Premiere: Opel Classic at Automechanika 2026 in Frankfurt am Main

• For classic car enthusiasts: The world’s largest B2B trade fair for the automotive industry driving networking initiative for heritage experts
• Legendary line-up: Opel Classic presents icons from the Patentmotorwagen ‘System Lutzmann’ to the Opel GT to motorsport cars like the Calibra V6 4x4 and Astra Kit Car as part of the ‘Classic Car Exhibition’
• A different kind of networking: From September 8 to 12, Opel’s unique history can be discovered at the Opel Classic booth F12 F74A in the outdoor exhibition area

From September 8 to 12, 2026, Frankfurt am Main in Germany will become the hub of the automotive world: Automechanika brings together the classic car community and international players from the automotive aftermarket to showcase innovations, trends and new technologies – and Opel Classic will be there for the first time with its own booth. What makes this year special is that the trade fair is offering a significantly expanded classic car programme.

Numerous exhibits from Rüsselsheim will also be attracting attention. The display in the outdoor area around the Opel Classic stand F12 F74A ranges from the Patentmotorwagen ‘System Lutzmann’ and the legendary Opel GT to motorsport vehicles such as the Calibra V6 4x4 and the Astra Kit Car. In this way, Opel Classic offers an in-depth insight into the company’s history, allowing visitors to discover vehicles spanning an entire century.

“Opel Classic’s participation at this year’s Automechanika is intended to highlight Opel’s unique history and bring it to life for an international trade fair audience. Visitors can view Opel models dating from 1899 to the year 2000, allowing them to experience automotive tradition and innovation ‘made in Germany’ at first hand. What’s more, our exhibits in the outdoor area provide a welcome change and invite visitors to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the trade fair,” said Leif Rohwedder, Head of Opel Classic.

Over 100 years of automobile history on display: Opel classics from 1899 to 2000

The Patentmotorwagen ‘System Lutzmann’ is inextricably linked to Opel’s early days as a car manufacturer. It was the first Opel ‘made in Rüsselsheim’ to roll off the production line in the spring of 1899. The horizontal 1,545 cm ³ single-cylinder engine, with a bore of 122 and a stroke of 132 millimetres, delivered a maximum power output of 3.5 hp at 650 min ^-1. This power was transmitted to the rear axle via a two-speed gearbox with a drive belt. The motor carriage’s top speed was around 20 km/h. After a few months, more powerful and faster versions were introduced.

The second-oldest Opel exhibit at this year’s Automechanika offers a real-life insight: the Opel Blitz LF8 TSA fire engine is a classic example of a fire engine from the 1950s and 1960s. It was based on the Opel Blitz commercial vehicle chassis; at the time, this Opel fire engine, which carried up to nine people, was equipped with a portable fire pump and a comprehensive range of fire-fighting equipment.

Speaking of practicality: this is also a key focus of many Opel concept cars. One of the best examples is the 1995 Opel MAXX, which is extraordinary in every respect. The MAXX design turned what was previously just a pipe dream into reality – a car whose space, features and appearance could be tailored precisely to individual requirements and tastes. With the MAXX, the Rüsselsheim-based company presented a vision of the future some 30 years ago for a possible entry into the Opel world.

The other exhibits from the 1960s to the 2000s demonstrate how Opel has always been able to stir emotions – particularly when it comes to sportiness. “Only flying is better…” – these four words are enough to stir a sense of longing and pure emotion. The Opel GT was launched in 1968. A sharply tapered silhouette – the characteristic ‘Coke bottle shape’ – pop-up headlights and distinctive details, defined its appearance and made it an icon of the 1960s and 1970s. And just as the slogan went down in advertising history as a classic, so too has the car itself. The Opel GT still exudes its irresistible charm today and remains a true dream car for many people.

Classics such as the Opel Manta ‘Targa Florio 1974’ wide-body racing car or the legendary Opel Calibra V6 4x4 from the DTM are also set to set the hearts of Automechanika visitors racing. Fitted with a 500 hp V6 engine, all-wheel drive and a sequential gearbox, the 1996 Calibra even went on to win the International Touring Car Championship (ITC). And the Opel Astra Kit Car, also on display in Frankfurt, is a production-based competition car in the Formula 2 Kit Car class, which was successfully used in both national and international rallying at the turn of the millennium.

All these legendary Opel vehicles will be on display for trade visitors at the Opel Classic stand (F12 F74A) at Automechanika from September 8 to 12,2026. Anyone wishing to dive deeper into the world and services of Opel’s parent company, Stellantis, will also have the opportunity to do so at the Frankfurt Exhibition Centre. The Stellantis representation in hall 9.0, booth F84-E84, is designed as a live workshop environment, enabling visitors to experience the full scope of the company’s service offering in a practical setting.