Automechanika Frankfurt establishes new B2B network
New Classic Alliance presented at the ‘Golden Classic’ awards ceremony
21 Oct 2025
Which cars are considered the great classics from a German perspective? On 16 October, AUTO BILD KLASSIK presented the winners of its reader survey for the 16th time in the Autostadt Wolfsburg. The new Classic Alliance of Automechanika Frankfurt was also presented at this festive event.
Classic cars and modern classics were nominated in five categories for the ‘Classic of the Year’ award – each category consisting of model series celebrating a milestone anniversary, i.e. those that came onto the market exactly 20, 30, 40 or 50 years ago. This ensures new and exciting candidates every year.
These are the winners
Classic of the Year, Small Cars & Compact Cars: VW Beetle Type 51
Classic of the Year, Saloon Cars: Citroën DS
Classic of the Year, Sports Cars & Coupés: VW Karmann-Ghia (Type 14)
Classic of the Year, Convertibles & Roadsters: Mercedes 190 SL
Classic of the Year, Off-road Vehicles & Vans: Unimog 404
In addition to the audience awards, the editorial team also selected the winners in the categories ‘Find of the Year’, ‘Restoration of the Year’ and ‘Person of the Year’. The festive award ceremony was hosted by Autostadt and Automechanika Frankfurt.
Automechanika Frankfurt founds Classic Alliance
Following the award ceremony, Automechanika presented its newly founded network, ‘Classic Alliance’. This move comes as no surprise, given the growing global interest in classic vehicles. The new international B2B network specifically connects the classic and modern classic car scene with the automotive aftermarket. The aim is to pool the classic car expertise of manufacturers and industry in order to create synergies and identify new business potential for workshops, retailers and industry. The initiative is supported by the international classic car association FIVA and partners Bosch, DAT, Eucon and ROWE.
‘Our strategic partnership with Automechanika underlines our confidence in the growth potential of the historic vehicle business.’
‘The B2B Classic Car Network promises to make a valuable contribution to the classic car community in the future.’
‘We want to support the network so that people can experience beautiful young and old timers, these rolling witnesses to history, live and not just admire them in museums or books.’
With the Classic Car Network, the organisers are creating a platform for exchange, cooperation and new business models in a billion-pound market that revolves around old and young timers, collector's cars and supercars. ‘The DNA of our trade fair brand lies in bringing together leading players from industry, workshops and trade – and this also applies to the Classic Alliance,’ says Michael Johannes, Brand Manager Automechanika. ‘We cordially invite everyone to become part of this network and shape the future of the classic car business together.’
What are the benefits for members of the Classic Alliance?
Exclusive industry insights
Invitations to events
Access to an international network of industry, trade and workshops
Classic car experts and enthusiasts can now register for the network free of charge:
Meeting place for the classic community at Automechanika 2026
From 8 to 12 September 2026, the classic community will meet in Hall 11 for daily networking happy hours and a varied supporting programme curated by Jürgen Book, classic car expert and paint specialist. A special highlight will be the presentation of the ‘Golden Classic’ award by AUTO BILD KLASSIK on the evening of 8 September 2026.
