RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA® 2026: Restoration up close, journeys through automotive history, and the motorsport heritage of the Franconia region
A classic car weekend in Nuremberg – from November 6–8, 2026, RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA® will take place at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre, held alongside the "Car & Style" tuning event and concurrently with the consumer trade fair, Consumenta.
November 6–8, 2026: RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA® – "Car & Style" tuning event – Consumenta (Italiano, Francais, Deutsch, English)
Nuremberg – From classic car restoration and vintage camping vehicles to legendary race cars, visitors will find it all at this year’s RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA®. The event features impressive special exhibitions, live demonstrations, and opportunities for personal encounters and conversations with experts. Every year, RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA is a must-attend event for classic car enthusiasts and technology fans alike. Simply drop by to experience automotive cultural heritage, the fascination of engineering, and hands-on restoration.
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| Heading to the classic car trade fair in Nuremberg in a vintage vehicle – Photo: Helga Waess (Pressefotoarchiv) - Cover Kunst-Kultur-Blog - collectart.de |
The exhibition areas at the Nuremberg classic car fair in November are diverse:
- Classic cars
- Modern classics ("Youngtimers")
- NEO CLASSICS®
- "RETRO Works – Restoration up close"
- Spare parts
- Classic car events & travel
- Clubs & museums
- Classic motorcycles
- Fashion & jewelry
- Design & interior
- Culinary offerings
- Literature & art
At "RETRO Works," visitors can experience restoration and craftsmanship live.
Authentic gems with historically significant bodies are reconstructed, and engines are brought back to life.
The "Vehicle Academy" (Fahrzeugakademie) can be found in Hall 4, Stand C29.
Classic car restoration: around 30 seminars showcase this demanding craft. The program is designed for both beginners and restoration professionals.
The craft of restoration becomes a tangible, hands-on experience at the fair:
Every hour on the hour, live demonstrations offer fascinating insights into the intricacies of sheet metal work and painting.
The International Trabant Register makes automotive history.
The International Trabant Register and the "Trabant Szene Fürth" (Trabant Scene Fürth) have joined forces to create a display that revives the unique charm of workshops and camping trips from days gone by.
The "Trabant Szene Fürth" recreates an authentic workshop setting, while the International Trabant Register stages a camping landscape centered around these beloved cult vehicles.
A Trabant simulator complements the exhibition, offering a unique way to experience the world of this legendary small car.
Another highlight comes from Eisenach: "60 Years of the Wartburg 353"
To mark the 60th anniversary of the Wartburg 353, a model of this car will be on display as part of a special exhibition exploring its history and its role in everyday life.
Amphibious vehicles:
Traveling on both land and water—featuring the VW Schwimmwagen Type 166, the Amphicar 770, and more.
The Amphicar Club is showcasing an extraordinary category of vehicles at the trade fair, presenting various models from the history of amphibious transport.
On display are, among others, the well-known VW Schwimmwagen Type 166 and the Amphicar 770.
"Vacation with Opel": Setting off on a journey in classic vehicles
The "Alt-Opel-Interessengemeinschaft" (a club for vintage Opel enthusiasts) demonstrates a true passion for automobiles with its special exhibition: "Vacation with Opel."
The focus is on five historic Opel vehicles paired with caravans, reminiscent of the holiday trips of decades past.
These combinations of cars and matching caravans highlight the versatility of Opel’s model history:
- An Opel Rekord C with a Constructam Coral
- An Opel Kadett B with a Tabbert 305
- An Opel Kadett C with a Knaus Südwind
- An Opel Kadett C Aero with an Eriba Puck
- An Opel Admiral B with a Hobby 520 T
An Opel Speedster rounds out the display, bridging the gap between the club’s love for classic travel and a more dynamic, sporty driving experience.
"La Franconica, terra dei motori" ("Franconia, Land of Motors"): Vehicles from the Franconia region and the allure of the Mille Miglia
The special exhibition "La Franconica, terra dei motori" recounts the history of automobiles and motorsport in the Franconia region.
These vehicles took part in the legendary Mille Miglia.
A film about the Mille Miglia 2026 complements the presentation.
Special Exhibition: America – American Automotive Culture and Icons
Another highlight of RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA® is the "America" special exhibition, which is entirely dedicated to the fascinating world of American automobiles.
The primary organization is led by:
- Thomas Krenzer of "Retro Freunde,"
- Armin Wellhöfer of Wagner Classic Oil,
- and Frank Kraus of "Rockabilly Garage."
Together, they present unique exhibits from the diverse world of the automobile.
From Ford—a defining force in U.S. automotive history—to Chevrolet, a range of brands has always captivated automotive enthusiasts.
Top Speed TV: Personalities, Stories, and Motorsport from the Region
For engaging discussions about motorsport, look to "Top Speed TV," the ambassador for RETRO Messen GmbH.
Presenter and long-time racing driver Martin Utberg will be accompanying the event.
On the stage in Hall 4, daily panel discussions will feature prominent figures from the regional classic car and motorsport scene.
Car & Style – The Tuning Event
The "Car & Style" program in Hall 5—covering tuning, car audio, fashion, and current scene trends—is sure to impress.
In addition to the latest tuning trends, the area will feature private vehicles and a "dealer row" showcasing show cars.
Furthermore, there will be live tattooing, live vehicle wrapping, a cocktail bar, and a food court.
RETRO CLASSICS BAVARIA®
will take place alongside the
"Car & Style" tuning event
from November 6th to 8th,
running in parallel with the consumer trade fair, Consumenta.
A single ticket grants access to all three events. Nuremberg Trade Fair
Dates: November 6 – 8, 2026
- 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Venue: Nuremberg Trade Fair
