This is a 2019 calendar. If you are looking for 2021, click the article below:
The ultimate European automotive events calendar 2021 – december update
A few years ago, I started compiling an automotive bucket list as a sort of a new year’s resolution, and to enumerate all the automotive events that I regularly attend or I would like to see one day. These events include classic and international car shows, races of all kind (classic and contemporary, with as many wheels as it takes) without the one-off events such as featured expos in car Museums.
The outcome is this calendar, that I regularly revisit when I plan my next journeys, and it also helps me to keep track of what events I should visit. I am constantly updating this calendar with new events and reports, thus I wholeheartedly recommend to revisit this Calendar from time to time.
Before we get along with the details, here is a short overview of all the events that I find a suitable candidate for a visit:
InterClassics – 10-13 January 2019, Maastricht, the Netherlands – Official website
NEC Autosport International / Performance & Tuning Car Show – 10-13 January 2019, Birmingham, UK
Brussels Motor Show – 19-27 January 2018- Brussels, Belgium – Official website
Autoretro – 19-20 January, Roeselare, Belgium
Retromobile – 6-10. February 2019 – Paris, France – Official website
The London Classic Car Show, 14-17 February 2018, London, UK – Official website
Antwerp Classics – 1st – 3th of March, Antwerp, Belgium
Retro Classics Stuttgart, 7-10 March 2019, Stuttgart, Germany
89th Geneva International Motor Show – 7-17 March 2019, Geneva, Switzerland
AMTS – Automobile and Tuning Show – 22-24 March, Budapest, Hungary – Official website
Amsterdam Motor Show, 4-7 April, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Essen Techno Classica, 10-14 April 2018, Essen, Germany – Official website
Klassikwelt Bodensee – 10-12 May, Fridriechshafen, Germany
1000 Miglia 2019 – 15-18 May, Italy (Brescia – Rome)
Spa Classic – 17-19 May, Spa, Belgium –
London Motor & Tech Show – 16-20 May, London, UK
Oldtimer messe Tulln – 18-20 May, Tulln, Austria
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, 24-25 May, Cernobbio, Italy
Nürburgring Classics – June 15-17, Nürburgring, Germany
Concours d’Elégance Suisse, June 21-23, Chateau de Coppet, Switzerland,
Spa Summer Classic, June 27-30, Spa, Belgium
Concours d’Elegance de Chantilly- 30 June, Château de Chantilly, France – Official website
Hungaroring Classics 12-14 July, Budapest, Hungary – Official website
Eifel Rallye Festival, 18-20 July, Daun, Germany
Silverstone Classics 26-28 July, Silverstone, UK – Official website
Classic Days – August 3-5, Schloss Dyck, Germany – Official website
AVD-Oldtimer-Grand-Prix, August 9-11, Nürburgring, Germany
Salon Privé – 5-8 September, Blenheim Palace, UK
Goodwood Revival – 13-15 September, Goodwood, UK
IAA – Frankfurt Motor Show, 12-22 September, Frankfurt, Germany – Official website
Zoute Grand Prix, 10-13 October, Knokke-Heist, Belgium, – Official website
Rallye Legend, 10-13 October, San Marino, Italy – Official website
Auto-moto d’epoca – 24-27 October, Padua Italy – Official website
Interclassics Brussels, 15-17 November, Brussels, Belgium – Official website
Essen Motor Show, 30 November – 8 December, Essen, Germany – Official website
UPDATE: some of the events already passed since the publication of this post, hence I will update with the impressions from the events, where applicable. So it is worth to scroll down a little further below… :).
InterClassics – 10-13 January 2019, Maastricht, the Netherlands
The Interclassics Maastricht is one of the first car events of the calendar, and it is a well-known and important classic car event. Please note that teleporting is quite a useful skill in the region at this time of the year, as a number of major classic and international car shows take place in a short time-span of the first and second quarter. The InterClassics has evolved considerably throughout the years into a very comprehensive exhibition and trade show, with a spin-off event in Brussels, that proved to be another memorable experience. However, in the past years, my tolerance levels also rose, and after exhaustive full-day walks in Frankfurt or at the Retromobile and the Techno Classica, any show has to deliver a significant wow actor to remain on my list.
