Classic Trader Portrait with Helmut und Katharina Gassmann
In our Classic Trader Portraits, we regularly introduce you to selected classic car dealers and people from the scene. This time with Helmut and Katharina Gassmann.
Please briefly introduce yourself and your company. What is your company’s speciality?
Helmut Gassmann
Gassmann GmbH is a third-generation family business, which was founded in 1946 by my parents Alfred and Katharina Gassmann and specialised in commercial vehicles and trailers.
I started supporting my parents at a young age and grew up in the growing family business. As a teenager, I discovered my enthusiasm for classic cars and sports cars. Through this passion, the Gassmann company gradually expanded its area of specialisation to include classic cars.
In 2015, my daughter Katharina Gassmann joined the company as the third generation.
Katharina Gassmann
What sets us apart from other companies is our large selection in both areas, with around 2,000 lorries and over 500 cars. Our stock is one of the largest and most diverse in Europe. We have something for every taste. So far, we have sold more than 3,000 classic and vintage cars!
When did you catch the ‘virus’ of classic vehicles? Was there a key experience in your childhood/youth that turned you into a classic car enthusiast?
Katharina Gassmann
Our whole family has always had ‘petrol in its blood’ and has always been surrounded by cars, sports cars and classic cars. Once you’ve experienced such a ‘motoring life’, it’s hard to give it up!
If I had to choose one particular experience, I always like to look back to my childhood. My father took my sisters and me on trips and to events in the industry in many different cars. I still remember how much fun we had.
Classic cars are never just about driving from A to B, every journey is an adventure in itself! The exciting engine noises, the pleasant warm air on your feet, the special smell of leather seats or the ‘thumbs up’ and happy faces as you drive past; for me there is nothing like it.
Helmut Gassmann
As a young teenager, I always had an eye for beautiful cars and started collecting as soon as I could. At the age of 18, I bought my very first 300 SL Gullwing, built in 1955, and after that I just couldn’t stop! My love for cars grew and so did my collection. I am very happy that I was able to turn my hobby into a profession!
What do you like most about your job – what do you like least?
Katharina Gassmann
What I like best about my job are the new experiences and different people every day. From my point of view, selling classic cars is something personal. You become part of an experience – and see the sparkle in people’s eyes when they see their ‘first car’ or one of their parents’ cars or even one they have dreamed of since they were young.
It’s a wonderful feeling to find a new ‘home’ for our cars.
Helmut Gassmann
I love my company, my job and my team – meeting new people and buying and selling cars. I’ve built up a good network over the years. Good contacts are crucial in this business. It’s also important to know how to make connections. When I see a particular car, I usually immediately think of one or more specific customers for it. My job energises me and with the support of my great team, I enjoy it every day.
There’s nothing I don’t like about my job. Of course, everyone has obstacles in everyday life and/or at work, but overcoming these difficulties has never been a problem for me personally.
Which brand(s) do you like? Which are your three favourite classics and why?
Katharina Gassmann
This is a difficult question for us, there are so many special brands. It’s impossible to narrow it down to three ‘favourite classics’ – every vehicle is very special in its own way – there are many vehicles with interesting histories, diverse designs and, above all, great driving characteristics!
What was the most unusual vehicle you’ve had to deal with so far?
Helmut Gassmann
A 1934 Mercedes-Benz 500 K Cabrio A Ex. ‘Irmgard von Opel’. This unique 500 K, manufactured at the Daimler-Benz plant in Sindelfingen, had a special body that was made just for Irmgard von Opel. We won the Best of Show in Pebble Beach with this car.
Value appreciation/preservation: Which horse should you back now? How do you think performance will develop over the next few years?
Katharina Gassmann
We are optimistic that classic and vintage cars in good and original condition have a positive future and good potential for value appreciation. Among the younger generations, we are already seeing a clear return of trends in the areas of fashion, culture, music and even cars. In the last two years, we have noticed an increase in young drivers who are more interested in classic and vintage cars.
Which do you think is the most underrated or overrated classic and why?
Helmut Gassmann
It’s constantly changing, so you can’t pick out two or three models. We believe that truly original cars are overlooked and sometimes undervalued in the classic car industry.
