Interview: In the Driver’s Seat with Hans-Jörg Hübner

1. Congratulations once again, Mr. Hübner! What did it mean to you personally to be awarded Best of Show at the first Concours of Elegance Germany?

Winning the “Best of Show” award at the first Concours of Elegance Germany means a great deal to both my wife and me. It is not only a tremendous honor to be recognized at such a prestigious event — especially the very first of its kind on German soil — but also a wonderful acknowledgment of the passion, dedication, and care that went into this vehicle.

2. Your 1939 Lancia Astura is a true masterpiece. Can you tell us a little about its history and how it came into your collection?

This Astura was delivered in 1939 to an industrialist in southern Germany. Just six weeks after he took possession of the car, it was dismantled and stored in the factory basement at the start of World War II. After the owner’s death, the car was completely forgotten until the company was sold in 1990 — and the car was discovered in perfect condition.

I purchased the Astura in 2014 from Lukas Hüni.

3. In your eyes, what makes the Lancia Astura such a special car, both in terms of design and technology?

The Lancia Astura was, in many ways, a top model of its time.

 What makes it particularly attractive is its combination of technical sophistication and bespoke coachwork. A V8 engine, electric convertible roof — truly ahead of its time.

4. The Best of Show at Lake Tegernsee is selected by fellow collectors. How did it feel to be honored not by a traditional jury, but by your peers?

It was a particular honor to be chosen as Best of Show by my fellow collectors. Precisely because this selection was made not by a classical jury, but by individuals who are themselves passionate collectors with deep knowledge and appreciation for the subject, this award feels very personal and valuable. It’s a meaningful sign of recognition from within the community — which makes it even more significant to me than a formal jury’s verdict.

5. We know restorations can be a matter of the heart. Can you share any memorable moments or challenges from the restoration process?

Unfortunately not, as I purchased the Lancia Astura already restored.

6. You’ve shown the Astura at other international concours. What stood out to you about the experience at Tegernsee?

What stood out to me about the Concours of Elegance Germany was the pleasant atmosphere in a beautiful setting, with wonderful people and perfect weather.

7. As a passionate collector, what is your personal philosophy when it comes to curating a collection? Are you more driven by history, design, or emotion?

As a passionate collector, my personal philosophy for curating a collection is based on a conscious interplay of history, design, and emotion — but with a clear priority:

1. Emotion as the starting point
2. Design as the expression of its era
3. History as depth and context

In short: Emotion ignites passion, design captivates the eye, and history enriches meaning.

8. If you could put any car — from the past or present — into your garage tomorrow, which would it be and why?

If I could put a vehicle into my garage tomorrow, it would be a Koenigsegg Gemera — a supercar with performance, everyday usability, and extreme exclusivity all wrapped into one revolutionary package.

9. This year you return with another remarkable entry — the 1931 Delage D8 Roadster by Henri Chapron. What inspired you to bring this car to Tegernsee, and what do you hope guests will take away from seeing it up close?

We were inspired by the idea of bringing a piece of French automotive art to a place that itself stands for style, culture, and joie de vivre.

We hope that guests — whether automotive enthusiasts or simply lovers of beautiful things — will feel how much history, passion, and innovation are embodied in this vehicle.

Perhaps they’ll take away the understanding that a car can be much more than just a means of transport — it can be a rolling work of art, a cultural statement, and a piece of living history.