It All Started with 300 Vehicles – Looking Back at the First Edition of Retro Motor Show

Join us as we travel back to the inaugural edition of Retro Motor Show, when 300 classic vehicles filled the exhibition halls-from the iconic Ferrari Testarossa to the legendary Ikarus bus. See how the event has evolved over the past decade and why the 10th edition in 2026 will be bigger than ever.

An Experiment That Became a Passion

Do you remember that moment?

Before Retro Motor Show existed as a standalone event, classic vehicles were merely a small part of the spring edition of Poznań Motor Show. But on 4-6 November 2016, the halls of the Poznań International Fairgrounds were filled exclusively with automotive history for the very first time.

What began as an experiment quickly turned into a passion. Over the course of three days, around 20,000 visitors joined us, proving that Poland has a remarkable enthusiasm for classic vehicles and automotive heritage.

The Stars of the First Edition

Looking back today, that first exhibition-although smaller than current editions-was a true feast for enthusiasts.

More than 300 vehicles were on display. Mercedes-Benz dominated the exhibition, with models such as the W124 E500 and the powerful 500 SEC attracting crowds throughout the weekend.

Alongside them stood some of the most desirable icons of the 1980s and 1990s: the unmistakable Ferrari Testarossa, the sporty BMW 8 Series, numerous Porsche models and several Chevrolet Corvettes. British elegance was represented by a selection of Jaguars worthy of a James Bond film.

But Retro Motor Show 2016 was not only about youngtimers.

Visitors could travel back almost to the very beginnings of motoring. The Citroën AC4 from 1928 attracted significant attention alongside the famous Ford Model A and the Aero Type 20. French automotive history was particularly well represented, from the futuristic Citroën DS with its hydropneumatic suspension, to the legendary 2CV and the distinctive Citroën HY van.

One especially intriguing exhibit was the Citroën BL11, remembered in Poland as a vehicle associated with the country's post-war security services.

Polish Legends, the “Cucumber” Bus and a Rally Škoda

For many visitors, the greatest excitement came from seeing Polish automotive legends.

The Automobile Club of Greater Poland ensured that iconic models such as the Warszawa, Syrena, Fiat 125p and Fiat 126p were prominently displayed.

Poznań’s public transport operator, MPK, provided a nostalgic journey through the history of urban transportation by exhibiting historic Jelcz and Ikarus buses-some of which remained in regular service until 2010-as well as the beloved Jelcz 043, affectionately known as the “Cucumber.”

The exhibition also featured historic fire engines, some nearly 90 years old, vintage tractors, motorcycles and even bicycles.

Motorsport enthusiasts could admire a Škoda Favorit that had participated in the famous Złombol charity rally.

Many vehicles were also offered for sale. At the time, some rare Mercedes-Benz models were valued at as much as PLN 1.6 million. Visitors to the Auto Świat Classic stand could admire a unique collection of Opel vehicles, while automotive rarities such as the Lotus Omega and Buick Electra added an exotic touch to the exhibition.

A Decade of Change - From Static Exhibition to High-Energy Show

Looking at photographs from 2016, we can clearly see how far we have come together.

Back then, we celebrated an exhibition featuring 300 vehicles. Today, as we prepare for the 10th edition of Retro Motor Show, those figures seem remarkably modest. We now welcome more than three times as many vehicles, and the exhibition has expanded beyond anything we could have imagined a decade ago.

Retro Motor Show has also evolved far beyond a traditional static exhibition.

Today, it is a vibrant live experience where classic cars drift in dedicated demonstration areas, visitors can enjoy go-kart attractions, and live music fills the halls with the sounds of past decades. More and more guests arrive dressed in vintage-inspired outfits, helping to create the unique atmosphere that has become one of the event’s trademarks.

In 2016, we began writing this story.

In 2026, we want to write its most memorable chapter yet.

Join us for the special 10th anniversary edition of Retro Motor Show.