at this automotive – maybe the colour or the smooth bodywork – however I’m glad I took the time to test it out. The spec sheet informed me it’s a Pegaso Z-102 GT Berlinetta Enasa from 1951. The Z-102 was first launched in ’51 on the Paris Motor Present and was seen as a radical departure from the standard automobiles of its time, not solely by the best way it seemed but in addition as a result of its efficiency credentials which had been constructed round a high-performance 2.8-liter quad-cam V8 engine that produced 165hp. Designed by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan, Italy, it was billed as the last word model of the Z-102 mannequin.

As a part of the Concours d’Class ingredient of the occasion, a jury of specialists chosen this automotive as essentially the most stunning basic at Techno-Classica 2023.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SEFAC Competitors
This explicit Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta is likely one of the final SEFAC ( Società Esercizio Fabbriche Automobili e Corse) Competitors variations. SEFAC was Ferrari’s racing division within the early Sixties, and the workforce was accountable for getting ready and working Ferrari’s competitors automobiles in numerous motorsport disciplines. The time period ‘SEFAC Competitors’ sometimes refers to a selected mannequin of Ferrari that was constructed or modified by the SEFAC workforce to be used in competitors, and this automotive is powered by a 3.0-liter V12 engine that produced round 280hp. It additionally featured a thinner-gauge aluminum physique and chassis specification and different options designed to make it as aggressive as attainable. This SEFAC Competitors 250 GT Berlinetta is a vital piece of Ferrari historical past: it was an official NART workforce automotive and received the 1,000km of Paris with each Pedro and Ricardo Rodriguez behind the wheel.

1993 Alpina B21 5.7 Coupe
Based mostly on the 850CSi and powered by a modified model of BMW’s 5.6-liter V12 engine, the Alpina B12 5.7 Coupe (produced from 1991 to 1994) is one thing particular. For a begin, solely 57 models had been ever produced. Upgrades over the usual 8 Collection included bigger brakes, stiffer suspension and a limited-slip differential. The outside was modified with a entrance spoiler, rear wing and Alpina wheels.

1992 Porsche 964 Turbo S Leichtbau (Light-weight)
This can be a automotive I didn’t even know existed earlier than Techno-Classica 2023. The 1992 Porsche 964 Turbo S Light-weight is likely one of the rarest (solely 86 had been made) and strongest variations of the Porsche 964 Turbo. An in depth use of aluminum and different light-weight supplies diminished the automotive’s mass, whereas an upgraded turbocharger and intercooler lifted engine output to 380hp and 361lb-ft of torque. Different efficiency upgrades included bigger brakes, stiffer suspension and a limited-slip differential. The Porsche 964 Turbo S Light-weight had a prime velocity of over 180mph and will speed up from zero to 60mph in simply 3.5 seconds.

1996 Ferrari 355 Problem Stradale
Considered one of my favourite automobiles on the present was this modified Ferrari 355 Problem Stradale, full with F50 brakes, a uncommon black exterior scheme and pink inside. In comparison with the usual 355, the Problem Stradale featured a variety of efficiency enhancements together with 25hp extra output from its 3.5-liter V8 engine (whole 380 horsepower) and 120kg (265lb) much less weight to hold because of the usage of light-weight supplies and the elimination of non-essential elements. Different modifications included stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, a faster-shifting F1-style gearbox, revised aerodynamic bundle and carbon fiber racing seats.

1998 Porsche 991 (993) Cup 3.8 RSR
The Porsche 991 Cup 3.8 RSR automotive is fairly particular in itself, however this one is much more particular as a result of it was the ultimate of its kind to be constructed. Among the many unique manufacturing of solely 45 3.8 RSR models, the final batch of 15 had been designated as 1998 fashions, and in March ’98 this explicit RSR was delivered to Zakspeed Racing. At the moment, the automobile is provided with the Le Mans bundle, comprising of a full carbon fiber underbody, a modified entrance spoiler with carbon fiber wings, Kevlar doorways for diminished weight, a light-weight engine lid with a Le Mans rear spoiler, 380mm brake discs, Le Mans fender flares, bigger BBS outer rings and an un-silenced Zakspeed cross-pipe exhaust.

1974 BMW 3.0 CSi
This E9 BMW 3.0 CSi was taken off the highway within the ’90s for restoration, but it surely wasn’t till 2020 that work lastly started at Scuderia Sportiva Colonia in Germany. The gorgeous coupé is introduced in Anthracite Metallic with a sublime pink leather-based inside and matching pink carpet, in addition to its authentic BMW Petri sport steering wheel. As well as, it’s specced with a stainless-steel exhaust system, Bilstein suspension and 16-inch Alpina-style wheels.

BMW 320 Group 5 Turbo Schnitzer Duplicate
I used to be actually wanting ahead to seeing this BMW 320 Group 5 Turbo Schnitzer constructed by Qvick Motors in Belgium in individual, and it didn’t disappoint. The E21 is a devoted recreation of the automotive that received the 1978 DRM German championship, and was famously pushed by Harald Ertl. After a protracted and meticulous course of, Qvick Motors efficiently restored the legendary BMW Group 5 E21-R1-26 to its genuine state, after which used the unique as a blueprint for a restricted collection of exacting replicas. Extra detailed photographs could be discovered right here.

