Why are classic German cars celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors alike? With a heritage steeped in innovation and excellence, models like the Volkswagen Beetle and Porsche 911 are woven into the fabric of automotive culture.
This article presents a curated list of seven classic German cars that stand as monuments to German engineering, each with a story to tell and a legacy that endures.
#7: VW Beetle’s Legacy
- Price Range: $4,950 – $205,700
- Max Speed: 72mph
- Timeless Features: Ability to float, a gas heater, round headlights, and Semaphore turn signals
The Volkswagen Beetle, a classic German car, emerged from the Nazi program ‘Strength Through Joy’ and was a key part of the Volkswagenwerk factory’s industrial recovery post-World War II.
Bela Barenyi’s early concepts inspired the Beetle’s unique shape. From there, the British military seized control of the factory, sustaining the automotive company in West Germany.
By 1963, the Beetle had shrugged off its dark past, with one in every three cars on the road in West Germany being a Beetle. In the 1960s, innovative advertising campaigns in the US portrayed the Beetle as a beloved old classic German car. The Beetle’s legacy continues to thrive, with significant milestones such as surpassing the Ford Model T’s production record in 1972.
#6: Porsche 911
- Price Range: $2,250 – $3,400,000
- Max Speed: 150mph
- Timeless Features: iconic fly line, elegant roof lines, a steeply inclined windscreen, and a long, flat bonnet
Introduced in 1963, the Porsche 911 revolutionized the sports car industry with its distinctive rear-mounted engine design. The 911’s considerable competitive success across various racing disciplines, including circuit racing and rallying, underscored its impressive capabilities.
Porsche’s Iconic models, including the Porsche 911 (and others spotlighted below), helped Porsche earn victories in prestigious races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Targa Florio, Daytona, Sebring, and the Monte Carlo Rally.
- Porsche 911 GT1-98
- Porsche 934
- Porsche 935
- Porsche 956/962C
- Porsche prototypes 936 and 936
The development of the Porsche 959 and its technological innovations contributed to the evolution of the Porsche 911, particularly impacting the design and performance of the 911 Turbo of 1995.
The Porsche 911 continues to be a symbol of sports car excellence, a testament to German engineering’s prowess.
#5: Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- Price Range: $2,900 – $189,998
- Max Speed: 160mph
- Timeless Features: Enhanced lighting tech and safety features
Mercedes-Benz, a luxury four-door sedan brand, has been a pioneer in the market since its inception in 1926. The brand’s E-Class, which began with the W02 in 1926, has evolved significantly since then.
The first diesel-powered passenger car, the 260 D W138, was introduced in 1936. Post-World War II, production resumed with models like the 170 V and 170 D. The latest generation, the W212, was introduced in 2009 and the fifth-gen E-Class was launched at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show.
The brand continues to redefine the luxury sedan market with cutting-edge technologies and safety features. With each successive generation, the E-Class continued to evolve, introducing:
- Modern styling
- Improved safety
- Powerful E63 AMG variants
- Enhanced lighting technology
The E-Class’s journey is a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pioneering automotive technologies and redefining the luxury vehicle segment.
#4: Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Price Range: $28,950 – $499,973
- Max Speed: 137mph
- Timeless Features: It boasts legendary off-road capability and unmatched ruggedness, making it the ultimate choice for adventure seekers and luxury enthusiasts alike.
Mercedes-Benz, a German luxury SUV brand, has transformed from a military off-roader to a celebrated luxury SUV. The G-Class, originally called the ‘Wolf,’ was introduced in 1979 and has since become a cultural status symbol. The G-Class has been in production since 1979, with its second-generation W463 debuting in 2018. Despite competition from the GL-Class, the G-Class’s timeless appeal in the automotive world is evident.
The G-Class’s journey from military off-roader to luxury SUV showcases the versatility and allure of German engineering. It continues to embody the perfect blend of rugged capability and luxurious comfort, making it a notable vintage among German cars.
#3: Audi Quattro
- Price Range: $16,842 – $665,000
- Max Speed: 136.62mph
- Timeless Features: It combines unrivaled all-wheel drive technology with sporty handling, delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
The Audi Quattro, a groundbreaking concept by Ferdinand Piëch and Jörg Bensinger, was unveiled in 1980. Its design aimed to dominate the rally circuit with state-of-the-art engineering innovations that started in the late 1970s. The Quattro made a significant impact in rally racing, with wins at the international Swedish Rally in 1981 and a total of seven wins out of twelve events in the 1984 season. It also became synonymous with the Quattro S1 rallying icon that secured four championships in five years.
The Quattro’s success was bolstered by technical innovations, including:
- Weight reduction through Kevlar and aluminum
- Advanced all-wheel-drive
- Enhanced aerodynamics via exterior modifications
- Pioneering the use of dual-clutch transmission systems
Offering a combination of 4WD technology with turbocharging, the Quattro was comparable to the Porsche 911 in price, with options like the short-wheelbase Sport Quattro featuring a turbocharged five-cylinder engine producing 302hp.
The Audi Quattro represents a significant shift in German classic car design, framing itself as an emblem of style and technological innovation. With its remarkable engineering and impressive track record, the Quattro has become a cult classic in the automobile world. It showcases the prowess of German engineering in the realm of rally racing. In the same vein, the Audi TT also exemplifies this commitment to innovation and performance.
#2: BMW M Series
- Price Range: $28,500 – $327,672
- Max Speed: 165mph
- Timeless Features: M sports suspension/braking systems
The BMW M Series, a premium compact model, has set a new performance milestone with its Twin Power Turbo technology, delivering an output of over 300 horsepower. The series is equipped with model-specific M sports suspension and braking systems, enhancing handling precision and controllability.
The M135i, featuring 18-inch M light alloys and an M-design front apron with large air intakes, emphasizes sporty aesthetics for high-performance driving. BMW’s commitment to delivering unparalleled driving experiences is reflected in the BMW M Series, which continues to redefine the premium compact segment with its high-performance features and sporty aesthetics.
#1: Opel GT
- Price Range: $15,000 – $20,000
- Max Speed: 115mph
- Timeless Features: Its stylish roadster appearance
The Opel GT, a classic German car produced from 1968 to 1973, was a thrilling roadster persona often compared to the Chevrolet Corvette. Erhard Schnell’s vision for the 1965 model inspired the Mako Shark Concept, a trait shared with the C2 Corvette. The GT was notable for its pop-up headlights and trunkless design, offering top speeds of 96 mph and 115 mph.
Originally sold predominantly in the United States, the Opel GT found its niche market as the ‘baby Corvette.’ Today, it remains an affordable classic, priced between $15,000 and $20,000 for well-kept models.
The Opel GT represents a significant shift in the vintage German car’s design, providing drivers with an enhanced and innovative automotive experience.
Final Thoughts
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best German Car Ever?
The best German car ever built is often considered the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, also known as the “Gullwing.”
What Types of Cars Were Produced in Germany During the 1950s?
In the 1950s, Borgward Group manufactured the Lloyd and the Goliath as well as the popular BMW Isetta and BMW 600.
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