history of automobile
1959 Mercedes-Benz Typ 219 – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
In the 60s, The Mercedes-Benz Typ 219 became a common sight on European streets, particularly in business fleets. It earned a reputation as a solid, unpretentious sedan. Technical Details: The 1959 Mercedes-Benz Typ 219 was powered by a 2.2-liter inline-six engine producing approximately 85 horsepower at 4800 rpm. Sharing its engine with the earlier 220, […]
1959-1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
Design was the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia’s defining attribute. Built in Osnabrück by Karmann and styled by the Italian design house Ghia, the car translated exotic, hand-shaped aesthetics into steel bodywork. The result was a sensuous coupé and an equally graceful cabriolet, both formed from complex stamped steel panels that created a flowing, sculptural silhouette. Technical […]
1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 SL Cabriolet – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
As successor to the famed “Pagoda” W113 SL, the Mercedes-Benz 350 SL Cabriolet launched Mercedes’s longest-running SL generation. The R107 series stayed in production until 1989 – an 18-year run with over 237,000 units built in total. Technical Details: The Mercedes-Benz 350 SL Cabriolet was the first SL with a V8 engine. Its 3.5 L M116 […]
1966 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
Spanning production from 1963 to 1967, the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Cabriolet marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. By 1966, it had become a best-seller, particularly in the U.S., influencing the styling and engineering of future Mercedes roadsters. Technical Details: The 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Cabriolet’s inline-six engine was based on […]
1966 Mercedes-Benz 230 Heckflosse – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
The 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230 Heckflosse was the final and most refined iteration of the “fintail” era, marking the end of Mercedes’s upright sedan design before the sleeker late-’60s models. Technical Details: The Mercedes-Benz 230 S Heckflosse was a mid-1960s sedan offering solid engineering and accessible luxury. Powered by a 2.3 L inline-six with twin carburetors, it […]
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
Replacing the Gullwing in 1957, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster was more than a convertible version—it was a reimagined grand tourer tailored for practicality and prestige. By 1961, it had reached the pinnacle of its production run. Technical Details: The 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster was a refined evolution of its iconic predecessor, the Gullwing. […]
1966 Volkswagen T1 Samba Bus – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
Beyond its technical and historical importance, the Volkswagen T1 Samba Bus achieved cultural symbolism few vehicles can claim. Introduced at a time when postwar Germany was rebuilding itself, the T1 quickly became associated with economic recovery and newfound mobility. Alongside the Beetle, it emerged as a rolling emblem of the Wirtschaftswunder. Technical Details: The Volkswagen […]
1968 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupé debuted at the IAA in 1955 and went on to remain in production for an extraordinary 19 years. Built by Karmann in Osnabrück and serviced easily at any Volkswagen workshop, the Karmann Ghia achieved a rare balance: Italian styling paired with simple, robust Beetle-based engineering. While its performance never matched […]
1967 Citroen DS 21 – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
A defining element of the Citroën DS 21 was its sophisticated hydropneumatic system. Particularly after September 1966, when Citroën introduced the green mineral hydraulic fluid LHM, the system proved significantly more reliable and durable. This centralized hydraulic network not only controlled the suspension but also assisted braking, steering, and transmission functions, giving the Citroën DS […]
1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 D Adenauer – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
The 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 D Adenauer was more than just a luxury sedan—it was a rolling symbol of political influence, technological advancement, and post-war optimism. Technical Details: The 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 D Adenauer was the pinnacle of the Adenauer series, featuring a fuel-injected 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 160 horsepower at 5300 rpm. Paired with a […]
1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
The 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster stands as a beacon of elegance from a golden era of motoring. With graceful lines, reliable mechanics, and cultural cachet, it offered—and still offers—a timeless driving experience. Technical Details: Under the hood, the 1962 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster houses a 1.9-liter inline-four engine delivering 104 horsepower. This power is […]
1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
