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1946-1972

1972 Volkswagen Käfer 1302 – Auto Zürich Classic Car Show 2022

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The Volkswagen Käfer 1302 occupies a distinctive place in Beetle history as a transitional model. It marked Volkswagen’s most determined effort to modernize the Beetle’s driving dynamics without abandoning its core architecture. The new suspension layout transformed handling and ride quality, addressing long-standing criticism while keeping production within familiar technical boundaries. Technical Details: The Volkswagen […]

1963 Porsche 356 B 1600 Coupe – Exterior and Interior – Auto Zürich Classic Car Show 2022

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In autumn 1959, a familiar silhouette arrived with subtle but consequential changes. Higher bumpers, repositioned headlights, and a refined 1.6-liter boxer engine quietly reshaped how Porsche met new regulations without abandoning its core ideas. The result was the Porsche 356 B 1600, a car that looked evolutionary yet marked a clear step into the 1960s. […]

1959 Mercedes-Benz Typ 219 – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

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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

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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 […]

1959-1963 Porsche 356 B – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

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The Porsche 356 B arrived quietly but noticeably different, with higher bumpers, repositioned headlights, and details shaped as much by regulation as by design intent. Introduced in late 1959, it reflected Porsche’s preference for careful evolution rather than dramatic reinvention. While purists debated its altered look, buyers responded enthusiastically, making the 356 B a commercial […]

1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Coupé – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

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The 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Coupé is quieter, deeper, and more effortless. With twelve cylinders under its long bonnet and a 2+2 body configuration, this version signals the E-Type’s transformation from pure sports car to refined high-speed grand tourer. Technical Details: The 1971 Jaguar E-Type V12 Coupé, part of the Series 3 generation, introduced Jaguar’s […]

1966 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

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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

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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

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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. […]

1961 Borgward Isabella Coupe – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

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By 1962, Borgward declared bankruptcy. Borgward Isabella production continued into 1962 using remaining parts from the bankruptcy estate. As a result, 1961 Coupés are relatively rare survivors today. Technical Details: The Borgward Isabella was engineered as a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive passenger car positioned squarely in the German mid-size segment of the 1950s. Power came from a […]

1966 Volkswagen T1 Samba Bus – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 […]

1961 Borgward Arabella de Luxe – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

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The Borgward Arabella de Luxe (45 PS) encapsulates many of the contradictions that defined Borgward in its final years. Technically, it offered a more powerful and refined specification within a compact, front-wheel-drive package that was advanced for its time. In design, it signaled a clear shift toward Borgward branding and a modern, functional aesthetic. Technical […]

1959 Borgward Isabella Coupe TS – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

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The 1959 Borgward Isabella Coupé TS stands as a concise expression of post-war German ambition in design, engineering, and performance. Its 75 PS inline-four engine, refined 1959 model-year updates, and limited Coupé production underline its special status within the Isabella range. Technical Details: The 1959 Borgward Isabella Coupé TS represents the most performance-oriented evolution of […]

1968 Alfa Romeo Giulia TI – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

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At a time when family sedans were expected to be obedient and unremarkable, the Alfa Romeo Giulia TI quietly challenged that assumption. Introduced in 1962, it looked pragmatic but behaved with an ease and confidence more typical of sports cars. Its real achievement was not speed alone, but how effortlessly it blended everyday usability with […]

1962 Ford Taunus 12M – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

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The Taunus nameplate had already become central to Ford-Werke’s passenger-car identity well before the Ford Taunus 12M appeared. First introduced before the Second World War and revived afterward, Taunus models formed the backbone of Ford’s West German production throughout the 1950s to the 1970s. Technical Details: The Ford Taunus 12M (P4) of 1962 represents a […]

1953 Mercedes-Benz 170 SD – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

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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 […]

1951 Lancia Aurelia B 50 Convertible – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

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The Lancia Aurelia range was introduced in 1950 as Lancia’s most ambitious post-war passenger car line and remained in production until 1958. It represented a clear statement of intent: technical innovation would be central to Lancia’s identity in the rebuilding years after World War II. Within this context, the B50 occupied a specific and important […]

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

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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 […]

1956 Volkswagen Käfer Export – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2022

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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

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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: […]

1962 Opel Kapitän – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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The Opel Kapitän nameplate had been part of Opel’s portfolio since before the Second World War and evolved steadily into a core offering in the postwar decades. By the 1950s, the model had become a genuine sales success in the upper class, and the introduction of the P 2,6 in 1959 marked the high point […]

1952 Mercedes-Benz 220 A Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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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 […]

