Techno Classica - The Ultimate Car Event. | EU19

One of the main reasons for our #EU19 trip was to visit the Techno Classica Automotive show. It’s geared towards “classics” *hence the name - but it’s much much more than that. Besides, at my age “classics” don’t feel THAT old LOL - or maybe it depends on what you consider classic. I remember thinking I’d never be into any type of classic cars, but now - the E46 ///M3 CSL is considered a classic in some aspects! That was what…2002? Oh wait, that was 17 years ago. DAMN.

Techno Classica pretty much has something for everyone. You won’t find cutting edge new electric cars there (or at least not from what I recall) but if you’re a car guy - you’ll find a section that works for you. I can’t really compare it to anything in the states that I’ve been to - maybe LA Autoshow meets SEMA meets the Petersen meets the LA Lit and Toyshow? Even then, it’s more (and better) than that. We spent 2 days and depending upon your appetite for automotive-EVERYTHING, that may be enough or not enough for you.

Most large manufacturers are represented (European only of course) - each showcasing their “Classic” programs now that that’s a thing. Gotta make the money where you can and it does make business sense. There’s also a bunch of vendors to buy parts, art, you name it - so bring some stacks. It’s honestly a lot to take in, even for me who’s been to a good amount of shows - I find myself being a little spastic trying to detail what was there, so I’ll just start posting up some of my pics and post excerpts below.

Let’s start with the most amazing prosciutto sandwich? LOL. You know it’s good when my buddy (who’s gone for the past 6 years) has to make sure we know where the stand is FIRST. That became a good defacto meeting point as well since the show is so huge.

I never knew Prosciutto could be so good… SO GOOD.

Upon entering, the first section had some stuff you don’t see at the typical carshow…

SLR Stirling Moss - Only 75 made…cool 3 million if I’m correct. I remember actually seeing one of these at Cars & Coffee Irvine back in the day (I even posted it on this blog!) Such a cool and unique vehicle. Would just have to get a cool helmet for it. :)

SLS Black Series, no big deal right? Wait for it…notice it’s lacking the big wing and front canards. This is a Black Series without all the obnoxious (to some) aero…BADASS.

The aforementioned E46 ///M3 CSL - my unicorn when I was into BMW’s and had my E46’s back in 2001. *Excuse the composition on these pics since it was behind ropes and I had to have an auction guy take the pics LOL.

Too bad this wasn’t painted the same “liquid silver” they produced for the original prototype. But don’t get me wrong, this will do.

Food Break. Yep, that’s an entire cow…I think.

The Mercedes Benz Exhibit had some amazing cars that I’d never seen before - apparently Orange was big back then?

2 more that I had never seen - def some top speed action going on.

Cosworth, dog-leg, 190E / “2.5 and you know where to find me.” < If you know that lyric, you’re a real G.

Legit barn-find from Florida. Lots of SL Gullwings at Techno Classica…LOTS.

As mentioned previously, so much to buy at this show - huge stalls of diecast EVERYWHERE. I’m actually surprised I didn’t bring back much LOL. I was on my best behavior.

F40LM Goodness. So good. I’ve been really really feeling the F40LM as of late - esp as they become more and more rare.

Casual. No guards, no stanchions.

Did I mention how great this sandwich was? Prosciutto and bread - so simple yet so amazing. I had it both days for lunch LOL. 10E with drink IIRC. I’ve gone to EATALY here in LA trying to duplicate it…not quite the same, but will have to do until I go back.

This BMW M1 looked great with the additional aero (competition package maybe?) and BBS wheels. Straight fire white/w Gold wheels, so period correct!

A closer look at that BBS goodness…I’m assuming these are LM’s.

Another clean example of an Alpina B12 / based off the 850csi. Never see these in yellow. Well, never see these either LOL.

One of my favorite Porsche’s at the show (and there were a BUNCH to choose from) I can’t believe I didn’t take more pics of this car…no info on it either, if you know anything about it, school me!

Another one of my favorite Porsche’s…this one more affordable than most I’m guessing.

There was a small section with kids cars - nice little Ferrari 308/328 / Mini Magnum PI.

Cool interactive setup by VW, if you can guess all 4 items by feel alone, you get a free item. (My buddy Pat giving the items a feel)

I won!!

Mini VW Squishy Bus. LOL!

I’ll post up a gallery of images I shot with the Sony 6400 / all the above was via iPhone. Buying a new camera and not knowing your way around it is not advisable right before a trip LOL. But I seriously didn’t feel like lugging my 5DMKII this go around…