Words: Aron Norris | Photography: Loic Dupont

Essen Motorshow is one of the most eclectic modified car events on the show calendar. It is to Europe what Sema is to the USA, well, sort of. This event always serves up a slice of exotica, including an array of performance and tuning company showcases, as well as some amazing individual project builds.

Once a year, when the rain is falling outside on the Essen Christmas Market, the indoor exhibition centre plays host to this amazing event. Over the course of a week, thousands of people wander the halls taking in the high quality modified metal on show. This event brings world class talent to a small town in Germany, we rather like that concept.

You’ll find wide "overfender" kits such as Rauh Welt Begriff (RWB), Liberty Walk and Rocket Bunny trending in a big way, along with chunky tyres/obligatory tyre writing. This is the future. New wheel designs from Rotiform, Messer, RAD48 and Fifteen52, new products from tuning brands left, right and centre, this event showcased some unexpectedly fresh builds.

Essen, as always, you do spoil us. If you fancy a #tbt moment, don’t forget to check out our Essen 2015 RollHard coverage to see for yourself how things have changed.

Those mainland Europeans certainly know how to build a car, as Loic Dupont’s photos illustrate. We sent our team over to check things out so sit back, grab a Pilsner, tuck into your currywurst and enjoy Loic’s gallery from this year’s Essen Motorshow extravaganza.

Essen Motorshow, we love you. This is modified car heaven.