VW Beetle heirs: 20 fascinating German classic cars and what became of them

2021-06-11T02:22:00.099Z

German engineering has produced many cars that have achieved cult status due to their looks and sheer resilience. Here are the highlights.

German engineering has produced many cars that have achieved cult status due to their looks and sheer resilience.

Here are the highlights.

Munich - Germany is an automobile country: In hardly any other country do vehicles enjoy such a high priority.

This is based on a tradition that began in the 19th century and approached its climax in the course of the industrial age.

Large domestic manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Daimler and Co. put splendid specimens on the wheels.

Cars “made in Germany” quickly achieved cult status and the focus increasingly turned to other sales markets.

Today little has changed in this picture, but the competition is greater.

In connection with the need for more climate-friendly mobility *, the German auto industry is facing huge challenges.

What cannot be shaken, however: There are numerous legendary vehicles that have long been classic cars and have legendary status.

Here we have - of course purely subjective - summarized our favorites:

VW Golf: Beetle legacy and pioneer of a successful era

After the Volkswagen classic Beetle was sold less and less, VW saw itself forced to a massive modernization of the model range.

This laid the foundation for today's success: at the beginning of the 1970s, Golf generation one developed into a best seller within a few months - this also applies to all successors, but could possibly change soon *.

VW Golf: Pragmatic, diverse and inexpensive - bestsellers in the Volkswagen Group

The Wolfsburg's recipe for success: a car with slightly larger dimensions than (then) small cars at an affordable price.

The fact that the VW Golf has been available as a convertible and sports version since the 1970s also contributed a lot to its image and success.

Since the appearance of the first model (1974) over 35 million copies have been made worldwide, in a total of eight generations.

BMW Isetta: cute mix of car and motorcycle

When it comes to the question of which German car is the cutest, there is only one answer left: BMW Isetta.

From the mid-1950s, the Munich-based manufacturer produced a mixture of car and motorcycle - and referred to the small vehicle as a “motocoupé”.

The small vehicle measures just 2.28 meters and suddenly made it possible for motorcyclists to climb into the car.

BMW Isetta: "Knutschkugel" and pioneer of all city cars

Incidentally, the BMW Isetta is a small sham package: the pragmatic car was originally developed by an Italian refrigerator manufacturer ("Iso Isetta").

However, BMW changed the body, installed a new engine and manufactured the cute "Knutschkugel" under a license in Germany.

The Isetta is a pioneer of “city cars” - and consumes just under four liters of petrol per 100 kilometers.

Mercedes dash 8: peculiar name, sedan suitable for the masses

The Mercedes Dash 8 is a legendary vehicle of the sixties and seventies. The W114 and W115 series (depending on the drive) were particularly popular in rural areas.

With almost two million cars produced, the “Stroke Eight” models achieved almost the same number as all post-war Mercedes-Benz cars before them put together.

The production of the W114 and W115 models took place between 1967 and 1976. The “Stroke Eight” was the best-selling car in West Germany in 1974 with 140,127 units.

Mercedes dash 8: clear lines and durable vehicle architecture

The body shape of the Mercedes Dash 8 is puristic: clear lines without any fashionable accessories.

The dash 8 is undoubtedly a prime example of German engineering: The model range is known for its durability.

For vehicles of this type, the million-kilometer limit was by no means a utopia.

Ford Taunus: Can opener for the European market

The US manufacturer Ford, which was already popular around the world at the time, wanted to gain a foothold in Europe early on.

Initially, all vehicles were offered under the Taunus brand name.

But only after decades - in 1970, when the range was expanded - the Ford Taunus became a hit.

He enjoyed great popularity and was often seen on German streets.

Ford Taunus TC: German middle class based on the iconic US model

The Ford Taunus TC, which was produced between 1970 and 1982, achieved cult status.

The sedan was produced in five different versions in the twelve years it was built.

There was also a coupé version (“mini-Mustang”) that delighted sporty fans.

The popular model series was also called "Knudsen-Taunus" because of Ford's CEO.