The Mercedes-Benz 500 SL holds a special place in Mercedes-Benz history. Produced between 1985 and 1989 as part of the R 107 E50 series, this model represented the pinnacle of SL performance in Europe. Technical Details: Under the hood of the 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL sat a robust 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 245 PS (approximately […]
1958 Citroen 15 SIX Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
Within the history of Citroën, the Traction Avant occupies a pivotal role as one of the most technically advanced cars of the 1930s. The Citroën 15 Six Cabriolet represents the rarest and most exclusive expression of this revolutionary platform. Technical Details: The Citroën 15 Six Cabriolet (Traction Avant) was based on the most powerful variant […]
1953 Mercedes-Benz 170 SD – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
The Mercedes-Benz 170 SD was one of the earliest diesel-powered passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz, using a 1.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that produced 40 hp. Technical Details: The Mercedes-Benz 170 SD was one of the earliest diesel-powered passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz, using a 1.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that produced 40 hp. It had a 4-speed manual […]
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet stands as a monument to an era of luxury motoring defined by craftsmanship and performance. With only a few hundred examples still in existence, it remains one of the most collectible and revered convertibles ever produced by Mercedes-Benz. Technical Details: The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet came […]
1967 Citroen DS 19 – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
The design of the Citroën DS 19 was as revolutionary as its engineering. Its aerodynamic body departed radically from the boxy forms of contemporaries, giving the car an unmistakably fluid and futuristic silhouette. Technical Details: The 1967 Citroën DS 19 represents a mature stage in the evolution of one of the most technically ambitious cars […]
1957 Mercedes-Benz 220 SL Prototyp – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
Only a few photos and internal documents exist of the Mercedes-Benz 220 SL Prototyp, making it a bit of a unicorn in Mercedes history. Technical Details: The Mercedes-Benz 220 SL Prototyp was a testbed for what would become the iconic Pagoda series. It used a 2.2-liter inline-six engine adapted from the 220 S sedan, producing […]
1956 Volkswagen Käfer Export – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022
The 1956 Volkswagen Käfer Export belongs to the “Ovali” generation, named after its distinctive oval rear window. This feature was immediately noticed by fans and customers when it was introduced, becoming a defining visual marker within Volkswagen Beetle history. Technical Details: From a technical perspective, the 1956 Volkswagen Beetle Export (in German: Volkswagen Käfer Export) […]
1969 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U416 – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
The Unimog U416 model, introduced in the late 1960s, offered a longer wheelbase and higher payload than the standard Unimog 406, making it especially popular for military and municipal applications. Thousands of Unimogs were produced through the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, serving in militaries worldwide and in industries ranging from construction to forestry. Technical Details: […]
1952 Mercedes-Benz 220 A Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
Debuting at the 1951 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz 220 A Cabriolet was Mercedes-Benz’s first six-cylinder model post-WWII—a critical step in re-establishing its preeminence. Technical Details: The 1952 Mercedes-Benz 220 A Cabriolet, part of the W187 series, delivered refined post-war performance through its 2.2-liter inline-six engine with an overhead camshaft. Producing 80 horsepower at 4,850 […]
1971 Volkswagen Käfer Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
While the Volkswagen Käfer 1302 remained unmistakably a Beetle, its proportions and details subtly signaled a new generation. The longer front end, dictated by the new suspension layout, resulted in a reshaped body structure. The front hood became wider, requiring revised front fenders and side panels. Technical Details: With the discontinuation of the VW 1500 […]
1967 Volkswagen Käfer 1300 – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
Few cars have enjoyed a pop-cultural afterlife as rich as the Volkswagen Beetle, and the late-1960s Volkswagen Käfer 1300 sits squarely in that legacy. In 1968, just one year after the 1967 model update, the Beetle achieved cinematic immortality with The Love Bug. The film introduced audiences to Herbie. Technical Details: By August 1966, production […]
1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
The 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet represents a graceful evolution of a classic. It combined the enduring style and build quality of the R107 SL with a revitalized six-cylinder powertrain and modern amenities. As one of the final R107 models, the 300 SL served as a fitting crescendo for that era – a luxurious open-top […]
1966 Volkswagen Käfer 1300 Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
