Germany's most legendary cars

Mercedes, BMW, Audi and VW – Germany is a nation of car nuts. The Local List counts down the country's most legendary rides.

Germany is famous for its precision-engineered automobiles and the high-speed autobahn. But the car industry's economic impact is huge, providing nearly a million Germans with employment.

From Volkswagen to Porsche, sports cars to reliable camper vans, Germany has not only produced some of the most popular and iconic cars and accounts for nearly a third of all autos produced in Europe.

But while Germany might produce around six million new vehicles each year, many of the classics still remain cherished by car-lovers the world over. Even vehicles such as the rickety old East German Trabant are still favourites.

After careful deliberation, The Local has compiled its own Top Ten. Click on the link and have a look through to see if you agree with our choices.

Volkswagen Bulli

Revered by hippies, surfers and holidaying families alike, the VW bus has been embodying laid-back cool since its creation in 1950. And although other campervans may be less prone to electrical faults and have better engines, the VW T1 remains one of the most iconic vehicles on the road.

Audi Quattro

Former rally favourite and homage to the 80s, the Audi Quattro boasts a four-wheel drive system (hence the name, meaning “four” in Italian) and a reputation for being a high-performance coupé. It was built from 1980-91.

Volkswagen Beetle

Since its birth in 1938, the VW Beetle has been one of the most bought cars worldwide. The original "people's car" has become an automotive legend, as over 21 million have been made worldwide.

Opel Manta

The Opel Manta was unveiled in 1970 and remained in production until 1988. The rear-wheel drive sports car experienced popularity in Europe, as the hotrod for everyman. It even inspired the German cult film appropriately named "Manta, Manta" with Til Schweiger.

Trabant

Belittled yet beloved in communist East Germany, waiting lists could be years long for one of these endearingly dainty vehicles. VEB Sachsenring created the Trabant in 1957, over 3 million were made and its design was barely changed during its lifetime.

Porsche 911

Sleek, shiny and sporty, the Porsche 911 is one of the Stuttgart-based company’s greatest successes, racking up awards and landing regularly in the top five in car rankings. The 911 was created in 1963 and boasts a distinctive rear engine and suspension design.

BMW 507

BMW had high hopes for the attractive 507 when it was concocted in 1956, expecting to export thousands to the US. But despite celebrity interest, the average driver found the roadster a little out of their price range, resulting in heavy losses for BMW. Only 256 were ever made.

Mercedes-Benz W114

An automotive icon, the Mercedes W114 or Strich Acht, was built to last. Introduced in 1968, nearly two million have graced roads worldwide and it is what many consider to be the ‘classic’ Mercedes.

BMW 02

The 02 series are some of the most recognisable BMWs to date. Favoured for their sporty look and light frame, over 800,000 were produced between 1966 -76 and remain collectable today.

Mercedes 300 SL

The unusual looking Mercedes 300 is characterised by a pair of flashy gull-wing doors. The sports car, of which only 3,258 were ever sold, was launched in 1954 and was the fastest of its time. Today the car is one of the most collectable Mercedes ever.

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