Events - Essen Motorshow 98

Essen/Germany, November 27 - December 6, 1998

The Essen Motor Show, which is held annually in November or December at the city of Essen in Germany’s Ruhr area, is Germany’s second most important show for the motor trade; only Frankfurt’s IAA is more important and does attract more visitors. In 1998, the show was held between November 27 and December 6; 550 exhibitors from many European countries had come to Essen, 18 halls provided at total space of 90.000 m² for the numerous displays.

The Essen Motor Show (or simply "EMS") is the most important exposition for the tuning trade. But all the important car manufacturers are usually present as well, as are some classic car dealers. The latter’s stands are located in Hall 6; in recent years, the EMS has lost a part of its importance – the "Techno Classica", which is held at Essen, too, in spring has "absorbed" a remarkable contingent of classic and exotic car dealers. However, last but not least there’s always a so-called "Showcenter" which is located in the exhibition area’s basement. There one can admire a collection of particularly interesting and/or rare classic-, show- and race-cars which are not for sale but on display to cover a particular "theme" or topic; e.g. in 1997, there had been a special display of cars related to Phil Hill’s racing career.

In 1998, one had decided to arrange a display of Ferrari automobiles to celebrate Enzo Ferrari’s 100^th birthday.


Most of the cars were already well-known to dyed-in-the-wool enthusiasts, but one had also brought two steeds to Essen which were not seen too often: Nick Mason’s 512 S s/n 1026 and a 333 SP, s/n 021, owned and to be raced by Dutchman Dick Waaijenberg.



Apart from these cars, one could see Sally Mason-Styrron’s 166 MM Barchetta Touring (s/n 0040M), the gorgeous 375 MM Spider Pinin Farina s/n 0370AM and the dramatic 250 Testa Rossa Spider Scaglietti s/n 0742TR (both from Peter Gläsel’s collection),



Bernie Carl’s Dino 268 SP s/n 0798 and the 312 PB s/n 0886 of Modena Motorsport. All cars were nicely presented in a separated area in the Showcenter. The 375 MM, the 250 TR and the Dino 268 SP had been put on lifts which occasionally lifted the cars up and rotated them, so the visitors were enabled to see the splendid automobiles from every angle.

It is not very likely that there will be a similar display dedicated to Ferrari at the 1999 Essen Motor Show, but some of Maranello’s best are always to be seen at the occasion. Just be there between November 26 and December 5, 1999!

Andreas Birner