Audi Quattro: Legendary sports coupé as a trailblazer for new technology

In 1980 the Audi Quattro ushered in an era that still resonates today: For the first time, permanent all-wheel drive was installed in a vehicle for the mass market - pioneering for the time.

It was the sports version of the Audi 80, a five-cylinder turbo gasoline engine.

After a few revisions, the construction period of the high-horsepower coupé ended in mid-1991. Since then, all-wheel drive technology has been continuously developed for other model series.

Even today, Audi models equipped with four-wheel drive carry the suffix “quattro”.

Audi Quattro: racing machine in the World Rally Championship

Incidentally, the later VW boss Ferdinand Piëch was responsible for the design of the series model.

He wanted to give the Audi * brand more dynamism and youthfulness.

The Quattro was a real racing machine: it achieved cult status through engagements in the World Rally Championship.

Due to its innovative drive concept, the sports coupé was predestined for this sport and feared the competition in the 1980s.

BMW E31: Elegant luxury-class coupé - originally also planned as a convertible

The BMW E31 was the first luxury sports coupé from the Munich car brand, located in the upper class.

The BMW 8 Series was presented at the IAA in the summer of 1989 and was produced until mid-1999. The front section was based on the legendary M1 sports car (see below) and inherited the BMW 6 Series (E24) in 1989.

The power ranged from 218 to 380 hp.

Originally, a convertible version was also planned, but was put on hold for lack of stability.

BMW 8 Series (E31): style icon that saw the light of day at the wrong time

In ten years just over 30,000 copies of the BMW 8 Series have been built.

The 8-series BMW E31 was the brand's most expensive model, but fell short of expectations.

What was it?

Sales were torpedoed by the global recession of the early 1990s, the Gulf War and higher energy prices.

In the US sales market, BMW * had expected higher sales figures.

The fact that pre-orderers had to wait around three years to receive the car also caused displeasure.

Porsche 924: entry-level model for the mass market heats up people

When the Porsche 924 was produced from the mid-1970s, quite a few fans of the sports car manufacturer were outraged: Parts from the VW shelf, a water-cooled front engine and the transaxle drive concept meant a departure from the air-cooled rear engines.

The sports coupé was positioned as an entry-level Porsche below the 911 series and was therefore also given the attribute of a "cheap model".

Porsche 924: Affordable sports car initially smiled at, but successful

The mid-range sports car was produced from 1975 to 1988 and should be manufactured as cheaply as possible with large-scale parts from the VW / Audi range.

The success should prove Porsche * right: the 924 sold splendidly and, given its spaciousness, was also well received by young families.

The pioneer was built at Audi in Neckarsulm, with 80 units rolling off the production line per day.

In its first year, the Porsche 924 made up almost 50 percent of the brand's total sales.

VW Bus: T1 as a trailblazer for camping pleasure

In 1950, Volkswagen * in Wolfsburg began producing a vehicle that took passenger transport to a new level: a car that could no longer only accommodate two to four people, but rather several.

In the early years of economic growth, the VW bus was particularly popular with craftsmen as a packhorse.

In the picture two VW T1.

VW Bully: Camping joy and "Flower Power" cult object

With the second Bully generation VW T2 (pictured), the Volkswagen vehicle advanced to become a popular motorhome.

For the first time, it was also possible to drive to remote areas without worrying about overnight accommodation.

In the 1960s and 1970s, hippies swore by the VW Bully as a companion through the “Flower Power” era.

The VW bus has been sold over 13 million times to date, it is still a member of the VW range - whether as a MPV, taxi, emergency vehicle, caravan or for sports teams.

Mercedes 190: "Baby-Benz" as a pioneer for the premium middle class

The Mercedes 190 is a pioneer in the premium middle class: In the segment that was still dominated by VW, Opel and Audi in the 1980s, the W201 appeared for the first time in this segment of vehicles, in order to establish the brand with the star in the middle class as well.

The stable “Baby-Benz” was initially viewed with skepticism, but also established the competition with rival BMW in the market for affordable cars.