1962 Opel Kapitän Coupe – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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The Opel Kapitän’s design story includes a rare footnote. The Darmstadt-based coachbuilder Autenrieth produced a very limited two-door coupé variant based on the Kapitän P 2,6 L. Most sources suggest that only two examples were built, making this version exceptionally rare and largely unknown outside specialist circles. Technical Details: In 1962, the Opel Kapitän on […]

1971 Volkswagen Käfer Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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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 […]

1962 BMW 700 Sport Coupé – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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Compact in size but decisive in impact, the 1962 BMW 700 Sport Coupé represents one of the most important turning points in BMW’s history. Developed during a period of financial uncertainty, it combined lightweight construction with genuine sporting intent. More than a small coupé, it helped redefine the company’s future direction. Technical Details: The 1962 […]

1955-1962 BMW Isetta 250 Export – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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Not all Isettas were the same. While the Standard version embodied strict minimalism, the BMW Isetta 250 Export added refinement and export-market appeal to the same compact formula. Built between 1955 and 1962, it demonstrated how a microcar could evolve beyond basic mobility into a more comfortable and internationally viable product. Technical Details: The BMW […]

1967 Volkswagen Käfer 1300 – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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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 […]

1954 Opel Kapitän – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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By the early 1950s, the Opel Kapitän had already developed into a strong seller in the upper class, and the Kapitän 54 marked an important step in that trajectory. The redesign introduced for the 1954 model year modernized the car’s appearance significantly, aligning it with contemporary international styling trends while keeping pricing competitive. Technical Details: […]

1955 BMW Isetta 250 Standard – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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In 1955, BMW’s future did not depend on a luxury saloon or a sports car. It depended on a microcar barely longer than a motorcycle. The BMW Isetta 250 Standard, in its most basic configuration, became the company’s practical answer to postwar mobility—and a decisive factor in its survival. Technical Details: The 1955 BMW Isetta […]

1964 Opel Kadett A Coupe – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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Compact cars rarely announce ambition, yet in 1964 the Opel Kadett A Coupé quietly did exactly that. It was small, affordable, and mechanically conservative—but it was also carefully shaped to feel modern and aspirational. In a rapidly expanding market for personal mobility, the Opel Kadett Coupé offered more than basic transportation. Technical Details: The 1964 […]

1966 Volkswagen Käfer 1300 Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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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 […]

1972 Porsche 911 Carrera S – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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The Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 bridged road car and race-bred engineering at a moment of quiet transition. Beneath its familiar silhouette sat technology carried over directly from the Carrera RS, while subtle body changes hinted at its elevated role. It looked restrained, yet its specification told a more focused story. Technical Details: The Porsche 911 […]

1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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The Alfa Romeo Montreal was born from ambition rather than market logic. It carried a racing engine into everyday traffic at a moment when the world was becoming uneasy about power and consumption. That tension between motorsport heritage and changing realities defines the Montreal more clearly than any single specification. Technical Details: The engineering heart […]

1966 Opel Diplomat A Coupe V8 – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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Power was not the point—authority was. When Opel unveiled the Opel Diplomat A Coupé V8 in the mid-1960s, it entered a space usually reserved for far more exclusive marques. Large, quiet, and unapologetically American in character, the car signaled a rare moment when Opel chose presence over modesty. Technical Details: The 1966 Opel Diplomat A […]

1963 Volkswagen T1 Bus – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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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 […]

1955 Allgaier A111 – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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By the mid-1950s, agricultural progress was no longer only about replacing horses. It was about tailoring machines to specific tasks, fields, and working rhythms. The Allgaier A111 reflects that moment, when compact tractors became more specialized tools rather than universal solutions. Technical Details: The 1955 Allgaier A111 was conceived as a small, lightweight diesel tractor, […]

1966 Opel Rekord R3 – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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Not all performance cars announce themselves loudly. In 1966, Opel took a family-sized sedan and quietly reshaped it for competition, producing a version that looked familiar but behaved very differently. The Opel Rekord R3 was built not to impress at first glance, but to meet the demands of endurance racing and technical regulation. Technical Details: […]

1955 Volkswagen Käfer Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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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 […]

1966 Ford Thunderbird Big Block V8 – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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Silence, weight, and displacement—this was the language of the 1966 Ford Thunderbird. It did not compete for attention through compact proportions or youthful image. Instead, it offered controlled power and isolation, presenting performance as something refined rather than urgent. Technical Details: The 1966 Ford Thunderbird was powered by a 390 cubic inch (6.4-liter) big block […]

