The future needs roots: The fascination
of vintage cars
Inventive spirit, pioneership, sustainability, design icons and a lot more can be associated with the fascination for vintage cars. Yet that is clearly not the whole story: around 130 years ago, independently of one another, Carl Benz in Mannheim and Gottlieb Daimler in Bad Cannstatt boldly sparked what, with hindsight, can be called one of the most important revolutions in human history: in 1886, they invented the car and paved the way for an industry that was to become symbolic for Baden-Württemberg and the whole German economy – the automotive industry.
Its development was spearheaded at the beginning of the 20th century with path-breaking engineering, construction and design achievements; the benchmark for all things auto- motive, it still enjoys unabated popularity. A vibrant vintage car scene has evolved over time, which cannot be reduced to the pleasure of displaying these automobiles. The community shares a positive affirmative view of life, and pays tribute to traditions and status of the car as cultural heritage. That they are far from being alone is shown by the growing enthusiasm of the many spectators who regularly flock to cities and villages to see vintage car rallies as they roar by.
The automotive industry has also noticed that upholding traditions is a key component of brand and corporate philosophy. In today’s digital and transient world, in which one innovation comes hot on the heels of the next, and the challenges of alternative drives or autonomous driving loom in the near future for modern pioneers, many manufacturers are looking back increasingly to their roots. Promises of finding long-term solutions to latter-day challenges can be found in the milestones of their own history, in their achievements and proven recipes for success. It is not without reason that the car industry has invested substantially in recent years in cultivating tradition. Model examples include the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum as beacons of upholding traditions with a great public appeal, magically attracting flocks of visitors from around the globe to Stuttgart and the region. The interplay between a fascinating display of automotive history and interested audiences shows the vibrancy of the vintage car market. Virtually since they were opened, these two museums have become the most popular in Baden-Württemberg.
Kienle-Restaurierung: Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezialroadster aus dem Baujahr 1939
And not only this market works – people and companies involved in trading original vehicles also feel duty bound to provide permanent access to these unique treasures so that can be experienced at first hand and explored. Expert restoration, repair and maintenance call for genuine trust on the part of vintage car lovers. Originality and preserving value are the main priorities of companies, especially those in Baden-Württemberg, so close to the roots of automobility, which offer a brand-independent selection of cars, service, restoration and spare parts to a fast-growing circle of customers. These experts are very close to the scene, and sometimes a living part of it, forming an interface between manufacturers and vintage car lovers from all over the world.
Another important link are the international shows that have been enjoying popularity for many years. This is not only reflected in the positive upturn in visitor figures, but far more in the growing internationality of guests and exhibitors. Two of these leading international shows take place annually in Germany, one of which in Stuttgart. Here, trends are de ned, vintage cars bought and sold and the new vintage car season planned in the annual calendar of events. Trade fairs and similar events have gained in importance as they provide the space, time and subjects to meet with kindred spirits or experts for an intensive exchange of ideas or network on an informal basis. It is no wonder that many refer to a large vintage car family that is constantly gaining additions around the globe.
“We restore classic Mercedes cars with traditional workmanship, advanced precision techniques and decades of experience.”
Klaus Kienle
Kienle Automobiltechnik, Heimerdingen
The unabated and growing boom in the vintage car sector is accounted for by current exceptionally high profits in the business according to some automobile and financial experts. Hardly any other investment achieves anything like the gain in value enjoyed by classic cars. On the face of it, the reasons are obvious: the shortage of good vintage cars, the growing number of enthusiasts and demography – many of the current vintage car owners were unable to afford them before, but now they can – and the many risks posed by financial markets. Yet even adding up all these aspects still does not explain the huge popularity enjoyed by vintage cars. For that, we need to look further to so-called soft factors. The commitment to traditions and values, a pride in one’s own personal achievements, making a culture statement, upholding a passion or attitude to life round of this success story, the climax of which is still a long way off, for the present-day automotive industry has still not reached the end of its triumphal passage. More episodes will follow, made all the easier by the contemplation of past triumphs. After all, the future needs roots.
Enrico Müller