Over 1,000 exhibitors from 15 countries were at this year’s Techno Classica with but a single aim – to show the very best classic cars and collectors’ items. Whether it was a prototype, a limited edition or simply a rare and exotic piece - you can find it at the annual fair in Essen.

It’s difficult to pick a ‘highlight’ in this year’s show, so we’ve put together a small selection of some of the vehicles present. Classic Driver dealer Thiesen carries the advertising legend ‘Rare Automobiles’, and from its locations in Hamburg and Berlin it certainly lived up to its name. Take the Hispano-Suiza J12 Labourdette Sport Torpedo for example; built in 1933, the wonderful coupé is powered by a gigantic 11-litre V12. Other interesting cars included the Bentley 8 Litre "Le Mans-style 4-seater" and an extravagant Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Landaulet.

Likewise in Hall 11 Northern German specialists Steenbuck-Automobiles were showing some superb cars. Such as the beautifully restored Horch 930V Cabriolet in classic two-tone paintwork, or the Invicta 4 1/2 Litre Tourer and BMW 327 Cabriolet, the model that drew such praise when it was launched in 1937. The latter had been the subject of a complete ‘nut and bolt’ restoration from 2002 to 2004 - it certainly showed. Top-level dealer Axel Schütte was presenting 1950s perfection on his stand – a light green metallic Aston Martin DB3S in the company of two Ferrari 250 GTs, a 1957 ‘Tour de France’ and a 1953 Mille Miglia.

Unfortunately there’s too little room to list all the gorgeous vehicles present, and this year’s event has finished. Better wait for next year.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Nanette Schärf