1965 Volkswagen T1 Bus – Exterior and Interior – Motorworld Classics Bodensee 2022

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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

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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

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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, […]

1950 Studebaker Champion Bullet Nose – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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Start at the front, and everything else follows. In 1950, Studebaker placed a pronounced central spinner in the middle of its grille—an aircraft-inspired detail that made the Champion instantly recognizable. The “Bullet Nose” was not subtle, and it was not meant to be. Technical Details: The 1950 Studebaker Champion was powered by a 169.6 cubic […]

1964 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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When Jaguar replaced the 3.8-liter engine with a 4.2-liter unit, the Jaguar E-Type gained torque, drivability, and refinement without altering its iconic silhouette. The evolution was mechanical, not visual. Technical Details: The 1964 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Series 1 was powered by a 4.2-liter dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) inline six-cylinder engine, replacing the earlier 3.8-liter unit. […]

1962-1980 MGB Roadster – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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Longevity is rarely accidental in the sports car world. When the MGB Roadster entered production in 1962, few would have predicted an 18-year lifespan with only evolutionary changes. Yet the MGB endured because it quietly matched everyday usability with traditional sports car appeal—an equation that proved remarkably resilient. Technical Details: The MGB Roadster was powered […]

1970 MGB GT – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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By 1970, the idea of a sports car was changing. Buyers were no longer satisfied with weekend-only machines; they wanted cars that could handle daily use, long trips, and poor weather without abandoning character. The MGB GT answered that demand quietly, offering a closed-roof alternative that blended sportiness with real-world usefulness. Technical Details: The 1970 […]

1955 Volkswagen Käfer Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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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 […]

1963 Jaguar E-Type – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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By 1963, the excitement surrounding the E-Type had settled into something more durable: recognition. Two years after its debut, the Jaguar E-Type was no longer a sensation—it was a reference point. Competitors measured themselves against it; buyers expected nothing less than excellence. Technical Details: The 1963 Jaguar E-Type was powered by the 3.8-liter dual overhead […]

1954 Fiat 500 C Topolino – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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By 1954, the Topolino was already a familiar sight. For nearly two decades it had navigated tight alleyways, provincial roads, and crowded piazzas. In its final production phase, the Fiat 500 C no longer represented novelty—it represented continuity. Technical Details: The 1954 Fiat 500 C Topolino retained the compact mechanical architecture that had defined the […]

1950 Simca Sport 8 Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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French in appearance, Italian in origin, and shaped by a coachbuilder better known for elegance than mass production—the 1950 Simca Sport 8 Cabriolet occupied an unusual position in postwar Europe. It was neither a pure sports car nor a conventional family convertible. Instead, it translated compact mechanical foundations into something noticeably more refined. Technical Details: […]

1965 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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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

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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 […]

1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider 1600 TI – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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In June 1962, Alfa Romeo unveiled the Giulia family at Monza, pairing racing-bred engineering with everyday usability. Among them, the Giulia Spider TI stood out quietly: familiar lines, a discreet hood scoop, and a five-speed gearbox that hinted at serious intent. It looked relaxed, but it belonged firmly to the fast-thinking Giulia T.I. world. Technical […]

1947 Opel Blitz – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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In 1947, usefulness mattered more than novelty. The Opel Blitz was designed to move goods, tools, and people efficiently, without unnecessary complexity or excess. Its importance lay not in innovation or style, but in how consistently it performed ordinary tasks under demanding conditions. Technical Details: The 1947 Opel Blitz was produced during a transitional phase, […]

1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Roadster – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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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

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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 […]

1958 Mercedes-Benz O 319 d – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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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

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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 […]

1969 Opel Olympia A Super – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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Some cars exist not to redefine a segment, but to connect generations. In 1969, the Opel Olympia A Super served precisely that role, bridging familiar mechanical foundations with a more refined presentation. It was a compact car shaped as much by branding and positioning as by engineering. Technical Details: The 1969 Opel Olympia A Super […]

1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider 750 – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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Following the success of the Giulietta Sprint and Berlina, the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider completed a model family that would transform the brand’s postwar fortunes. Introduced in the summer of 1955, the open version quickly became a symbol of Alfa Romeo’s renewed identity: technically ambitious, stylish, and attainable. Technical Details: The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider […]

1952 Citroen 11CV Traction Avant – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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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

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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 […]

1969 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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By 1969, the Jaguar E-Type 4.2 had entered a transitional phase. The purity of the early Series 1 design was giving way to regulatory-driven revisions, yet the core engineering concept remained intact. The 1969 model year captures this moment precisely: a car still defined by its 4.2-litre straight-six and independent suspension, but increasingly shaped by […]

