Classic German cars are a testament to Germany being the home of the first cars that were manufactured. German automakers, like Karl Benz introduced Mercedes-Benz, have long been consistent in building classic vehicles characterized by precision and longevity.
Old school German cars are known for their outstanding build quality, exceptional performance and speed, accurate handling, and responsive steering.
Although there are many iconic classic cars from Germany to select from, we’ve expertly selected these top 10 classic German cars from the enthusiasts’ point of view.
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10 Best Iconic Classic Cars From Germany in History
It’s time to celebrate the best vintage German cars in automotive history. We will focus on the cars that helped revolutionize the automotive landscape by going the extra mile to give defining directions for each of the automakers that are still in place today.
Mercedes-Benz 600
The Benz 600 is an iconic luxury car produced from 1963 to 1981. It represented a flagship model due to its indisputable luxury and modern features, such as hydraulic systems. The Grand Mercedes gave birth to the S-Class.
The Mercedes 600 provided the highest comfort level, with an interior boasting features like adjustable air suspension, hydraulically powered windows and seats, and a retractile TV set. The car was built with a 6.3-liter V8 engine, which effortlessly delivered 247hp. Today, the Mercedes 600 is highly regarded as an icon of elegance and prestige.
BMW M1
The BMW M1, produced from 1978 to 1981, holds a special place in BMW’s history as a symbol of legend in the world of sports cars. It’s also the first mid-engined supercar from BMW to prove the brand’s motorsport strength.
The M1’s impressive design was made possible by its low-slung body, unique wedge shape, and aggressive lines. The car was powered by a huge 3.5-liter inline-six engine built in conjunction with Lamborghini to output 273hp.
The car’s lightweight chassis made it capable of delivering impressive handling and performance. With only 453 units built, it’s a rare sports car in demand by collectors till today.
Mercedes-Benz W124 Series
The birth of the Mercedes-Benz W124 Series is an effort to better the W123 series in every way. The W124 series, produced from 1984 to 1997, represented a turning point in Mercedes-Benz’s innovation.
The 124 series features engines powered either by gasoline or diesel to provide a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The car is engineered with advanced features like airbags (driver and passenger), anti-lock brakes, and traction control.
The series also offers an incredible driving experience with its sophisticated design, spacious and comfortable interior, and high-quality materials. When it comes to comfort, safety, and reliability, the 124 model is the way to go.
BMW E30 Series
Manufactured between 1982 and 1994, the compact sedan became a parlance for BMW’s pedigree for timeless design and sporty performance. The Bavarian-made car successfully promoted the brand’s fame among enthusiasts and common car shoppers.
Aside from the sleek and streamlined body and style, the E30 also offers a range of engines, including well-performing 4-cylinders and iconic 6-cylinder engines found in some M3 variants. The E30’s durability and reliability have made it cherished by thousands of enthusiasts globally; no wonder it’s recently commanded high prices.
Audi Quattro
After its introduction in 1980, the Audi Quattro entered the World Rallying scene and completely transformed the sport. The car’s distinctive feature was the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which enabled unequaled traction and stability, even on rough terrain.
Winning the World Rally Championship with 23 wins over 6 years gave the Quattro recognition as the greatest sports car ever. Another unique feature that made the car loved by enthusiasts is the electrifying five-cylinder turbocharged engines producing above 300hp, representing a perfect combination of performance and cutting-edge technology.
Buying a classic German car? Consider getting the classic car build sheets by VIN for detailed vehicle specifications, engine specifications, paint colors, and displacement and digging up the classic car history to assess past records, such as titles, accidents, theft, sales history, and more.
Mercedes-Benz W123 Series
Manufactured from 1976 to 1985, the W123 series was praised for its unmatched build quality, inch-perfect comfort, and durability. The car has the ability to run faster on any road or weather condition.
The Mercedes-Benz W123 featured gasoline and diesel variants across various body types, including sedan, wagon, and coupe, thus providing a wide range of options for classic shoppers. The car was also sold across other continents like Asia and Africa, consolidating Mercedes as a successful brand.
Volkswagen Beetle
The VW Beetle, introduced in 1938, revolutionized the automotive industry with its smart, streamlined shape and a rear-mounted engine. It was mass-produced after World War II and provided a simple way for the masses to access reliable transportation.
The classic German car represented several names in its long lifetime, including Symbol of Freedom, Cult Classic, People’s Car and many more. By the time the last Type 1 Beetle was introduced in 2003, VW had sold a whopping 21.5 million beetles – a figure that only a few automakers have managed to match.
BMW 2002
The BMW 2002, which went into production in 1968, was known for its sleek appeal, responsive engine, and quick handling. The car features legendary styling elements, including round headlights and a unique Hofmeister kink, representing the blueprint of BMW’s design nomenclature.
The BMW 2002 provides an exciting driving experience with its compact size and sporty attributes. In 1973, the 2002 series replaced the engine with a 2.0-liter turbo engine to produce 170hp in a car that weighed only 2,381 pounds. The rear-wheel drive and perfectly shaped suspension offer a balance of power to become the perfect iconic 2002 Turbo.
Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 put the German manufacturer on the map, thanks to the performance and high sale prices of their recent track-monster 911 GT3RS and other classic 911s, respectively. Rolled off production in 1963, the model earned a place among the legendary sports cars due to its exceptional performance and timeless appeal.
With its rear-engine array, the Porsche 911 has continued to offer improved power output, cutting-edge features, and enhanced aerodynamics. If you desire classic air-cooled models or the current water-cooled variants, the Porsche 911 has an option for you.
Mercedes-Benz 300SL
The 300SL was introduced in 1954 and powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. It delivered outstanding power and a top speed of 160 mph, and thus, it was dubbed the fastest production car of its time.
The 300SL has gullwing doors and sleek designs. It features the industry-first fuel-injected engine and tubular space-frame chassis. The model was shown at one of the largest classic car shows in the world and remains a symbol of automotive excellence.
These old school German cars are the best legendary cars ever manufactured by German automakers several decades ago. Some of these cars will definitely be quite expensive, but they’re worth it if you prefer a classy, cool, and rare automobile.
