For the Good of the Future of Classic Cars

The 2024 TCCT Forum at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart marked a milestone for the classic car world. Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH and Roarington AG signed a letter of intent to create a digital twin of the museum within Roarington, bringing Mercedes-Benz Classic into the digital future.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH, emphasized in his speech: “With over 13 million visitors since 2006, our museum is one of the most renowned worldwide. Now, we take the next step—bringing our heritage into the digital space with Roarington, unlocking a whole new dimension of interaction.”

Keynotes from Prof. Markus Gross and Fritz Kaiser highlighted how AI, the Metaverse, and digital innovation are reshaping the classic car world. Kimi Räikkönen, Roarington Ambassador and Formula One Champion, took on the simulator, setting a reference lap with the digital twin of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing—challenging participants to beat his time.

The Forum concluded with optimism: digital innovation is preserving automotive heritage while engaging future generations in new, immersive ways.

During the 2023 TCCT Forum, held once again during the International St. Moritz Automobile Week, participants reviewed the immense progress made on what had been identified as the “next big thing” the previous year. Now branded as Roarington, the Classic Car Metaland introduced a range of innovative use cases.

Key highlights included MAUTO, the National Italian Automobile Museum in Turin, going digital with Roarington. Participants discussed the exciting ability to drive the exact digital twin of the 1947 Cisitalia in the Roarington simulator. Additionally, the concept of the NFT Dream Car series was introduced, sparking further discussions about the future of classic car ownership and engagement in the digital realm.

The Forum concluded with a networking lunch, where attendees shared insights on navigating the future of classic car appreciation in an increasingly digital world and expressed enthusiasm for the continued development of Roarington.

At the 2022 TCCT Forum, held at the Kempinski Hotel in St. Moritz, Markus Gross, ETH Professor of Computer Science and Chief Scientist at the Walt Disney Company, delivered a keynote on the exciting potential of the Metaverse as a digital overlay of the real world. Fritz Kaiser then introduced the concept of a Classic Car Metaland, presenting opportunities for integrating the real and digital worlds and unveiling what he called the “Fourth Dimension of Classic Car Lifestyle.”

This idea, first introduced during the International St. Moritz Automobile Week, captured significant attention. The keynote explored how the Metaverse could radically transform the classic car experience for enthusiasts, drivers, and businesses alike. Forum participants enthusiastically discussed a future where digital experiences enhance the enjoyment, ownership, and lifestyle of classic cars.

The 2021 TCCT Forum took place amidst the picturesque mountain scenery of Laj da Staz in St. Moritz, co-hosted by Kurt Engelhorn. The Forum explored the rapidly rising phenomenon of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) and their potential to transform various industries, with a particular focus on the opportunities they could bring to the classic car market.

Key discussions centered on the tokenization of tangible assets and how blockchain technology could facilitate this evolution. Participants examined how NFTs might enable new forms of ownership, trading, and investment, fundamentally reshaping the way classic cars are valued and exchanged in the digital era.

The 2019 TCCT Forum, held at the FIA headquarters in Paris and co-hosted by FIA President Jean Todt, highlighted the intersection of tradition and innovation. Participants explored how a renowned car brand preserves its historical legacy while embracing technological advancements. Panelists examined what makes certain cars highly valuable collectibles, and personal reflections on preserving automotive history added unique insights. Event organizers debated the relevance of classic car events in a digital-first world, while interactive sessions focused on strategies to engage younger collectors and position classic cars as artistic masterpieces. The forum concluded with a call to action: “We need to promote old cars with young people” and explore the potential of eSports to captivate the next generation of enthusiasts.

The inaugural TCCT Forum in 2018, held in Basel, focused on the future of classic car collecting, with a particular emphasis on engaging younger generations. Discussions explored how the industry could adapt to rapid technological advancements while preserving its rich heritage. A panel addressed the future of classic car events in a world increasingly shaped by autonomous vehicles. The event also paid tribute to the delicate balance between nostalgia and forward-thinking innovation, featuring insights from leading automotive designers.