1971 Volkswagen T2 Westfalia – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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The Volkswagen T2 Westfalia represents a decisive step in the evolution of the VW Bus. Technically more advanced than the T1, with improved suspension, braking, and interior space, it provided a solid foundation for Westfalia’s camper conversions. Its Bay Window design, flexible interior layouts, and pop-top roof solutions defined the modern camper van concept. Technical […]

1962 Borgward Arabella de Luxe – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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The Borgward Arabella de Luxe is best understood as a technically ambitious small car whose “de Luxe” label signified extra power rather than indulgence. With its 45 PS boxer engine, Borgward branding, and modern design intentions, it reflected the company’s drive to innovate even as financial pressures mounted. Technical Details: The Borgward Arabella de Luxe […]

1968 Citroen DS 21 Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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The Citroën DS 21  was widely regarded as a car for nonconformists, particularly in export markets where its unconventional design and complex technology set it apart from more conservative competitors. Its enduringly futuristic shape has led to appearances in modern science-fiction productions, including scenes in Back to the Future II and the opening sequence of […]

1966 Ford 17M Turnier – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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In the mid-1960s, progress for many drivers was measured in space, reliability, and calm competence. The Ford 17M Turnier addressed those expectations directly, offering a practical estate car that balanced comfort with mechanical simplicity. It was designed not to attract attention, but to earn trust through everyday use. Technical Details: The 1966 Ford 17M Turnier […]

1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagode – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022

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The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagode’s styling is marked by clean lines and a poised, well-proportioned stance (long hood, compact cabin, short tail). Inside, the two-seater balances luxury and simplicity with leather seats, a wood-trimmed dash, and clear gauges. Technical Details: The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagode’s 2.8 L inline-six with Bosch fuel injection produces about 170 hp, channeled […]

1965 Ford Mustang 4.7 V8 210 – Salon Automobile Lyon 2022

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The appeal of the 1965 Ford Mustang did not come from size or exclusivity, but from how precisely it met expectations. With a V8 under the hood and a price within reach of a broad audience, it offered performance without pretense. The 4.7-liter, 210-horsepower version captured that balance particularly well. Technical Details: The 1965 Ford […]

1956 BMW 507 – Exterior and Interior – BMW Museum München 2022

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In 1956, BMW attempted something bold: a hand-built V8 roadster aimed directly at the American market. The BMW 507 was elegant, technically refined, and expensive to produce. It would become one of the most admired BMWs ever built—though not for the reasons originally intended. Technical Details: The 1956 BMW 507 was powered by a front-mounted […]

1966 BMW 1600-2 – BMW Museum München 2022

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In 1966, BMW introduced a compact two-door sedan that would redefine the brand’s future. The BMW 1600-2 combined the engineering principles of the Neue Klasse with a lighter, sportier body. It was a concise statement of what BMW would become: dynamic, driver-focused, and technically precise. Technical Details: The 1966 BMW 1600-2 was powered by a […]

1968 BMW 2002 TI – BMW Museum München 2022

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In 1968, BMW offered a compact sedan that could outrun many larger six-cylinder rivals while carrying four adults in comfort. The BMW 2002 TI combined a lightweight body with a high-revving 2.0-liter engine and twin carburetors, setting a benchmark for the modern sports sedan. Its formula would shape BMW’s identity for decades. Technical Details: The […]

1955 BMW Isetta 250 – Exterior and Interior – BMW Museum 2022

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A single front door, a motorcycle engine, and room for two—few cars illustrate postwar European ingenuity as clearly as the 1955 BMW Isetta 250. At a time when large luxury saloons were struggling to find buyers, this compact microcar became BMW’s unexpected lifeline. Small in size but significant in impact, the Isetta reshaped the company’s […]

1963 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

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The 1963 model marked the end of the road for the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL series, closing a significant chapter in Mercedes-Benz history. Developed as a more accessible companion to the 300 SL, the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL had democratized the brand’s luxurious roadster appeal. Technical Details: In its final year of production, the 1963 Mercedes-Benz 190 […]

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

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1971 was the final production year of the W108 chassis, closing an era of classic Mercedes saloons before the launch of the S-Class. The Mercedes-Benz 280 SE served as a swan song to the hand-built tradition of Mercedes-Benz’s post-war luxury vehicles. Only 1,390 units were made between 1968 and 1971. Technical Details: The 1971 Mercedes-Benz […]

