Technoclassica Essen

We have just returned from our annual trip to Technoclassica in Essen, one of Europe's largest and most prestigious classic car exhibitions. There can be few, if any, places in the world where you will see so many wonderful cars presented to such a high standard. It is always a pleasure and a revelation to wander around the halls and admire the highly polished, prized (and priced) machinery on view. The pictures here are just a small sample of the cars on show.

All the major marques have a presence at the show, typically showing their latest offering alongside concours condition examples of its predecessors. As always, Mercedes have taken an entire hall to showcase their in-house restoration capability, alongside a plethora of owners clubs and specialist restoration companies. Ferrari Classiche have a large stand and there are several classic Porsche clubs in attendance alongside Porsche's own heritage exhibit. In fact, pretty much every classic marque you can think of is here, and a few you probably can't. Manufacturers, owners' clubs, dealers and auction houses all exhibiting cars presented to the very highest standards.

If you didn't make it this year it's worth putting in the diary for 2013: 10th to 14th April.