The vehicles on show at the Schloss Bensberg Classics, now in its sixth year, are choice legends of automotive history and true masterpieces of technology. True to its motto, ‘Very important cars only’, the premium class classic car event is above all distinguished by the exclusiveness and exceptional quality of the classic automobiles taking part. Leica Camera AG has been the official photography partner of the event since 2009, the first year of the Schloss Bensberg Classics.

This year, René Staud, the master of automobile photography, returned to the wonderful setting to capture the vehicles taking part in the ‘Concours d’Elégance’ with equipment from the Leica S-System. A photo studio in which the cars were portrayed was installed especially for this purpose in the garage of the Schloss Hotel. Premium prints of the results were later displayed in the ballroom of the Grand Hotel.

In addition, prominent participants at the Schloss Bensberg Classics – like motor racing legends Jacky Ickx or Hans-Joachim Stuck – were given the opportunity to secure themselves exclusive portraits against a backdrop of historic vehicles. Leica professional Jean-Jacques Karatchian photographed the guests with the S-System. Leica once again donated a specially designed trophy for the winner of the ‘Concours d’Elegance’ in the category ‘Best unrestored condition’ – this year, in the form of an ‘unrestored’ Leica M8.
– Leica Internet Team
Learn more about the Schloss Bensberg Classics 2014 here. See images from René Staud of the event here.