Bremen Classic Motorshow: classic car festival in eight halls

A Bulli on rails - it sounds strange at first, but it was actually a reality for many years. The German Federal Railways relied on Bulli trolleybuses from 1955. One of these rail vehicles based on the VW T1 is now being shown for the first time in Bremen and is undoubtedly a highlight of the classic car event. For collectors, fans and restorers of historic vehicles, the Bremen Classic Motorshow, which always takes place at the end of January, has marked the start of the classic car season for more than 20 years.

Since the first event in 2003 on the grounds of Messe Bremen, the event has become a fixture on the scene. Last year, more than 46,000 people visited the Oldie Festival. This year, from January 30 to February 1, numerous highlights will be presented on more than 52,000 square meters. In addition to classic vehicle models, around 730 dealers and private vendors from ten nations will be offering cars, motorcycles, spare parts and restoration materials for sale.

The rail model is an unsellable showpiece that comes to Bremen from the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles collection in Hanover just to be admired. Officially named Klv 20, the vehicle was based on the body of the Volkswagen T1, which was mounted on an additional main frame and powered by a 28 hp petrol boxer engine. With the help of a mechanical lever device, the Bulli-Draisine could be turned on the spot, thus changing the direction of travel on the track. This made the rail trolley ideal for maintenance and inspection trips. A total of 30 Bulli trolleybuses were in service with the Bundesbahn until the 1970s.

The trolleybus is just one of the rarities that the Volkswagen Group is exhibiting in Bremen this year. Another is the original Golf GTI. The "Sport Golf", which made its debut in 1976, is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. The first generation of the Golf GTI alone sold more than 460,000 units. VW is therefore showcasing a GTI duo from the first generation, which rolled off the production line until 1983: on the one hand, a spruced-up standard GTI from 1979 in bright "Mars red". On the other, a GTI from 1983 that shows clear signs of wear. This is no coincidence, but the result of the journey the car has just completed. The model took part in one of the toughest classic car rallies of all: LeJog. The race covers 2400 kilometers over hill and dale and through numerous streams in Great Britain. And the GTI is now in Bremen in exactly the same condition in which it crossed the finish line.

The Autostadt celebrates another VW anniversary at the Bremen Classic Motorshow: the start of series production of the Beetle at the end of 1945. Three exhibits from the Zeithaus collection document the model's success story: one of the first Beetle models from December 1945; a cutaway model that provides an insight into the technology; and the one millionth Beetle, which was produced in 1955 and painted gold to illustrate its sales success.

Audi provides a glimpse into the more recent past. In Bremen, the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer is focusing on the premiere of the Audi A3 30 years ago. From 1996, the Audi based on the Golf offered an alternative to all those who found the all-rounder from Wolfsburg too boring and has since sold millions of units.

One of the biggest crowd-pullers at the Bremen Classic Motorshow are the annually changing special exhibitions. A special exhibition in 2026 is dedicated to the topic of 4x4 performance. So everything revolves around four-wheel drive. "To see the twelve candidates for this year's special show outside of the Bremen Classic Motorshow, classic car enthusiasts would have to travel all over Germany," the organizer proudly claims. Among the vehicles that will be on display is a Jensen FF. The sports car from the British manufacturer Jensen from 1966 was only built 320 times. And it made automotive history, as it was the first production car ever to have permanent four-wheel drive.

Of course, the model that ultimately made all-wheel drive popular is also on display: the Audi Ur-Quattro, which was produced from 1980 onwards. Also part of the special show is a Ford RS 200, which was originally designed for the Group S rally. However, the new rally vehicle category planned for 1988 was ultimately never introduced by the international motorsport association FIA, as there had been numerous fatal accidents in the run-up to the event.

A second special show focuses on Italian motorcycles. More specifically: On the models with a displacement of up to 440 cubic centimeters that were manufactured between 1950 and 1993. "A segment that has long been overshadowed by large sports bikes," says the organizer. From lightweight single cylinders to compact four-cylinders, a wide range of these two-wheelers is represented. The special show comprises a total of 24 exhibits. Motorcycle enthusiasts will be delighted, as "the exhibition traces the stylistic development over four decades and pays tribute to the innovative spirit of Italian motorcycle construction in small format."

The Bremen Classic Motorshow takes place from January 30 to February 1. Opening hours are from 9 am to 6 pm. The day ticket costs 18 euros.