Visually, the 1966 Volkswagen Käfer 1300 Cabrio preserved the instantly recognizable Beetle silhouette while incorporating subtle yet meaningful refinements. The steel body retained its rounded, friendly proportions, paired with a fully retractable soft top made from durable synthetic material, available in black or light beige. With the roof down, the Cabrio conveyed a relaxed, open-air […]
1963 Volkswagen T1 Bus – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
The Volkswagen T1 Bus is far more than a historic transporter. Technically robust, cleverly engineered, and endlessly adaptable, it defined a new category of vehicle in the postwar era. Its distinctive design, combined with practical construction and mechanical simplicity, allowed it to succeed across industries and continents. Over time, the T1 evolved from a working […]
1952 Citroen 11CV Traction Avant – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
The Citroën Traction Avant marked a turning point not only for the brand but for the entire French automotive industry. As its name indicates, the Traction Avant was driven by its front wheels—a novelty in France at the time, even if not entirely unprecedented elsewhere in Europe and the United States. Technical Details: The Citroën […]
1955 Volkswagen Käfer Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
By 1955, Volkswagen had already produced more than one million passenger cars and commercial vehicles—a milestone that underscored the Volkswagen Käfer Cabrio’s extraordinary importance. Simplicity, reliability, and low operating costs were the core virtues of the Volkswagen philosophy, making the Beetle the ideal car for postwar Europe. Technical Details: For the 1955 model year, the […]
1965 Volkswagen T1 Bus – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
Although originally conceived as a purely functional vehicle, the Volkswagen T1 Bus “Bulli” evolved into one of the most powerful cultural symbols of the 1960s and 1970s. Its spacious interior, simple mechanics, and suitability for conversions made it ideal for camping and long-distance travel. As a result, the Volkswagen T1 Bus became closely associated with […]
1959 Mercedes-Benz 300d Adenauer Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
The 1959 Mercedes-Benz 300d Adenauer Cabriolet was more than a luxurious automobile; it was a political statement, a technological showcase, and a cultural emblem of its time. With limited production, elegant design Technical Details: Under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz 300d Adenauer Cabriolet lies a 3.0-liter inline-six engine featuring fuel injection—an advanced feature for its […]
1968 Volkswagen T2 Transporter – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
Beyond its technical merits, the Volkswagen T2 Transporter became part of everyday life and popular culture. In Germany, it earned a reputation as a dependable “Lastesel,” while in the United States it was increasingly used as a family vehicle, a fact noted even in period road tests. Technical Details: Introduced for the 1968 model year, […]
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022
The 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560 SL is often regarded as the pinnacle of the classic SL roadster. It combined a powerful V8 engine, refined luxury, and timeless design into a compelling package. As a final-year model of the R107 generation, it benefits from all the incremental improvements made since the early ’70s, resulting in a car […]
1955 Volkswagen Käfer Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
A defining cultural moment in the Volkswagen Käfer’s history occurred on 5 August 1955, when Volkswagen celebrated the production of its one-millionth vehicle. More than 100,000 guests gathered in Wolfsburg for an elaborate celebration that underscored the car’s growing global significance. The milestone vehicle was a specially equipped Export model, uniquely finished in gold paint—the […]
1965 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
Combining Volkswagen engineering with refined Italian styling, the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe delivered a compelling blend of elegance, practicality, and technical solidity. While never a high-volume seller, its bold design, thoughtful construction, and enduring cultural presence have secured it a respected place in automotive history. Technical Details: The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe was built on […]
1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
As the second-to-last production year, the 1961 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL model benefitted from years of refinement. It was popular in the U.S. and Europe, appealing to successful professionals and celebrities alike. Technical Details: This model continued the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL’s evolution with small updates to its 1.9-liter engine (104 hp), improved carburetor tuning, and smoother […]
1972 Citroen DS 21 Pallas – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
The Citroën DS 21 Pallas represents the most luxurious expression of the DS saloon, with the Pallas designation introduced in 1964 to distinguish the premium variants. Technical Details: The Citroën DS 21 Pallas is powered by the long-lived DX engine type, first introduced in September 1965 and designed with five main bearings, forming the technical […]