Do you see a generational change in the market for classic vehicles? If so, what do you think?
Helmut Gassmann
Yes, we at Gassmann are seeing and living the generational change at close quarters. For us, this change is more like growth. Tastes change over time and the classic car market will expand. But classic cars from the past will remain classics. Everyone has different preferences. To say that an entire generation likes or dislikes the same thing is unrealistic.
What is an absolute ‘taboo’ for you when it comes to classics?
Katharina Gassmann
Not to smile when driving a classic car.
Where does the topic of ‘classics’ end for you and, above all, why?
Katharina Gassmann
Everyone defines a ‘classic’ differently. What constitutes a classic car really depends on personal taste and changes over time. We don’t want to limit ourselves or other enthusiasts in this area. We love all cars, whether old or young!
Which modern vehicles do you think have the potential to become real classic cars in 30 years’ time?
Helmut Gassmann
Presumably, what is already rare and scarce today will also be seen as such in the future. Therefore, ‘limited series’ or ‘the last series’ of a model will have the potential to become collector’s vehicles.
How do you see the future of the classic car trade and what challenges are there?
Katharina Gassmann
For us, classic cars are a kind of art. They must be respected, appreciated and maintained. The future is bright and the market will expand. We need to keep the dream alive by promoting the passion and informing as many people as possible about the past and future of classic cars.
The challenge is to keep this passion alive in such a rapidly changing world.
Which vehicle would you definitely like to drive again and, above all, why?
Katharina Gassmann
Before it is sold – my father’s ‘Connaught B-Type racing car’ from 1954. He has since retired from his racing hobby – he took part in vintage Grand Prix races with this car almost every year, including at Monaco, Silverstone and the Nürburgring. It was always so fascinating to see him drive on these racetracks. I have great respect for a car like that, which won so many historic race victories in its day.
Helmut Gassmann
I have driven so many great cars in my life. One special car that I would love to drive is the Maybach Zeppelin. This beautiful car has always fascinated me.
In your opinion, what are the most beautiful routes that you can ‘experience’ in a classic car?
Katharina Gassmann
There are so many beautiful roads in Europe, but my absolute favourite routes are always through the Alps. Just drive into the mountains. Of course, the most important thing is always the vehicle!
Which classic car event would you recommend?
Helmut Gassmann
As far as trade fairs are concerned, Techno Classica Essen has always been a special event. Let’s see how it develops under the retro trade fair umbrella in the future.
But the best way to ‘experience’ the hobby is in a very practical way. The Marrakech Tour from ‘Rallystory’, the ArabellaClassics Route Salzburg and Trophée En Corse (Sardaigne – Corse) are three rallies that come to mind straight away, for example
What would you most like to give a ‘classic car newcomer’?
Katharina Gassmann
Think carefully about what you want to buy and for what reason. Do your research! Look at a few selected cars in different price categories to get a realistic feel for the current market. Ask the salesperson for a test drive and, if in doubt, bring someone with you.
CONTACT
Gassmann GmbH
Alte Bundesstr. 48
37120 Bovenden
Deutschland
Fotos Gassmann GmbH
Related Posts
Emil Frey Classic Auctions – Exclusive vehicles at an exclusive event
The Emil Frey Group has made a name for itself as a Swiss car dealer – in Switzerland and far beyond. Emil Frey, a trained mechanic, founded his first workshop in Zurich in 1924. Over the decades, the company has continued to develop and has recently started offering live auctions under the name Classic Auctions – with the company’s traditionally high standards. Continue reading Emil Frey Classic Auctions – Exclusive vehicles at an exclusive event
French entry-level classics – Appealing and affordable classic cars
Often ridiculed and even more often underestimated – classic cars from France often only fascinate students and Francophile enthusiasts, as the automotive heritage of the Grande Nation is often simply overlooked between strongholds such as Italy, England and Germany. Continue reading French entry-level classics – Appealing and affordable classic cars
Enzo Ferrari – Larger than Life
His dreams, his creatures, his victories – an attempt to get closer to Enzo Ferrari. Continue reading Enzo Ferrari – Larger than Life