Mercedes W201: sporty, rustic sedan becomes a million seller

The Mercedes 190 (W201 series) fit almost perfectly into the performance-oriented 80s and was one of the first German vehicles to transport that motorsport feeling onto civil roads.

When the first “real” C-Class (W202) saw the light of day in the nineties, the legitimate predecessor had already mutated into a millionaire seller and enjoyed great popularity in the city and in the country.

Trabant: A small two-stroke limousine made GDR citizens mobile

With over three million models built, the Trabant from the manufacturer Sachsenring in Zwickau was the most popular car in the GDR.

With its light “cardboard” construction and its two-stroke engine, the small sedan is not too rustic, and also quite harmful to the environment in terms of pollutants.

Of course, people were less aware of this at the time and the car helped many citizens to become more mobile.

There was hardly any advertising for the car.

That wasn't even necessary: the waiting time was sometimes ten years or more.

Trabi: Rapid end of production after German reunification

The best-known Trabi model is the 601 version, which in 1989 and 1990 also became a symbol of Germany's political change.

After that, however, it quickly came to an end: a car with a two-stroke engine and body made of “racing cardboard” did not quite fit into the progress-related period after reunification.

From then on, the Trabi was ridiculed in the West for its lightweight construction - today this trend in vehicle construction is more topical than ever.

Opel Manta: Legendary cult coupé at affordable prices

Buying a sporty coupe as a new car for less than 10,000 euros?

Utopian today, still possible back then (in DM, of course).

The Opel Manta was produced from the mid-seventies - a bestseller that was to be produced for 13 years and over a million times.

Meanwhile, the brand is delighting fans with a new edition *.

Opel Manta: Packed with clichés and portrayed in films

All sorts of prejudices circulated about Opel Manta drivers: They liked to refine their cult car with a foxtail, had a penchant for tuning, had a proletarian language and were mostly involved with “hairdressers”, not to mention the cowboy Boots ("Mantaletten").

Cinematic monuments were set for the sporty coupé: In the picture a characteristic Manta-B-Coupé from the comedy "Manta Manta".

Mercedes 300 SL: Legendary sports car with a special aura

There is hardly a car lover whose heart does not go into ecstasy at the sight of the Mercedes 300 SL.

The legendary Silver Arrow is the forefather of all Mercedes sports cars and, from the mid-1950s, provided lifestyle and driving pleasure as a coupé and later also as a convertible roadster.

For many fans all over the world, the Mercedes W198 series has a very special aura.

The 300 SL is revered as "Sports Car of the Century".

This is not only due to its unparalleled shape: the 300 SL (“Super Light”) weighing just over 1,000 kilograms was the fastest car in the world at the time.

Mercedes 300 SL: German challenge to the sports car competition

With the 300 SL, Mercedes suddenly heaved itself on a par with European sports car giants such as Ferrari or Aston Martin.

The US market also played an important role; the premiere of the W198 coupé took place in New York in 1954.

The exclusive sports car was particularly popular in the United States; contemporary icons drove the 300 SL “Gullwing” (gullwing) or roadster, thus giving the car its prestige.

BMW 02 series: Bavarian manufacturer combines everyday life with sportiness

The 02 series played a key role in ensuring that everyday BMW models * are also associated with driving dynamics - still a core message of the brand today.

For its 50th birthday in 1966, the automaker developed a sporty, compact series as an offshoot of the larger "New Class".

The newcomer had two doors, four cylinders, rear-wheel drive and brought sportiness to the compact vehicle class.

BMW 2002: Small sports sedan with a turbo premiere

Fans love the 02 series from BMW because of its unexcited but characterful appearance from today's perspective.

At that time, in the mid-1960s, the car rounded off the range of products on offer, and for the first time BMW offered a vehicle suitable for everyday use combined with a sporty face.

The most popular model is undoubtedly the BMW 2002 with 100 hp.

This model had the first standard turbo engine in Germany.