1984 DP Motorsport DP44 Cargo
The DP44 Cargo was a custom-built Porsche 944-based utility automobile designed by German tuning firm DP Motorsport manner again in 1984. Using a {custom} physique and cargo mattress on the rear, the DP44 Cargo was designed for quite a lot of functions together with hauling cargo, transporting tools, and even serving as a cell workshop. Only some examples had been produced in interval, however DP Motorsport plans to create one other 10 sooner or later.

DP Motorsport 911 Purple Revolution
Sticking with DP Motorsport, this India Purple Porsche 911 has been round for a really very long time and was initially constructed by DP’s founder Ekkehard Zimmerman. The ‘Purple Revolution’ options redesigned and optimized wheel arches, aspect skirts, entrance and rear bumpers, with all physique panels both made out of carbon or fiberglass. The three.5L engine makes use of 911 RSR camshafts and is fitted with a mechanical gasoline injection system that includes particular person throttle our bodies and a twin ignition system. With 374hp and a curb weight of simply 940kg (2,072lb) with out gasoline, I’m certain it’s fast!

BMW 328
The BMW 328 was produced from 1936 to 1940 and is taken into account one of the profitable and iconic sports activities automobiles of its time. A 2.0-liter inline-six that produced 80hp offered zero to 60mph acceleration in 9 seconds and a prime velocity of round 93mph (150 km/h). One factor I observed contained in the engine bay was a copper hammer, which was used to suit the spare wheel if you happen to obtained a flat tire. Who even wants lug nuts? I assume roadside help wasn’t a factor again within the late ’30s…

1992 Strosek 964 Turbo S
You’re a one-off, custom-made model of the Porsche 964 Turbo, modified by the German tuning firm Strosek Design. The Strosek 964 Turbo S options {custom} bodywork, together with a brand new entrance bumper, aspect skirts, rear bumper, a particular rear wing and custom-designed Strosek alloy wheels. The inside options leather-based upholstery, distinctive door panels, a brand new dashboard format and {custom} steering wheel, new gauges and carbon fiber trim. Efficiency upgrades raise output from 360hp to 430hp, with suspension and brake modifications to swimsuit.

1981 Mercedes Benz 600
The ultimate Mercedes-Benz 600 was produced in 1981, and it’s been within the manufacturing facility’s assortment ever since. The mannequin was powered by a 6.3-liter V8 engine and got here with a protracted checklist of superior options for its time, together with air suspension, power-assisted steering, energy home windows, and a hydraulic braking system.

Alfa Romeo 155 V6 TI DTM
So far as race automotive liveries go, they don’t come way more iconic than Martini stripes, and this Alfa Romeo 155 V6 TI DTM wears the look nicely. The automotive competed within the German Touring Automobile Championship (DTM) within the mid-Nineties, and was pushed by Alessandro Nannini who had beforehand raced in Formulation One. Nannini had a profitable season in 1993, ending 4th within the championship standings and profitable three races.

1969 Lamborghini Miura S Jota Duplicate
At first, this Lamborghini had me puzzled, however after some analysis I recognized it as a Miura S that’s been transformed to appear to be the ill-fated Miura Jota. The Jota was a track-oriented mannequin spearheaded by growth driver Bob Wallace that underwent important modifications, shedding a whole lot of kilograms from the burden of the usual mannequin and growing the engine output to past 400hp. Sadly, the unique was concerned in a deadly accident in 1972. Between 2006 and 2013, this Miura S underwent important modifications to deliver it as much as Jota specification.

1988 Audi 200 Trans AM
You’re a werksprototyp, or manufacturing facility prototype of the Audi 200 Trans Am constructed for the 1988 North American Trans-Am season. The automotive was based mostly on the Audi 200 Quattro, however featured a spaceframe chassis and a light-weight physique manufactured from fiberglass and Kevlar, and a turbo 2.1-liter inline-five that produced round 510PS.

1962 VW T1 Raupen-Fuchs (Tracked Excavator)
In Might 1962, this Volkswagen T1 was produced on the Hanover manufacturing facility earlier than being delivered to its purchaser in Austria. After a brief life as a traditional T1, it was repurposed for snow use by a resourceful VW mechanic in Vienna. Historic sources say that Kurt Kretzner was an enthusiastic skier who noticed a scarcity of excessive terrain-capable transporters within the Austrian mountains, so determined to construct one thing himself. Kretzner transformed the bus with 4 axles, two of which had been geared up with a sequence drive and two with twin steering wheels. It’s since been absolutely restored by the Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge Oldtimer affiliation. I simply love seeing wacky odd-ball builds like this in between million-dollar automobiles.

1952 Porsche Jeep Fletcher
Within the autumn of 1952, Ferry Porsche and Wendell S. Fletcher, who owned the the Fletcher Aviation Company in Pasadena, California, started negotiations on a particular collaborative mannequin. The outcome was the Airborne Jeep – a mannequin that featured a Porsche engine and chassis (together with suspension) from the amphibious Schwimmwagen constructed by Volkswagen and utilized in WWII.

As all the time, Techno-Classica delivered, and I hope you’ve loved the protection. For those who can’t inform, I’m already wanting ahead to the thirty fourth version at Essen in spring 2024.

Jeroen Willemsen
Instagram: jaccojeroen