1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL was a key part of Mercedes-Benz’s post-war recovery and international expansion. By 1959 it had become a refined, highly desirable model. Technical Details: Under the hood, the 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster housed a 1.9-liter inline-four engine, delivering 105 PS (approximately 104 hp) at 5700 rpm. This power was transmitted through […]
1970 Volkswagen T1 Samba – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
Externally, Volkswagen T1 Samba stood apart through its two-tone paintwork, which was standard on all Sambas leaving the factory. Bright aluminum trim strips emphasized the horizontal lines of the body, while a large, 315 mm chrome Volkswagen emblem dominated the front panel—contrasting with body-colored logos on lesser models. Technical Details: The Volkswagen T1 Samba was […]
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
The Citroën 2CV6 Charleston represents the final major success in the long and storied career of the 2CV. Originally intended as a one-season special edition, its extraordinary commercial success led Citroën to integrate the Citroën 2CV6 Charleston into the regular model range in July 1981. From 1982 onward, it became a fully fledged production model, […]
1960 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
By 1960, the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster was a staple in Mercedes’ lineup and a strong export to North America. Technical Details: The Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster of 1960 retained the 1.9-liter inline-four with dual Solex carburetors, producing 104 hp. Mated to a 4-speed manual, it could achieve 170 km/h (106 mph). The chassis was […]
1937 Mercedes-Benz 540k Cabriolet C – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
The Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet C was a technical marvel, powered by a 5.4-liter inline-eight engine. On its own, the engine delivered 115 horsepower, but when the Roots-type supercharger engaged it surged up to 180 hp at 3400 rpm. Technical Details: The Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet C was a technical marvel, powered by a 5.4-liter inline-eight engine. […]
1958 Mercedes-Benz O 319 d – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
The Mercedes-Benz O 319 was Mercedes’ first real foray into the light commercial and people-moving sector. It was used widely for tourism, shuttle services, and even as camper vans. Technical Details: The Mercedes-Benz O 319 D was powered by a 1.8-liter diesel engine producing about 43 hp. It was a minibus version of the L319 […]
1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagode – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagode is instantly recognizable by its slightly concave hardtop roof, which resembles an Asian pagoda—hence its nickname. Designed by Paul Bracq with safety input from Béla Barényi, the roof wasn’t just stylish but structurally reinforced. Technical Details: The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagode features a 2.8L M130 inline-six engine, the most […]
1986 Citroen 2CV6 Club – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
In July 1979, Citroën restructured the 2CV range, replacing the 2CV6 with the Citroën 2CV6 Club. This reorganization introduced a clearly defined three-tier lineup designed to appeal to different customer priorities. The 2CV6 Spécial served as the entry-level model, the Citroën 2CV6 Club catered to buyers seeking additional comfort, and the 2CV6 Charleston targeted customers […]
1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
By 1987, the R107 SL was approaching the end of an extraordinary production run (1971–1989). The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Cabriolet of this year is one of the final iterations, representing Mercedes-Benz’s perfected formula for a luxury roadster. Over its lifespan, the R107 became the most successful SL generation with nearly 237,000 units produced. Technical Details: […]
1952 Citroen 11CV Traction Avant – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
The Traction Avant’s combination of advanced technology and exceptional road holding earned it an enduring reputation—and a notorious nickname. Its ability to maintain grip on slippery or snow-covered roads made it particularly appealing to criminals, giving rise to the enduring moniker “berline des gangsters.” Technical Details: The Citroën 11CV Limousine (Traction Avant) represents one of […]
1960 Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Ponton Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
Favored by diplomats and dignitaries, the Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Ponton was often seen in parades and official ceremonies. Technical Details: The Mercedes-Benz 220 SE Ponton Cabriolet (W128) was an engineering marvel of its time. Powered by a 2.2-liter inline-six engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, it produced 115 horsepower at 4,800 rpm. This system was […]
1937 – 1941 Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
The Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet (W143) marked Mercedes-Benz’s push for more advanced engineering in the late 1930s. Technical Details: The Mercedes-Benz 230 Cabriolet (W143) came equipped with a 2,229 cc inline-six engine, delivering 55 horsepower at 3,600 rpm. This powerplant was paired with a fully synchronized 4-speed manual transmission, an upgrade from its predecessor’s three-speed setup. […]
