From a Modest Display to the Capital of Polish Classics: A Decade of Retro Motor Show History

For some, classic vehicles are a reliable investment. For others, they represent a lifelong passion or a nostalgic journey back to a time when engineering was considered an art form. In Poland, the undisputed leader of this growing market is Retro Motor Show – the country’s largest and most prestigious exhibition dedicated to classic and historic vehicles

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On 18-20 September 2026, our exhibition halls will host a special 10th anniversary edition of the event. To celebrate the occasion, we have prepared a special allocation of tickets at the lowest price, available only until 1 June.

The Road to Becoming a Market Leader

Our story proves the enormous potential of Poland’s classic vehicle community. It all began in November 2016, when we decided to create a dedicated space for classic motoring enthusiasts. Until then, the historic vehicle exhibition had been only a modest addition to the spring edition of Poznań Motor Show.

The first standalone edition turned out to be a huge success. Around 300 vehicles were displayed in our halls – from iconic Ford Model As, Rolls-Royces and powerful American road cruisers to familiar sights from Polish roads, including Warszawas, Syrenas and Fiats. The event immediately attracted around 20,000 visitors from across the country, giving us the green light to further develop the project.

Our ambitions grew rapidly. The 2017 edition featured 450 vehicles across six exhibition halls and welcomed 25,000 visitors. In 2018, attendance reached a new milestone – nearly 37,000 people came to see more than 700 vehicles, including a special collection of 100 vehicles presented by the Automobile Club of Greater Poland to mark the centenary of Poland’s regained independence.

In 2019, we approached the symbolic threshold of one thousand exhibits. Highlights included a unique Porsche Speedster collection brought directly from the museum in Stuttgart and the legendary Lotus Omega. Poznań officially became Poland’s capital of classic motoring.

Surviving the Turn and Coming Back Stronger

In 2020, the momentum came to an abrupt halt as the pandemic forced us to cancel the event at the height of its popularity. However, 2021 became a year of determination and resilience. Despite sanitary restrictions, the desire to reconnect through a shared passion for motoring remained stronger than ever, making Retro Motor Show one of the three largest events organised at our venue during that period.

The following years marked a return to the very top. In 2022, we showcased 880 vehicles across 35,000 square metres of exhibition space. The 2023 edition went down in history as an unprecedented success – more than 25,000 visitors attended without the support of combined tickets with other events, while the legendary Ferrari F40 became the main attraction.

During the 2024 and 2025 editions, we proved that tradition and modern entertainment can go hand in hand. The ninth edition featured 966 vehicles, including rare collections celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Volkswagen Transporter, the 70th anniversary of the Citroën DS, and the prototype Syrena 607 Hatchback. One of the biggest surprises for visitors was the introduction of dynamic drift demonstrations performed by classic vehicles, bringing a completely new energy to the event.

A Multi-Dimensional Retro Experience

Today, Retro Motor Show is much more than a static exhibition. Its success lies in its interactive and multi-dimensional format, built around several complementary zones.

Exhibition and Marketplace
A space where visitors can admire unique collections from museums and automobile clubs, but also leave the event as owners of their very own classic vehicle. The Classic Vehicle Marketplace offers dozens of vehicles for sale and direct consultations with professional appraisers.
Restoration Academy
A place where professionals demonstrate live restoration techniques and show how historic vehicles are brought back to life. It is an invaluable source of knowledge for experienced mechanics and students of automotive schools alike.
Culture and Lifestyle
The Fashion Zone allows visitors to step back in time through authentic vintage-inspired styling. Guests wearing complete period outfits can take advantage of a special discounted ticket. Live swing concerts and retro dance parties complete the experience, creating an atmosphere unlike any other among hundreds of classic vehicles.

Mission: Anniversary Edition. Official Announcement of the 10th Edition

A historic milestone lies ahead. We are proud to confirm that the celebration of a decade of Retro Motor Show will take place on 18–20 September 2026 at the Poznań International Fairgrounds.

While the detailed programme and the list of special exhibits remain a closely guarded secret, Project Director Bartosz Dembiński promises that expectations are set exceptionally high:

“Retro Motor Show has successfully connected generations while bringing together commerce, restoration and passion for many years. We are making every effort to ensure that the anniversary edition surpasses all previous editions and positively surprises even those who have been with us since the very beginning.”