A Time Machine and Drifts – Retro Motor Show 2025 Is Behind Us

The ninth edition of Retro Motor Show has become part of history—and it was a history filled with the roar of engines, the smell of gasoline, and, at times, the smoke of burning rubber. For years, the event has attracted thousands of enthusiasts of classic and historic motoring. This year, the 27,127 visitors who attended the show over the course of three days experienced a true feast for both the eyes and the soul.

Decades of Automotive History Across Nearly 1,000 Vehicles

The halls of the Poznań International Fairgrounds were filled with no fewer than 966 vehicles. Visitors could admire elegant style icons, everyday vehicles from decades past, and exceptionally rare machines dating back to the earliest days of motoring. The exhibition also featured motorcycles, special-purpose vehicles such as tanks and aircraft, as well as tractors, buses, and miniature replicas.

Another Round of Awards Presented

This year once again saw the presentation of the Retro Motor Show Awards, with a total of 19 awards and distinctions handed out. The event also celebrated the 10th anniversary of WTC Watch This Car.

Award winners in individual categories:

Best Debut: Cars Verde
Heavyweight Award: Lanz Bulldog, “Traktor i Maszyna” Club
American Dream: Dodge Viper, Classic Group
Display of the Year: Car911
Best Youngtimer: BMW Z1 Alpina, WTC Watch This Car
Best Oldtimer: 1906 Sears, Bemot Classic
Best Preserved Original Condition: Ford V8, Muzeum Polskie Drogi
Best Atmosphere: Retro Banda
Best Polish Vehicle: 4-door Cinquecento (Beskid 1703)
Best Motorcycle: Bzyk Raider
Special Mention: Peel P50, Muzeum Wena

Special Awards:

75th Anniversary of the Volkswagen Transporter
Złombol

Best Vehicle:

Syrena 607, Muzeum Wena
Citroën SM, Amicale Citroën Pologne
Lotus Esprit S2 JPS No. 26, Novanta Classics

Best Stand:

Bemot Classic
Herkules Auto-Technika
Automobilklub Bytowski

The Oldest, the Smallest – The Best of the Best

The show would not have been complete without truly exceptional and unique exhibits. The 1906 Sears Motor Buggy, displayed by Bemot Classic, was the oldest vehicle at the event.

Another crowd favourite was the four-door Fiat Cinquecento prototype, rediscovered after many years and presented to the public once again.

Visitors could also see the Peel P50, the smallest production vehicle in the world and a holder of a Guinness World Record.

The audience also enjoyed anniversary exhibitions celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Volkswagen Transporter, the 70th anniversary of the Citroën DS, and the 50th anniversary of the Volkswagen Golf at the Automobilklub Bytowski stand. Collectors and museums also showcased models that are rarely seen in public.

Drift Debut – A Spectacle Like Never Before

One of the biggest highlights of this year’s edition was the introduction of drift demonstrations, a first in the history of Retro Motor Show. Visitors watched some of Poland’s best drifters prove that drifting is not only a sport but also an art form.

The contrast between century-old classics displayed inside the halls and slightly younger machines dancing across the asphalt gave the event an entirely new dimension.

Among the vehicles offering drift taxi rides was a true classic. The 1929 Ford A “Karaluch” (“Cockroach”) had been extensively modified by its current owners and adapted specifically for track-based drifting demonstrations.

Meetings, Conversations and a Retro Atmosphere

Retro Motor Show is about more than chrome, paintwork and engine noise. It is also a gathering place for enthusiasts, travellers, mechanics, content creators and museum curators.

The main stage in Pavilion 5 became a space where automotive stories came to life. Arkady Paweł Fiedler and Jarzyna Film shared tales from their adventures in Fiat 126p “Maluch” cars, Piotr “Mobilny” Jamroś recounted stories from life as a travelling mechanic, and the team from the WENA Motor Museum revealed behind-the-scenes stories of discovering automotive treasures from decades past.

The atmosphere was completed by live music from JJ & Złote Lata Band, whose performances transported visitors back to bygone eras, while retro dance parties helped everyone travel even further through time.