Official release: From 5 April to 9 April 2017, the trade fair complex in Essen will once again be the meeting point for the international classic car scene. BMW Group Classic will be opening up completely new perspectives this year for visitors to the world’s biggest specialist exhibition for classic cars. The highlights from the history of the company are not simply being presented at a new location. They can be found behind a facade with an exceptional decorative design. The focus there is on particularly striking innovations from the company’s model and technology history. Twelve pioneering vehicles from the years 1936 to 1995 tell this story under the motto of “Our DNA: Innovation”.

MINI at the 2017 Techno Classica

The most spectacular motor-sport success in the history of the MINI brand is also celebrated in Essen. 50 years ago, Finnish racing driver Rauno Aaltonen achieved overall victory in the classic Mini at the Monte Carlo Rally. In January 1967, Aaltonen drove his Mini Cooper S across the Monaco finishing line in a bravura end to the race. After 1964 and 1965, the little car from the United Kingdom had long since been elevated to the status of darling of the public. This was the third time that the Mini had succeeded in beating the significantly more powerful competition.

“Club Stories”: from classic cars, their owners and their history.

Apart from this year’s special anniversaries, BMW Group Classic is also presenting lots of other unusual vehicles from all the eras in the history of BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad. The exceptionally diverse range of exhibits in Essen is due not least to the efforts of BMW and the Mini Clubs. Once again, they have played a leading role in putting together the collection for the exhibition of historic vehicles.

Their dedication to engineering and tradition makes the members of the clubs authentic ambassadors for each particular brand. They demonstrate this enthusiasm with their commitment to caring for their precious treasures and their willingness to share their expert knowledge with newcomers to the classic scene. Their passion is reflected in exciting stories of discovery, restoration and not least driving valuable classic cars. They provide the content for the “Club Stories” that are retold at Techno Classica 2017. These tales provide a particularly vibrant picture of the pleasure to be gained from being passionate about historic vehicles.