Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
1924 Renault NN Phaeton – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
The Renault NN marked the start of Renault’s era as a mass-market brand, supported by Louis Renault’s legacy as an inventor and industrial strategist. With nearly 150,000 units produced between 1924 and 1930, the Renault NN played a central role in shaping both the company’s future and the everyday automotive landscape of interwar France. Technical […]
1976 Volkswagen Polo I – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
Debuting in March 1975, the Volkswagen Polo marked Volkswagen’s entry into the modern supermini segment. Its development came during a period when Volkswagen was transitioning away from rear-engined, air-cooled models toward front-engine, water-cooled platforms, following the technical direction set by the Golf. Technical Details: The 1976 Volkswagen Polo I was engineered as a compact, front-engine, […]
1975 Volkswagen Scirocco I TS – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
Styled by Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Volkswagen Scirocco adopted a sharp, wedge-shaped silhouette that immediately set it apart from the more upright Golf. The low nose, raked windshield, and fastback rear created a compact but dynamic profile, giving the Volkswagen Scirocco a distinctly sporty presence without excessive ornamentation. Technical Details: The 1975 Volkswagen Scirocco […]
1975 Volkswagen Golf 1 – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
Arriving in the wake of the first oil crisis, the Volkswagen Golf 1 matched shifting consumer demand for efficient, compact, and practical vehicles in Europe and the United States. It became the brand’s new core model and effectively founded the modern compact hatchback segment. Between 1974 and 1983, more than six million units of the […]
1962-1980 MGB Roadster – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
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
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 […]
1963 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
When the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider appeared in the mid-1950s, it proved that a compact open sports car could be elegant, fast, and surprisingly practical at the same time. Designed by Pinin Farina and powered by a high-revving twin-cam engine, it quickly became a benchmark for Italian roadsters. Decades later, the Giulietta Spider still feels […]
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 […]
1938 Peugeot 402 N4T Grand Tourisme – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
When Peugeot presented the 402 in the mid-1930s, it signaled a decisive shift toward modernity in French automobile design. The 1938 Peugeot 402 N4T Grand Tourisme represented the most refined and ambitious interpretation of this model line, combining aerodynamic styling with long-distance comfort and advanced engineering. It was conceived not as a sporting machine, but […]
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 […]
1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider 1600 TI – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
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 […]
1934 Daimler-Benz L 60 Feuerwehr – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
During the early 1930s, Germany accelerated the motorization of public services as part of broader industrial and infrastructural modernization. The 1934 Daimler-Benz L 60 Feuerwehr emerged from this context as a robust, standardized fire engine designed for reliability, payload capacity, and nationwide service use. Built on a heavy commercial chassis rather than adapted from passenger-car […]
1935 Peugeot 402 Coach G4 – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
When Peugeot introduced the 402 in 1935, it marked a clear departure from conservative pre-war automotive norms. The Peugeot 402 Coach G4 belonged to the earliest phase of this transformation, combining modern engineering with a body style that bridged tradition and emerging aerodynamic thinking. It was aimed at buyers who wanted technical progress and comfort […]
1947 Opel Blitz – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
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
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 […]
1933 Daimler-Benz L 64 Feuerwehr – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
Before firefighting vehicles became standardized products, they were often the result of careful specification by individual municipalities. The 1933 Daimler-Benz L 64 Feuerwehr belongs to this transitional phase, when heavy truck platforms were adapted into emergency vehicles according to local operational needs. Rather than representing a single fixed configuration, the L 64 Feuerwehr illustrates how […]
1949 Bentley 3.9 Special Mark VI – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
The Bentley Mark VI was designed as a complete car, but it was not always treated as one. In 1949, a number of chassis were adapted beyond factory form, becoming individual “Specials” shaped by owner preference and craftsmanship. These cars occupy a distinct space between series production and bespoke motoring. Technical Details: At the heart […]
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 […]
1939 BMW 327 Sport Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
By the late 1930s, BMW had begun to refine a distinct identity that balanced sporting ambition with elegance and technical restraint. The 1939 BMW 327 Sport Cabrio embodied this approach, offering strong performance, advanced engineering, and a level of visual sophistication that positioned it above ordinary touring cars. It was designed for drivers who valued […]
1955 Alfa Romeo 1900 M – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
This is the Alfa Romeo 1900 M. Its nickname, “La Matta” (“the crazy one”) stuck because it captured the car’s unexpected nature: a refined Alfa Romeo engine and twin-cam pedigree in a brutish, loud, and uncompromising 4×4. Technical Details: The Alfa Romeo 1900 M, better known as the “Matta,” is technically distinct within the broader […]
1929 Fiat 514 – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
The Fiat 514 entered the market at a time when European carmakers were refining the idea of the compact family car rather than reinventing it. Introduced as a replacement for the Fiat 509, it was designed to be mechanically dependable, economically viable, and suitable for large-scale production. In 1929, the 514 represented Fiat’s intention to […]
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 […]
1969 Opel Olympia A Super – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
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 […]
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: […]
1957 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider 750 – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
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 […]
1973 Porsche 914 /4 – Retro Classsics Stuttgart 2022
The Porsche 914 /4 arrived as a mid-engine sports car you could daily-drive, then put away with its roof panel stowed neatly in the rear trunk. It was sold as VW-Porsche in Europe, Porsche in North America, and teased as “Volks-Porsche” almost everywhere. Under the practical concept sat an engineering layout that looked straightforward on […]
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 […]
1928 Ford Model A Roadster – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
The transition from Ford Model T to Ford Model A happened in 1927. The Ford Model A was more powerful, better equipped, and more refined than its predecessor. Production ended in 1931 after 4,320,446 units had been built. Technical Details: The Ford Model A represented a decisive technical update for Ford, and the 1928 Roadster […]
1914 Ford Model T Pickup – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
What truly set the Ford Model T apart technically was not a specific engine innovation, but the production system behind it. Ford introduced a moving assembly line in which each worker performed a single, clearly defined task as the vehicle passed by. This radically increased production efficiency and output. Technical Details: The 1914 Ford Model […]
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. […]
1960 Porsche 356 Super 90 Cabrio – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
The Porsche 356 Super 90 was created because expectations were rising fast at the end of the 1950s. With rivals already flirting with triple-digit power figures, Porsche responded not with radical redesign, but by extracting more from its proven 1.6-liter boxer. The result was a car that combined familiar looks with performance that finally pushed […]
1960 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider Touring – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider Touring’s coachbuilt body leans into early-1960s detail culture: Baffi cooling openings finished with clever combined lamps, twin hood inlets, and chrome side “gills” that signal class even when they verge on visual excess. Historically, the series sold in modest numbers yet left a clear footprint by setting up the move to […]
1971 Volkswagen T2 Westfalia – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
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
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
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 […]
1947 MG TC Roadster – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
Few roadsters shaped post-war automotive culture as decisively as the 1947 MG TC Roadster. It wasn’t the most powerful car of its era, yet its lightweight spirit and pure driving engagement drew a generation of drivers into the world of European sports cars. For many Americans returning from Europe, the TC became the first true […]
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagode – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
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 […]
1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 d Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Retro Classics Stuttgart 2022
The 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 D Cabriolet was an engineering marvel of its time. At its heart was a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 115 horsepower through an overhead camshaft design and twin downdraft Solex carburetors. Technical Details The 1952 Mercedes-Benz 300 D Cabriolet was an engineering marvel of its time. At its heart was a 3.0-liter […]