Last year, the main theme was the 25th anniversary of Interclassics, but unfortunately, I could not attend. I still recall the highlights of the 2015 show, where the organized secured support from the treasure chest of the 100-year-old BMW’s archives, and I hope to return sometimes. This year, the main thematic is Lancia, where the organisers can exect precious little factory support…
UPDATE: I managed to pay a visit on a Sunday afternoon,when the show was in its highest gear, thus it proved to be nearly impossible to take decent photos. The majority of private exhibitors and many of the cars were identical at the two Interclassics shows. If there is a way, I recommend visiting the event on a less crowded day of the four.
NEC Autosport International / Performance & Tuning Car Show – 10-13 January 2019, Birmingham, UK
Another early bird, this time from the UK, incorporating two trade-only days with two public days.
Brussels Motor Show – 19-27 January 2018- Brussels, Belgium
The Brussels Motor Show is listed among the official international car shows, yet is seldom surrounded by spectacular press coverage, as other major European car shows in Paris, Frankfurt and in Geneva. However, in recent years it has sported a fairly high standard. As it has been staged every year, it has remained a stable point in my calendar, while serious car shows are being cancelled (notably Amsterdam AutoRAI, and Bologna).
While the Brussels Car show is held annually, the timing of this event is quite challenging: it is held almost back-to-back to the famous Detroit Car show and short before Geneva, which probably makes it difficult to fetch world premiers. An important difference for visitors is that the event is primarily a trade show.
The exhibition is less for journalists, but for potential clients seriously interested in buying a new car. In turn, the exhibition focuses on an aesthetic and pleasant negotiating environment for potential buyers with serious intentions.
Although the main purpose of the exhibition was to sell new cars, it also has a lot to offer for the fans and the general public. The dedicated Dreamcar Hall attracts supercar enthusiasts, and showcases high-end luxury cars that are normally scattered around the various halls. Motto for the 2017 automotive experience roundup was that everything used to be better (at least compared to the year before).
In 2018, the Brussels car show was the first major car event that actually raised the stakes. While it is still smaller than the gigantic IAA and is not as posh as Geneva, the Brussels Car Show provides an excellent opportunity to see a quality international car show in January, and in my 2018 top list, it actually took the highest position of all car shows.
Update: the show was grand in every aspect, 12 halls loaded with cars, bikes and spectacles. The Dream Cars exhibition featured a consistent decoration engulfing a few dozen carefully selected luxury vehicles from classic Italian legends through rare race cars to luxury gran turismos.
There was a showdown of world premiers between Land Rover Evoque and the Ford Mondeo in Hall 6, while Mazda and Tesla also kept up, and even Mitsubishi delivered a decent stage.
With less novelties for the press, all the other premium brands tried to reinforce the show elements and the atmosphere.
Retromobile – 6-10. February 2019 – Paris, France
I described the Paris Retromobile exhibition as the queen of classic car events. There is always a room to claim to be the largest classic car event, but the sheer quality of Retromobile is what puts it on my A-list. It is not a question that this event is the arena of the real players, where the major classic car collectors face off and chase the world record of auctions.
Aspiring events and major national museum rent space at the vent just to put themselves to the map (the early timing of the event also helps). The Swiss Concours, Schloss Dyck, the Peter Auto Series or the British Motor Museum in Beaulieu are all present to advertise themselves.
I was already introduced to a number of regional events by the time I saw Retromobile for the first time, but the level of quality always surprises me, and remained impressive even after a number of car shows. What puts the few A-listers above others in my eyes, is the presence of factory collections. In Paris, the French manufacturers bring out the best of their collections, such as Citroen showcased half a dozen presidential limos last year, but 2019 shall mark their 100th anniversary.
UPDATE – The show was brilliant and left long lasting memories.
Hundreds of stages are covered in about a dozen posts, but if you plan to read just one article about Rétromobile, this Top 10 list might be your best bet.
The London Classic Car Show, 14-17 February 2018, London, UK
It’s a relatively fresh event, but it seems truly promising (I found their Icon Award particularly impressive, as the nominees of this achievement award also some with their cars, and they nominate legends such as Nigel Mansell and Jacky Ickx).
The main event has been reinforced with additional programs such as the Gala with the F1 and rally legends, the historic racing event (Historic Motorsport International), the meeting of car clubs, and the Beaulieu Museum’s Autojumble.
