Swiss Classic World 2025: A Retrospective on a Car Show that Connects Generations

On Sunday, June 1st, under flawless sunshine, the three-day Swiss Classic World 2025 came to a close. This event is not only the largest young- and oldtimer fair in Switzerland, but also one that connects generations in the truest and best sense of the word. streetwheelz1 was on site and immersed itself in the classic car atmosphere.

For three days, Lucerne was entirely dedicated to classic cars. The fair has now been held in Central Switzerland for over ten years and has long achieved cult status. Some visitors may even keep their admission wristband at home as a souvenir.

The Horwerstrasse, which runs directly past the exhibition grounds, is rarely as attractive as it is during the Swiss Classic World. While the regular traffic moved from A to B in a visually monotonous way, the classics brought special highlights from Friday to Sunday. As a car spotter, you could simply stand on the sidewalk and watch as beauties from another era passed by every few seconds (e.g. Packard Eight Convertible from the 1930s, Porsche 356 Coupé from the 1960s, Ford Mustang Mach 1 from the 1970s).

Inside the exhibition halls, a wide variety of themes were once again represented. From parts suppliers, restoration companies, and car clubs to model builders, book dealers, and classic car dealers. International brand representatives, museums, and providers of special tools and care products were also present. In addition to these static highlights, the fair offered numerous opportunities to experience the classics in action as a spectator or to actively participate as an owner.

On all three days of the fair, various presentations took place in Hall 2, focusing on typical topics for classic car owners such as “E-fuel for classic cars – current developments in synthetic fuels,” “Oil is not just oil – an insight into viscosity, properties, and applications,” and “What matters in vehicle paintwork – Glasurit Classic Car Color.”

Saturday included the theme “Forever Young.” Youngtimers arrived at Hall 2 after a drive from the Mall of Switzerland and were presented to the audience. Later, the Oldtimer Galerie Toffen auctioned off a total of 50 selected classics. The vehicles had previously been displayed in a tent in the outdoor area, including a Ferrari 250 GT Coupé by Pininfarina, estimated at around CHF 500,000. Also spectacular was a racing car trio consisting of a Lola T540 Formula Ford, a March Formula 2, and a Ralt RT3 Formula 3.

A special experience for classic car owners was the rally, which meandered from Lucerne into the canton of Aargau. This event was not about setting the fastest time, but about completing all tasks with sensitivity (driving precision, navigation, maneuvering).

Sunday featured the program point “Harder Than Steel.” This tour focused on historic vehicles, which eventually rolled across the ramp of Exhibition Hall 2. The following event, titled “Old Cars for Young People,” aimed to find a new temporary owner for a Porsche 944 and a VW Beetle 1300, each of whom could use the car for one year. Six young applicants had qualified for the final and then had the opportunity on stage to convince the jury with their arguments.

The competition addresses a topic that is extremely important to the organizers of the Swiss Classic World: promoting young talent and passing on the passion for classic cars. Although many young people are interested in cars, they often focus on modern vehicles. When an MGB from the 1960s drives through the city today, you’re more likely to see an older person behind the wheel than someone in their twenties. There’s nothing wrong with that per se. But just like a house that deteriorates when its owners move out and leave it empty, even the most beautiful classic car is doomed to decay if no one takes care of it later. It’s similar to cultural traditions that must be preserved and passed on to the next generation to survive.

The issue is probably not that young people can’t be just as passionate about classic cars as older ones, but rather that certain barriers exist. Social media is full of modern supercars and hypercars that immediately grab attention with their sound and attitude, while classic cars display a graceful but restrained presence. And classics are indeed demanding: you must truly be invested – not just financially, but emotionally as well. One important barrier may simply be a lack of knowledge, reinforced by the absence of everyday contact.

An interview session titled “Who’s continuing the legacy?” introduced three young individuals who are already deeply rooted in the classic car scene. The example of Laura (24), Léon (24), and Silvan (25), who restore American cars in their workshop “Ladiges Classic Cars,” is definitely encouraging.
Events like the Swiss Classic World can serve as a bridge, offering low-threshold access to what’s possible and why classic cars are so fascinating. The next edition is already stirring anticipation.

The next Swiss Classic World will take place from May 29 to May 31, 2026. More information can be found at https://www.swissclassicworld.ch/en

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About the Organizer

Since 2014, SWISS CLASSIC WORLD in Lucerne has been the leading classic car fair in Switzerland and positions itself as a central platform for the entire classic car scene. It offers professionals and enthusiasts the opportunity to network in a modern and attractive setting and to experience classic cars in all their facets. The event focuses on quality rather than quantity and complements existing events without competing with them. The program is reviewed and further developed each year to meet the needs of the scene. The next SWISS CLASSIC WORLD will take place from May 29 to May 31, 2026.

Venue / Address
Messe Luzern
Messegelände Allmend
Horwerstrasse 87
CH – 6005 Lucerne

Future dates of SWISS CLASSIC WORLD
May 29 – 31, 2026
May 28 – 30, 2027
May 26 – 28, 2028

Website: https://www.swissclassicworld.ch/en

Written by cr