HISTORY

Becoming the largest European market for veterans and classics

What is the meaning of "VETERAMA"?

Nothing else hides behind this abbreviation as the term “Veteran Market”. What started back in 1975 in Mannheim as an idea of collectors Winfried A. Seidel and Walter Metz, meanwhile developed itself to the biggest veteran market in Europe

Since that time, more than 3000 exhibitors from all over Europe appear on the second weekend in October. They meet with more than 50.000 collectors, seeking for desired parts.

To avoid long waiting periods for collectors to get their desired parts, a couple fo years ago, a second VETERAMA was brought, which is held in spring time. The VETRAMA in Ludwigshafen is divided in two weekends for cars (A) and motorbikes (M).

Why "VETERAMA"?

Whoever is laying his eyes on a lovingly tended automobile or motorbike from past eras, can’t sense how much work is needed to restore and obtain such a vehicle. These witnesses of engineer achievements stood forgotten in barns and storage rooms for years until they’d been discovered by aficionados. More then 2000 working hours are necessary, to transfer such a vehicle back to the state when it once left the gate of the manufacturers plant. Parts, eventually been dismantled, are often missing, or aged sheet metal eaten away by the ravages of time, needs to be replaced.

"The rustiest hobby of the world" would have come to a hold, if there hadn’t been one idea back in 1975: "VETERAMA"

From an insider- to a cult event

What began, back in 1975, as a insider event in the old “Kannenberg Hall”, has meanwhile become the largest European market for veterans and classics. More than 3000 exhibitors from all over Europe appear on the second weekend in October. They meet with more than 50.000 collectors, hobbyists and these kind of people who want to become one. You have to cover a distance of 26 kilometers on the VETERAMA fair grounds to visit every booth once.

A first highlight for the VETERAMA came in 1980 when the magazine “Markt für klassische Automobile” (Market for classic automobiles) was introduced at the VETERAMA. 30 years, that is indeed a long time. Cars and motorbikes, which had been presented as exhibition novelties of the automobile industry, became classics in the meantime. VETERAMA can refer itself as a classic or in fact a “youngtimer” as we call a soon-to-be classic in Germany.

In the classic collectors scene VETERAMA has gained a particular significance.
Many historical vehicles supposably would have been condemned to stand still, if it wasn’t for VETERAMA.

Parts which turned up in backyards and workshop in the early years, or which could be tracked down on basement racks by chance, are manufactured in limited-lot production. There are tires in old dimensions, chrome-plated bumpers, radiator grills, hubcaps, rear-view mirrors and decorative battens.

Through VETERAMA arose a small supplying industry, which is constantly growing. Manufacturing companies like Daimler Chrysler; BMW, VW, Opel, Audi and Porsche have founded historical departments to support their classic vehicles.
The history of mobility is shown in impressive way in the museums of the big automobile manufacturers. All this didn’t exist thirty years ago.
In museums owned by companies, history is displayed. All this didn’t exist thirty years ago.

An additional appreciation for VETERAMA came with the opening to the east. New classic parts emerged on the market and vehicles considered to be lost, suddenly emerged.

And VETERAMA always was right in the middle of the classic scene.
And over the years everything came back to Mannheim, what was started with the patent motor vehicle of Carl Benz in 1886 .
The history of mobility. Mannheim has become the city of the historical automobile to classic vehicle owners from all over the world.

Annual on the second weekend of October one meet in the Carl Benz city on the largest classic vehicle market in Europe, to search for parts, to buy vehicles, to exchange experiences and to meet friends. Or just to be present.

In order that our competent public doesn’t have to wait a long time till October, there is a VETERAMA season prelude in spring. Traditionally VETERAMA Ludwigshafen in April opens the season for the handicraft guild of two- and four-wheeled classic aficionados.
In the Friedrich-Ebert-Hall, know through TV as a arena of light show programs, not just dealers and collectors shall meet there, also Clubs for classic vehicles will be present. The open-air ground around the Friedrich-Ebert-Hall will be the habitat of spare parts, accessories, reading, tools and , all kind of historical technique.
Who is seeking for new activities in the workshop or garage at home, could find nearly everything in Ludwigshafen.

VETERAMA Ludwigshafen takes place on two consecutive weekends in April, divided in A+ M (automobiles + motorbikes) and M (Motorbikes).

With VETERAMA, also after 30 years, your classic vehicles will drive to a safe future.

So long…and a safe ride!