trailer world issue Three 2009

Rubrik 14 Issue Three 2009 celebrating 60 years of 2CV production, with the rediscovered 2CV prototypes dated 1939 showing that the idea of the minimalist car was born in France and not in India. Lovely cars for each and every day It transpires that the Tech- no-Classica is a car show not just for the rich. Together with the glossy polished collector vehicles, there always has been a traditional sales market for old and more recent vintage vehicles on the exhibi- tion grounds outside the halls. Depending on the particular genera- tion, childhood dreams can be satisfied at affordable prices, from the Opel Rekord dated 1953 with “jaw mouth” radiator for 9,500 Euro to a rare Ford Taunus 20 from the ‘70s for around 6,000 Euro. And so the Techno-Classica also offers what must be the most colourfully mixed bunch of visitors. None of whom are too proud to go down on their knees on finding the car they’ve been longing for. Logistics factor It might sound strange, but it is the top exhibits that have to be protected from all too curious eyes (and more). Pro- tection from the weather is one thing, protection from over-eager fans is something else entirely. Most dealers are more than willing to pay for professional cleaning experts who regularly remove dust and fingerprints from the shiny bodywork using special paintwork and chromium cleaning agents. An immaculate glossy polished sur- face is the best sales argument. And so all vehicles exhibited by the major dealers are brought exclusively in closed vehicle transporters to their destination. A number of forwarders, transport companies and international logistics providers such as Schenker or DHL have specialised in this particular service. Many customers buying top- priced vehicles would rather have them in their garage today instead of waiting another day. And so the expense involved in fitting the vehicles in special car racks for loading on a cargo aircraft don‘t figure in the equation at all. But it is vital for the transports to be professionally secured. While this again has its price, here too the expenditure involved is negligible compared to the costs for dealing with a dented wing or damaged rear light, which might even involve complicated reproduction. Logistics service providers not only offer door-to-door transport but also ensure that all the correct freight and customs papers are available, as well as the corresponding insurance. Cases where in- correct papers resulted in the disappearance of valuable vehicles in the never-never-land of the US-American customs warehouses are no exception to the rule. One last look at the valuable exhibition halls, then suddenly the clock strikes 6 p.m. and it‘s all over. Now the real work begins once again. Special caution is required to manoeuvre the vehicles out of the exhibition halls. It would be simply too exasperating for them to be damaged. Some of those vintage cars that have been sold go from Essen straight to their new owners, while others are made ready for the next show. (hs) Both sellers and buyers only let professionals get close to the expensive vehicles. Info The next Techno-Classica begins in Essen on 7 April 2010: www.siha.de/tce_uk.php It‘s also worth going to the Antwerp Classic Salon from 5 to 7 March 2010: www.siha.de/acs_uk.php. Photos:Spiegl

trailer world issue Three 2009

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