Antwerp Classics – 1–3 March, Antwerp, Belgium
The Antwerp Classics was the very first classic car show I attended some five years ago, and it made such a great impression on me, that basically lasted ever since. Nevertheless, I’ve seen a lot of great events since then, that just raised the bar by an incredible magnitude: factory museum shows that are matched the standards of international car shows and legendary race cars revisiting their best forms at classic race tracks like at Spa.
The greatest strength of this event lies in the active participation of car clubs, showcasing a couple of really impressive stages of avid owners’ clubs, showcasing nice dioramas and interesting classics. The current thematic, the 100th anniversary of Lancia and the 60th anniversary of the Mini give ample occasion to showcase brilliant classics.
UPDATE: a short visit was documented in a flash post on the 2019 Antwerp Classic.
Retro Classics Stuttgart, 7-10 March 2019, Stuttgart, Germany
Again, an exhibition, which is claims to be the largest in Europe. Given its established status, I actually wonder how I managed to avoid it.
One possible explanation is that the organisers could work really on their timing. I hardly recall any Retro Classic event that did not coincide with an A or B list classic car event. This year the period seems clear, apart from the Geneva Car Show : ) . Thus I am more determined than ever to pay a visit this year.
UPDATE: I missed the show. Perhaps better luck next year :).
89th Geneva International Motor Show – 7-17 March 2019, Geneva, Switzerland
This show is undoubtedly one of the flagship automotive events of the continent, and would surely take a spot on my podium of events, if I ever manage to see it.
In my case, the main reason for passing on the Geneva Car Show is timing. At the beginning of March, the weather usually scares me away, while the agenda is already quite busy at this time of the year…
AMTS – Automobile and Tuning Show – 22-24 March, Budapest, Hungary
I put this one in out of curiosity, this event makes a similar impression as the Essen Motor Show covering motorsport and tuning with an emphasis on entertainment, and a stronger focus on hostesses than any other show this year. The organisers boast with hundreds of hostesses and offer a Miss AMTS feature.
International Amsterdam Motor Show, 4-7 April, Amsterdam, Netherlands
I visited the AutoRAI in 2016, that left a lovely impression as a national event very close to an international car show (halfway between Brussels Car Show and Essen Motor Show). It was however discontinued, and with a new car show event launched last year.
The second edition of the Amsterdam Motor Show will focus on cars that make the hearts beat faster. All vehicles for the car enthusiast, often cars that can only be admired for the IAMS for the general public.
Essen Techno Classica, 10-14 April 2018, Essen, Germany
The Techno Classica is also one of the most important automotive events in the continent, and that means pretty much the world. The exhibition claims to be the number 1 of classic car fairs, but this does not mean much, as about half a dozen car shows have made a similarly bold announcement. But this show also delivers.
The size of the Techno Classica is truly impressive. 1250 exhibitors from over 30 countries are showcasing their very best, and the exhibition can hardly be covered on foot in a single day: 21 halls and their open air surrounding on 120,000 square meters offer plenty of sights. To give an idea, it takes a full day to walk through without really dropping the anchor anywhere. Even if there are plenty of reasons to stop…
Apart from the show’s sheer size, the real value added is the factory presence that makes the top-tier events (such as Retromobile, Goodwood Revival, Stuttgart’s Retro Classics and Maastricht Interclassics) reach far beyond the traditional second-hand car fairs. The flagship contributions encompass factory museums and historical parts divisions, often supported by current models. Factory stands not only enhance the reputation among collectors but also attract the general public, beyond the connoisseurs of classic cars.
Considering the nearly 200.000 visitors, manufacturers increasingly recognize the advertising potential of top-tier classic car shows. Essentially, Techno Classica resembles now a lot to the Frankfurt Motor Show but with classic cars taking center stage. The event secured a podium finish in my best of list of the past years.
UPDATE: I published a “digital shortcut” article that include all the articles covering the event. If you are curious about the event, this article is an ideal starting point.
Spa Classic 2019 – 17-19 May, Spa, Belgium
The Spa event is part of the classic racing series run by the French Peter Auto. This year’s calendar comprised of eight diverse events (races and tours), and while the flagship event seemed to be the bi-annual Le Mans Classics, the roaring circus visits Spa every year.
Since 2016, I try to squeeze in a classic car race to my calendar, and the Spa Classics has a lot to vouch for.