Opel Monza: sporty luxury-class coupé as a declaration of war

In 1978, Opel started an ambitious attempt to gain market share in the luxury class with the noble Monza coupé.

The focus was particularly on customers of the German rivals Mercedes and BMW, but also Jaguar.

The price was a challenge: At around 26,000 D-Marks, the Monza was a bargain compared to the competition from southern Germany.

Opel Monza: Long heavyweight that lacks a little dynamism

Opel's luxury coupé with the motorsport-related name was presented at the end of the seventies and built until 1986.

The Opel Monza is the three-door coupé version of the Senator notchback sedan and is more spacious thanks to a voluminous tailgate.

With a weight of almost 1400 kilos, the Monza was a heavyweight with 180 hp.

With a length of almost five meters, no dynamic miracles could be expected.

Porsche 911: Sports version of the VW Beetle and the epitome of the brand

Striking headlights, flat passenger cell and a steeply sloping rear: hardly any other vehicle has such a unique selling proposition as the Porsche 911. The sports car manufacturer's best-known model series has impressed fans for more than half a century.

The dynamically drawn car was presented for the first time in 1963 at the Frankfurt IAA.

It was a successor to the more rounded Porsche 356, but with its own chassis and a body that was no longer borrowed from that of the VW Beetle.

Porsche 911 as a symbol of German sports car art

The original model of the internal identifier Porsche 901 has a two-liter, six-cylinder boxer with 130 hp.

Over the decades, the performance grew enormously and the Porsche 911 was continuously developed without ever abandoning the basics of traditional design.

The Porsche 911 has now been produced over a million times in eight generations.

BMW 507: Timeless automotive beauty from Bavaria

The BMW 507 represents a contemporary automotive beauty. The sporty roadster, built between 1956 and 1959, is the Bavarian answer to the Mercedes 300 SL, but was built in far fewer numbers: 252. In addition, the sleek Munich was only available as an open version and not also as a sports car.

BMW 507: Elvis Presley bought a copy of a sleek roadster

There is another similarity between the legendary Mercedes W198 series and the BMW 507: in both cases it was US importer Max Hoffman who encouraged the German carmaker to create a sports version, which was in great demand in North America.

The most prominent vehicle owner of a 507 was Elvis Presley, who bought a model during his time as a soldier stationed in Germany at the end of the 1950s.

Porsche 959: Exclusive series that sold out quickly

The Porsche 959 was brought onto the market in limited numbers.

There is no clear information about the number of units, the number 292 is given on the Porsche website.

With a top speed of 317 km / h, 450 hp and a sales price of 420,000 marks, the rare sports car achieved record values in many segments in 1987.

The volume also caused problems when testing the production car.

Porsche 959: Motorway legend with success in the World Rally Championship

Porsche actually started Project 959 for only one reason: to participate in Group B of the rally championship.

So far, so good, only: when it was completed in 1987, Group B had not existed for a year, it was disbanded because of too many deaths during the races.

Nevertheless, Porsche celebrated successes with its new car - even before the start of series production.

In 1984 a prototype (the model in the picture in the new Porsche Museum in Stuttgart) won the Paris-Dakar race.

BMW M1: Prototype BMW Turbo served as a design study

The prototype of the BMW M1 was still called BMW Turbo (E25) in 1972 - a vehicle with gull-wing doors and a four-cylinder mid-engine (see picture).

The then BMW chief designer Paul Bracq developed the styling study, which was presented at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, as a model for the BMW M1, which was produced five years later.

The BMW Turbo was never intended for production, it served as a test object and as a model for exhibitions.

