February 19-22, 2026 - RETRO CLASSICS 2026 - The Trade Fair for Driving Culture in Stuttgart
25 Years of RETRO CLASSICS in Stuttgart - An anniversary for racing fans, brand enthusiasts, lovers of garage treasures, and automotive and motorsport history
The anniversary edition of RETRO CLASSICS 2026 features great stories and powerful emotions - It all kicks off on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (RETRO NIGHT from 6:00 PM) (Deutsch, English, Italiano, Français)
Stuttgart. Hard to believe, but exactly 25 years ago, classic car, modern classic, racing car, motorsport, and classic car fans, along with exhibitors from the automotive and motorsport history sector, gathered for the first RETRO CLASSICS in Stuttgart. From February 19-22, 2026, this trade fair for driving culture celebrates its quarter-century anniversary. This motor show promises to be something truly special – or so the announcement suggests, piquing our curiosity. Strong highlights will include exceptional special exhibitions, brand-defining milestones, and inspiring personalities from automotive and motorsport history. We can therefore look forward to a spectacular show and in-depth discussions with racing legends, 650 square meters of exhibition space showcasing museum-quality racing cars from Mercedes to Porsche, a special exhibition entitled "Racing Motorcycles of the Solitude Era," the BMW Classic & Type Clubs, and much more.
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| Example photo: Steering wheel in the legendary Porsche 356, Photo: Helga Waess (Press photo archive / Classic Car Meeting "Under the Bavaria" Munich) |
The major special exhibition forms an emotional core of the show:
"Hans in Luck – HH 97"
In the central atrium at the East Entrance, the exhibition "Hans in Luck – HH 97" pays tribute to the life's work of racing legend Hans Herrmann. Herrmann was one of the most important German racing drivers of the post-war era – he passed away on January 9, 2026, at the age of 97.
True motor and racing fans will flock to this special exhibition, as it also delves into the history of motorsport.
Herrmann raced against legends like Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. With his talent and driving skills, he influenced an entire generation of motorsport enthusiasts.
His greatest triumph came in 1970 with his overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the Porsche 917.
The most important exhibits from his racing career will be displayed in a 650-square-meter space, with support from the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums.
The exhibition is curated and organized by Hans Herrmann biographer Tobias Aichele.
A fitting farewell to an icon of international motorsport.
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| Porsche Pavilion at the IAA in Munich - 2021 - Photo: Helga Waess (Press Photo Archive) |
Motorsport history on two wheels takes center stage in Hall 5:
"Racing Motorcycles of the Solitude Era"
The Leonberg General Motorcycle Sports Club (AMSC) presents a unique special exhibition here featuring "Racing Motorcycles of the Solitude Era," which summarizes the most tradition-rich chapter of South German motorsport history.
The announcement of around 40 historic racing motorcycles, offering a unique cross-section of more than a century of racing, is sure to pique interest.
From the early hill climbs at the beginning of the 20th century
- through the Grand Prix era of the 1960s
- to modern cult events like Glemseck 101
Here, the technical and sporting development of motorcycle racing is impressively documented. The track-like presentation and a specially designed pit lane allow the dynamics of the Solitude race track to be experienced spatially.
Another highlight of the anniversary edition is the grand presentation of the BMW Classic & Type Clubs in Hall 7.
The anniversaries of the brand's history offer fascinating insights.
The focus is on:
- 40 years of the BMW M3,
- 50 years of the BMW 6 Series,
- 60 years of the BMW 02,
- and 110 years of BMW.
The presentation is complemented by the 25th anniversary of the BMW Mini Club, featuring classic Mini vehicles.
In addition, we will see selected rarities from the BMW collection:
- the renowned BMW Classic Truck with exclusive exhibits,
- as well as contributions from the BMW Classic Parts Service,
- and the BMW Museum and Archive with special engine exhibits.
This makes the area a meeting place for brand enthusiasts.
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| Porsche Pavilion at the IAA in Munich - 2021 - Photo: Helga Waess (Press Photo Archive) |
In Hall 10, Automobil-Park Auwärter is dedicated to the world of historic commercial vehicles
The exhibition showcases rare
- coaches,
- trucks,
- and tractors
from around 70 years of commercial vehicle history.
The development of commercial transport is vividly illustrated. Special attention is given to the
- Mercedes O 319
- historic vintage buses
and truck exhibits.
Further information about the 25th RETRO CLASSICS 2026
- www.retro-classics.de
See you in Stuttgart!!! ;-))
February 19-22, 2026
RETRO CLASSICS 2026
The trade fair for driving culture in Stuttgart
Dates:
February 19-22, 2026
Venue:
Stuttgart Exhibition Center
Opening Hours
- Thursday, February 19, 2026, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (RETRO NIGHT from 6:00 PM)
- Friday, February 20, 2026, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sunday, February 22, 2026, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Other trade fairs and events:
RETRO CLASSICS ESSEN
April 8-12, 2026RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA in Nuremberg
November 6-8, 2026-----------------------------------
And then there's the motor racing photography
by Werner Eisele in Munich
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| Werner Eisele from Stuttgart signs a photograph of the "1000 km race at Spa-Francorchamps 1970" at the Stephen Hoffman Gallery (Galerie Stephen Hoffman) in Munich. Photo: Helga Waess (2017 - Press Photo Archive) |
And since we're from Munich, here's our tip for motorsport fans
who would like to have an original photograph of racing legends or historic racing cars on their wall:
Unique, limited-edition, and signed collector's photographs of racing legends, taken by Werner Eisele at the racetrack and in the pits, can often be found at the Stephen Hoffman Gallery (Galerie Stephen Hoffman) in Munich, located behind the Hotel Bayerischer Hof.
It's long been a hidden gem, and we've heard that there will soon be another motor racing photography exhibition there (in 2026)!
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| Werner Eisele signs his book "Motor Racing Photography" on October 12, 2017, at the "Galerie Stephen Hoffman - Fine Art Photography - Originals & Vintages" in Munich. Photo: Helga Waess (2017 - Press Photo Archive) Here in the background - original photograph: Rolf Wütherich and James Dean in a Porsche, Los Angeles, September 30, 1955. Copyright for this photo belongs to Werner Eisele. // Rolf Wütherich, Porsche factory mechanic, and James Dean pose for the last happy photo in the Porsche 550. |