The Peter Auto series brings up a comprehensive spectrum of epochs and classes, from entry level open wheel to high-end group C race cars and multi-million dollar collectors’ dream cars. Among the locations visited by the series, Spa Classics proved to be as immersive such an experience can be, compared to mainstream events. Spectators are allowed to visit and see things no visitor would ever get to see on a crowded F1 weekend, like the Sky Bar on top of the Pits, let alone the pits themselves. Unless the doors are deliberately closed, we can enter the boxes, where some of the crew even stops to pose or to move out of the view to allow a good shot.
UPDATE: I spent another memorable day in Spa this year as well, admiring the legendary classic cars in the pits and racing down the track. This time I included over 100 photos with quite a few short videos, with sound for the sake of full immersion… 🙂
This year, I also gave a stronger focus to the car club meetings.
London Motor & Tech Show – 16-20 May, London, UK
This appears to be another variety show, with lots of tech, action and every possible aspect of the automotive world, like built in Britain crazy speed record chasers and motorhomes.
This year, Drivetribe jumped in as lead sponsor, so I expect pretty good media coverage.
Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, 24-25 May, Cernobbio, Italy
The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is one of the most well-known beauty contests of Historic Cars. It is undoubtedly the most traditional event and was held for the first time in 1929. Since its revival in the 1990s, the Concorso has developed into a benchmark of European Concours events.
Nürburgring Classics – June 15-17, Nürburgring, Germany
Last year the organizers were preparing for Nürburgring’s 90th birthday, with an impressive program to take on the flagship role with the absence of Le Mans Classics this year.
Spa Summer Classic, June 27-30, Spa, Belgium
This event is held annually at Spa-Francorchamps, and although Spa Summer Classics is not so clear cut as the one before, it is still worth visiting. The event brings together a number of regional classic car series to race at this legendary circuit.
Concours d’Elégance Suisse, June 21-23, Chateau de Coppet, Switzerland,
It is a real dark horse this event, on its official page I did not find pictures of previous events, but the shore of Lake Geneva is a promising venue, and the organisers proved a serious effort to hire exhibition space at the Retromobile.
Hungaroring Classic 12-14 July, Budapest, Hungary
Hungaroring takes over the place of Le Mans in every odd year in the Peter Auto Calendar, and that really means something. The backbone of the event is thus the Peter Auto racing series, with add on programs with classics from the communist era.
There is a slight discrepancy between the regularly refurbished modern infrastructure of the Hungaroring and these cars, yet it is nice to see them on a modern track.
The rest is quite usual Peter Auto, with an unrivalled selection of legendary classics, from elegant 911 2.0s through Le Mans Ferraris to Group C monsters.
Update: the event was covered in this article (in the meantime there was also a retrospective covering the 2017 event, linked in the Hungaroring Classic 2019 article):
Silverstone Classics 26-28 July, Silverstone, UK
One of UK’s largest classic car events is held at the legendary Silverstone race track. Personally, I have been looking at Silverstone Classics for quite some time, but people out there drive on the wrong side of the street without even noticing! : ). The photos on the website seem spectacular (and after a few of classic car races, I can tell : ) ), both in terms of scenery and cars attending on and off track, and visitors get to see classic sports cars and race cars in their natural environment, i.e. on the race track.
The event programme proved itself as a useful source of information on automotive anniversaries, the official photos confirm the lively club activities, like dozens of F40 or E types thundering down the track for celebrating birthdays.
This year many famous British brands celebrate round anniversaries, and the website already announced activities for the 100th birthday of Bentley, 60th birthday of the Mini and the 50th birthday of the Ford Capri.
Classic Days – August 3-5, Schloss Dyck, Germany
Another lesser-known event that promises a great program, and reports on many websites confirmed that it’s a must see. The key element is a classic car meeting by a lakeside castle, which might sound familiar to those who follow Villa d’Este, but the event promises much more.
During the past 14 years, the organisers already secured the participation of many legendary drivers and cars, and also provided a race course, where classics can thunder down the Goodwood style.
This year the flagship event Classics Days also covers the Masterpieces concours, and the organisers introduced a new dress code that should bring additional flair to this lovely event.
AVD-Oldtimer-Grand-Prix, August 9-11, Nürburgring, Germany
From the images it seems like a great event, definitely worth for a visit at some point of time. I can’t help noticing the website who’s styling and flash plugins are worthy to an oldtimer theme : P.