1972 Citroen SM – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

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In 1968 Citroën bought a majority stake in Maserati. With access to Italian engine expertise, Citroën aimed to create a new model that would appeal to wealthy customers seeking both sportiness and technological sophistication. The result was the Citroën SM, with the abbreviation originally standing for “Sport Maserati,” though later often interpreted as “Sa Majesté.” […]

1967 Fiat 1500 C Berlina – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

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In 1967, the Fiat 1500 C Berlina was not a new model, but an upgraded one—subtly revised to remain competitive in a segment that was becoming increasingly refined. Its evolution was measured in detail rather than redesign. Technical Details: The 1967 Fiat 1500 C Berlina was powered by a 1,481 cc inline four-cylinder engine, featuring […]

1967-1972 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

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The Mercedes-Benz 280 SE marked a significant step forward in Mercedes-Benz’s evolution of luxury vehicles. Introduced after the tailfin-era S-Class had ended, the Cabriolet version stood apart as a carryover of style and tradition, while integrating modern engineering. Technical Details: Under the hood, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Cabriolet was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six engine […]

1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

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The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL capped off the W113 SL line (1963–1971), refining the formula first introduced with the 230 SL. It represented a shift in Mercedes-Benz philosophy—from hardcore sports cars to refined grand tourers. Technical Details: The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL features a 2.8L M130 inline-six engine, the most powerful of the W113 line, producing […]

1953 Sunbeam-Talbot Alpine – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

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Before “Alpine” became a familiar badge on later British sports cars, it identified a hand-finished open tourer with strong rally credentials. The 1953 Sunbeam-Talbot Alpine was not conceived as a pure sports machine but as a fast and refined road car capable of competition success. Its blend of practicality and performance reflected early-1950s British motoring […]

1972 Volkswagen Porsche 914-6 – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

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The Volkswagen Porsche 914-6 was Volkswagen’s first true sports car and the result of a formal partnership with Porsche. The 914 was marketed through a newly created joint venture, the VW-Porsche Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH based in Ludwigsburg, owned equally by both companies. Production was split between locations: assembly took place at Karmann in Osnabrück, while final […]

1953 Jaguar XK 120 OTS – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

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120 miles per hour: printed in the name and tested on open roads. When the Jaguar XK 120 was introduced, its claimed top speed immediately became its defining statement. By 1953, the Open Two Seater (OTS) version had already established itself as one of the fastest production sports cars in the world. Technical Details: The […]

1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

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Few production cars can claim such a direct genetic link to a racing prototype as the Alfa Romeo Montreal. Beneath its distinctive bodywork sits a V8 derived from the Tipo 33 sports racer, carefully adapted for road use. That unusual origin story already hints at why the Montreal feels different from most early-1970s GT cars. […]

1954 Peugeot 203 A – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

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In the early 1950s, the Peugeot 203 A was more than a family saloon—it was a symbol of industrial recovery in postwar France. Solid, economical, and technically modern for its time, it became the foundation on which Peugeot rebuilt its reputation. By 1954, the model had matured into a dependable mainstay of French roads. Technical […]

1972 Volkswagen Käfer 1302 Cabrio – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

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Visually, the Volkswagen Käfer 1302 Cabrio retained the familiar Beetle silhouette but incorporated subtle yet meaningful changes tied to its revised underpinnings. The most practical design update was at the front: the new suspension layout allowed the trunk floor to be lowered significantly. Technical Details: The Volkswagen Käfer 1302 Cabrio shared its technical foundation with […]

1967 Citroen DS 21 – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

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The design of the Citroën DS 21 remained unmistakably futuristic even more than a decade after the DS first appeared. Its long, low silhouette, smooth surfaces, and carefully sculpted proportions set it apart from virtually every other executive sedan of the 1960s. Technical Details: The Citroën DS 21 represents a mature and technically refined stage […]

1961 Borgward Isabella Combi – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

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As the estate version of the Borgward Isabella, the Combi combined the familiar Isabella front and passenger cell with a distinct rear body optimized for cargo. “Combi” in the Isabella range referred specifically to the three-door estate configuration, as opposed to the two-door saloon. Technical Details: The Borgward Isabella Combi was powered by a 1,493 […]

1949 Ford Shoebox – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

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In 1949, Ford did something rare for a mass manufacturer: it changed the visual language of the American car almost overnight. The new model abandoned exposed fenders and upright forms in favor of a smooth, integrated shape that felt unmistakably modern. Almost immediately, it earned a nickname that said everything about how different it looked—the […]
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