A McLaren 600LT is for sale at Klassikstadt for almost 271,000 euro. Klassikstadt houses more than 45 companies with a direct link to vintage cars, sports cars and racing. Hundreds of cars from different eras can be found here, and many are for sale. (Brian Ferguson/Stars and Stripes)
Even intelligent people like classic cars; however, some are embarrassed to admit it because many such cars are old, loud and guzzle enough gas to cause local station shortages.
If you want to see them, or maybe even buy one, Klassikstadt in Frankfurt, Germany, is the place to go. It is free and houses hundreds of cars spanning three floors. Inside the former Mayfarth agricultural machinery factory, there are more than 45 companies with a direct link to vintage cars, sports cars and race cars.
Upon entering, the first thing you will notice is the smell. For anyone who has owned or worked on a classic car, you will understand. It’s a mixture of old vinyl, rubber and oil, but it’s faint.
Spectators are greeted with two antique Rolls-Royce sedans. To the left, interested shoppers will find the McLaren and Lamborghini showrooms. Be advised, this section will make you feel poor.
If you have the money and do end up buying one of these impressive supercars, there also is a clothing store right next door. You will need a new wardrobe.
Further exploration of the building revealed an upholstery shop, a coffee shop, a bike shop, a toy store and a restaurant in the four-story building. There is more to see, but the fourth-floor door was locked when I visited.
Most everything in the toy store was automobile-related, and there was a Lego section.
The second and third floors, or the first and second German floors, reveal an array of European and American classics. Owners pay to leave their vehicles and have them serviced regularly. Guests can see these highly specialized workshops that maintain and restore rare cars.
The restaurant, Die Werkskantine, was immaculate. Open for lunch and dinner, their menu has a variety of food to give you energy to tour this massive building, and the prices are not bad. There also is an elevator for individuals who can’t or won’t climb stairs.
If you are in the market for a classic car, or you just want to look, Klassikstadt does not disappoint. Some of the cars are actually affordable. The 1967 Ford Mustang S-Code with a 390-cubic-inch engine was an interesting find. It was for sale, but did not have a listed price.
With so many cars in such a large building, Klassikstadt has something for everyone, even if you “don’t like classic cars.” We all know you do, though.
Just remember, on the drive there with your friends, Journey might come on the radio. You probably won’t sing along, but only because you’re embarrassed. When you’re alone, however, it’s game on, because everyone likes Journey, just like everyone likes classic cars, and who can resist singing along to “Don’t Stop Believing.”
Directions: Klassikstadt is located about three miles northeast of the Frankfurt city center.Address: Orber Str. 4A, 60386 Frankfurt am MainTimes: Mondays – Saturdays: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.Costs: Free; if you buy a car, up to $1 million or so.Food: Restaurant Die Werkskantine, serving lunch and dinner Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.Online:klassikstadt.de