Salon Privé – 5-8 September, Blenheim Palace, UK
The 14-year-old Salon Privé might not be that well-known outside the UK, but the press gallery shows how it has evolved throughout the years. Salon Privé has a distinctively classy and aristocratic flair, covering both classic and supercar shows. Alongside this vibrant and eclectic show of classic cars, Salon Privé offers a unique opportunity to admire, but for interested buyers also test-drive vehicles from the world’s most elite super and hypercar brands.
Salon Privé brings together an extravagant and quintessentially English social day out for all to enjoy, with fine dining, Pommery Champagne and a Luxury Retail Village featuring everything from jewellery, fashion and accessories to helicopters and yachts!
Goodwood Revival – 13-15 September, Goodwood, UK
Another legendary event in a legendary site. In addition to the Festival of Speed, Revival is one of the events I would like to visit one day.
IAA – Frankfurt Motor Show, 12-22 September, Frankfurt, Germany
Major international car shows have an unmistaken atmosphere, as manufacturers’ HQs build stages that can not be matched by local dealerships at regional exhibitions. Thus I wholeheartedly recommend everyone to pay a visit to one of the three major car shows of the continent (i.e. Geneva, Paris and Frankfurt) at least once in a lifetime.
The Frankfurt exhibition is probably the largest in the continent. 5-6 large multi-story buildings and countless smaller halls connected by passages, elevators and escalators. Corporate limos and demo cars transport from BMW to Mercedes on press and industry days. Walking that route takes its tolls in time and fatigue, especially if the weather does not play along.
But while the Paris Automotive World Fair aims at visitor number records at the expense of visitor experience, the IAA delivers enthusiasts a premium day with extra charge (i.e., visitors can enter without press or industry accreditation on the professional day for a higher fee).
The general trend of manufacturers missing out on international car shows takes its toll on Frankfurt, but the halls of domestic brands are still memorable. WV Group, Mercedes and BMW are filling entire buildings, showcasing world premieres and exciting concept cars. It is almost impossible to see everything in a single day, especially when queuing for cars, and trying out spectacles (like VR simulators, test drives or artist performances).
The IAA is enormous and concentrated, but at the same time, it tries to be fun without leaving the topic of cars like the legendary roads exhibition of the Paris car show. However, it still provides insight to the state of the automotive industry, such as the trend of absences, the rise of classic cars and the arrival of exotic Chinese brands spending a few million on their IAA Presence.
UPDATE: Here is the link to the landing page of all the posts on the IAA 2019:
Your digital shortcut to the IAA 2019- the Frankfurt Motor Show
Zoute Grand Prix – 10-13 October, Knokke-Heist, Belgium
If you live around the Belgian coast, excellent concours d’elegance takes place in October. The event looks back to a decade of success with a constantly growing audience growing beyond 250.000 visitors last year.
UPDATE: the landing page for the event went live a few days before the event, and will feature most of the reports on the event.
Interclassics Brussels, 15-17 November, Brussels, Belgium
The Interclassics Brussels was held for the fourth time last year. However, the organisers are far from being beginners, their main event, the Interclassics (Maastricht) is the most important classic car event in the Netherlands and celebrated its 25th anniversary last January. Even as a newcomer, Interclassics Brussels quickly established itself, thanks to the very active classic car culture of the region.
Unlike at the Techno Classica, manufacturers play a lesser role (although Porsche was celebrated by a magnificent anniversary stage last year, even if it was courtesy of collectors and the Belgian classic Porsche centre), the thematic stages do provide an impressive show, like the Big Five in 2017 or the 50’s stage last year.
The 2019 themes include great Italian designers and the Bentley Centenary. The fifth edition of InterClassics Brussels will pay tribute to five of the most legendary car designers in history. A unique collection of classic cars designed by Pininfarina, Bertone, Zagato, Touring and Ghia will be on display.
UPDATE: the landing page for the event is ready with links to the detailed articles.
Essen Motor Show, 30 November – 8 December, Essen, Germany
The Essen Motor Show can best be summarised as a European SEMA meets classic car show.
It can not be compared to the international car shows, but safe to say that EMS will leave its marks, with a clear aim to please everybody by offering everything on all fronts.
Last year, I could witness, VW’s electric Pikes Peak stormer ID R and Porsche’s 919 Nürburgring dominator,
I watched the training session of a drift championship, I marvelled all forms of beauty and was paralysed by shock and awe in the taverns of tuning.
