High-class beauty contest

Since 2003, the Baroque gardens of Ludwigsburg Palace (about 20 minutes from Stuttgart) have been opened annually to a high-class beauty contest for classic cars. And every year, some 30,000 people visit the park and enjoy the unique atmosphere of ‘Retro Classics meets Barock’. Luxurious classic automobiles, the popular ‘bread-and-butter cars’ of the post-War period, impressive pre-War cars and design icons pose in various categories for the awards at the concours d’elegance. A panel of experts under the supervision of FIVA (Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) assesses the classics and awards the prizes. As well as the main concours, there is a parallel, less demanding contest – the Festival of Classic Cars – for vehicles built up until 1984 (more information).

Classic motorcycles: a first

One of the highlights of this year's 11th edition is the special exhibition on 125 years of Peugeot motor vehicles. To mark the anniversary, special vehicles from the French carmaker will be on display. Other themes include the Jaguar XK140 and, for the first time at ‘Retro Classics meets Barock’, classic bikes up to 1984. Big names such as BMW, Harley, Guzzi and Piaggio will be there, displaying a huge range of bikes from historic, belt-driven two-wheelers, through classic racing motorcycles to scooters.

During the event, Matthias Wissmann will be presented with the 2014 RetroClassicCultur Award. The current president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, Wissmann is being honoured for his outstanding commitment to classic vehicles. During his time as the German Minister of Transport, for example, between 1993 and 1998, he introduced the ‘H-plate’ for historic vehicles, giving them tax and other advantages.

Photos: Retro Messen GmbH