BMW M1: Andy Warhol also liked the first and so far only mid-engined sports car from BMW

Zwischen 1978 und 1981 wurden 453 BMW M1 produziert, ein Wagen kostete 100.000 Mark. Das nach Vorbild der Studie angefertigte Modell besaß zwar keine Flügeltüren mehr und kam auch sonst eher seriöser daher, beeindruckte aber mit einem Reihenmotor mit sechs Zylinder. Die Straßenversion kam auf eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 262 km/h, die Rennversion schaffte 310 km/h. Das M im Namen steht übrigens für Motorport, für die Entwicklung des Modells gründete der Automobilhersteller eigens die BMW Motorsport GmbH (heute: BMW M GmbH). Auf dem Bild zu sehen ist die Rennversion M1 Procar, angemalt von Andy Warhol, in nur 30 Minuten. Über sein Kunstwerk, das vierte der BMW Art Car Reihe, sagte er damals: „Ich habe versucht, Geschwindigkeit bildlich darzustellen. Wenn ein Auto wirklich schnell fährt, verschwimmen alle Farben und Linien.“

VW Scirocco: Sports Coupé based on the VW Golf

The VW Scirocco was actually not supposed to exist: Star designer Giorgio Giugiaro was actually commissioned with the development of the VW Golf, the then VW boss Lotz wanted to solve the group's economic problems with a solid Beetle successor.

Giugiaro's proposal to develop a sports coupe based on the VW Golf fell on deaf ears.

So he allied himself with the supplier Wilhelm Karmann, together they had more success with the new VW Boss Leiding.

Production started in February 1974.

The three-door sports coupe from Volkswagen was a sales success.

VW Scirocco: three generations and a facelift

Logically, it didn't stay with just one generation.

The VW Scirocco II with a slightly different design and optimized steering and engine mounts came onto the market in 1981.

A sports station wagon version (Scirocco Wagon) was also created in a limited version.

In the 2000s, the Scirocco III followed as a combination coupé with front-wheel drive.

The car, which is named after a desert wind, received its last facelift in 2014. The VW Scirocco III facelift (picture) was the last in the series; production was discontinued in the summer of 2017.

BMW M3 E30: top model from touring car racing

Similar to the BMW M1, the M3 was also created as a racing candidate; the first generation carried the internal development code E30.

The sports model began its career at the World Touring Car Championship on March 22, 1987.

In its first season, the M3 took first place - Roberto Ravaglia was at the wheel.

This was followed by further successes in the DTM (picture: BMW M3 E30 DTM at the 2011 Motorshow in Essen) and the World Rally Championship.

BMW M3 E30: race track and everyday life rolled into one

Not only racing drivers loved and love the BMW M3, due to the high demand it was produced much more often than planned.

The first delivery of the BMW M3 took place as a two-door sedan, and the convertible came in May 1988.

The mid-range car was based on pure racing technology and traded as a revolutionary high-performance sports car suitable for everyday use.

S-Class Coupé: Classy status symbol from Mercedes-Benz

The tradition of luxury vehicles from Mercedes-Benz goes back to the 1950s (Image: Mercedes Benz 280 SE Coupé from the Daimler W111 series, S-Class (1961-1971)).

The Stuttgart brand has always promised vehicles of the upper and luxury class.

The S-Class, the name of which was only officially introduced in 1972, is considered the epitome of luxury cars.

One generation follows the next, without interruption since 1951.

The coupés can still be found today on various boulevards around the world.

S-Class Coupé: refinement of luxury bodies

Mit Veredelungen kennt sich das S-Klasse Coupés aus: Wahlweise kann man sich manche Modelle zum Beispiel mit Swarovski-Kristallen an den LED-Frontscheinwerfern verzieren lassen. Immer wieder gibt es auch besondere Editionen. Auf dem Bild zu sehen ist die Diamond Edition eines Mercedes Benz S63 AMG Coupés - veredelt von der in München gegründeten Tuning-Firma Mansory. Der Preis ist öffentlich nicht bekannt, Schätzungen zufolge beläuft er sich auf 800.000 bis 1.000.000 Euro. Luxus eben.

Die Mobilität der Vergangenheit hat also eine Menge für das automobile Herz zu bieten. Die Zukunft sieht ein wenig anders aus - über die Trends und Fahrzeuge von morgen wird es im Herbst auf der IAA 2021 in München* einen Ausblick geben.*Merkur.de ist ein Angebot von IPPEN.MEDIA

Source: merkur

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