International Classic Car Exhibition gives a positive summary of 2022

Last weekend, the Salzburg Exhibition Center was once again the center of attraction for thousands of classic car enthusiasts from near and far. Whether they are collectors, do-it-yourselfers, mechanics, club representatives or just out of interest – everyone who likes historic vehicles must meet at the Classic Expo in Salzburg on the third weekend in October.

“More than 20,000 classic car enthusiasts found their way to the well-known scene meet-up over the weekend. This underlines the position of the Classic Expo as one of the most important classic car fairs in Europe.” Managing Director DI (FH) Alexander Kribus, MBA is pleased about the successful weekend.

Sold out halls

Around 350 exhibitors occupied all available halls this year. The extensive range of products related to the rolling stars ranged from classic dealer vehicles to service providers, clubs, associations and a high-quality, well-stocked parts market. Günther Pühringer, Managing Director of Auto Pühringer draws a positive conclusion: "We have sold a number of high-quality cars and can only report positively." Laszlo Jakabffy from Benzinbruder GmbH, who was there for the first time this year: “The Classic Expo was an excellent start to the trade fair business. We made a lot of good contacts and also sold. We are happy.” Nikolas Bliedtner from Cargold Collection GmbH also gives good feedback: “We are at the Classic Expo because we have many customers from all over Europe and the Austrian market also plays an important role for us. We were able to make many good contacts for new business relationships in the pleasant atmosphere of the trade fair.” In addition to the numerous dealers, many private individuals also use the professional setting of the Classic Expo to sell their classic cars. With more than 170 vehicles, the private sales area was filled to the last parking space this year.

Dorotheum auction successful again

The “Classic Vehicles and Automobilia” auction has been a coveted fixture in the trade fair programme right from the start. This year the auction started on Saturday, October 16th, with 66 vehicles in the race for the best bidder. “We are very satisfied again. With the exception of five vehicles, all of the cars have changed hands.” reports auctioneer Mag. Wolfgang Humer. Right from the beginning the Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary from 1989 from the famous first owner, Mario Andretti (Formula 1 driver and world champion), was trade das the highlight and went under the hammer for 460,000 euros.

Extensive programme

In addition to three special shows, which this year were on the topics of "100 years of Jaguar" (Jaguarclub Austria), "Historical racing motorcycles" (IGFC) and "Rallyesport - historical to modern" (Rallyesport Promoter gGmbH), a packed supporting programme attracted visitors. Expert talks on rallying and NFT also promised a worthwhile stop, as did the award ceremony for the IGFC Cup and the symphony of racing engines, where racing motorcycle oldies filled the inner courtyard of the exhibition centre with powerful sound. Autograph sessions, meet & greets and the start of the legendary Salt & Oil Rally completed the offer.

Famous companions

With a real Austrian original of motorcycling, the former racing driver and organizer of the annual Rupert Hollaus memorial race, Wolfgang Stropek, the book author Josef Pointinger ("Rallye Weltenbummler") and the reigning ORM state champions Simon Wagner, Julian Wagner and Lukas Schindelegger provided the opportunity to meet several big names in the scene. Anneliese Abarth, wife of the deceased motorcycle racer and entrepreneur Carlo Abarth, also accepted the invitation to the fair and even Elvis Tribute Artist Rudolf Stumbecker alias "Rusty" insisted on coming for an autograph session within the appropriate flair.

“The support and goodwill not only from our exhibitors, but also from the various players within the industry are a big part of the Classic Expo as it is today and for which we are very grateful. For me it is particularly nice to experience such a great response and to see what has emerged from an original fantasy out of pure hobby within the last 18 years.” Classic Expo founder Hermann Schwarz is grateful for the success of his heart project.

Planning for the next Classic Expo from October 13th to 15th, 2023 has already started.