Germany is renowned for its rich automotive heritage, producing some of the world’s most iconic and rare vehicles. Here’s a list of 10 of the rarest German cars, each with its unique story and exceptional characteristics:
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Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion (1997)
The Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion is an ultra-rare supercar, with only about 25 units produced. Originally built for homologation purposes to qualify the 911 GT1 for racing, it features a mid-engine layout unlike typical 911s and is powered by a 3.2-liter turbocharged flat-six engine. This road-legal version of a Le Mans racing car offers an exclusive blend of high performance and rarity.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (1999)
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR was created for the FIA GT Championship and is one of the rarest production cars from Mercedes, with only 25 coupes and 6 roadsters made. It boasts a 6.9-liter V12 engine and was one of the most expensive production cars at the time of its release, combining racing technology with luxury.
BMW M1 (1978-1981)
The BMW M1 is a rare and iconic sports car, with only 453 units produced. It was BMW’s first and only mid-engined model to date. Designed in collaboration with Lamborghini, the M1 features a 3.5-liter inline-six engine and is revered for its distinctive design and balanced handling.
Porsche 959 (1986-1988)
The Porsche 959 was a technological tour de force in its time and remains one of the rarest Porsche models, with just 292 units built. It was one of the world’s fastest street-legal production cars in its era and introduced pioneering technology, including an advanced all-wheel-drive system and a twin-turbocharged flat-six engine.
Audi Sport Quattro S1 (1984)
The Audi Sport Quattro S1 is a legendary rally car known for its prowess in Group B rallying. Only about 164 road versions were produced, making it highly collectible. It featured a 2.1-liter turbocharged inline-five engine and innovative all-wheel-drive, solidifying Audi’s reputation in rally racing and all-wheel drive systems.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé (1955)
This ultra-rare model, with only two units ever made, is one of the most valuable cars in the world. Named after Mercedes-Benz’s chief engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is essentially a road-legal version of the company’s successful race car. It features a 3.0-liter straight-eight engine and boasts an intricate space-frame chassis.
BMW 507 (1956-1959)
The BMW 507 is a rare and elegant roadster, with only 252 units produced. Designed by Albrecht von Goertz, it’s celebrated for its beautiful design and refined performance, powered by a 3.2-liter V8 engine. It’s one of the most collectible BMWs ever made, due to its limited production and influence on later models like the Z8.
Porsche 356 Carrera GTL Abarth (1960)
The Porsche 356 Carrera GTL Abarth is an extremely rare variant of the 356, with only about 20 units produced. It was built in collaboration with Abarth and featured a lightweight aluminum body and a potent four-cam engine. This car represents a unique collaboration and is a coveted collector’s item for its racing pedigree and rarity.
Opel GT/J (1971-1973)
The Opel GT/J is a rarer, stripped-down version of the Opel GT sports car, aimed at younger buyers. With fewer than 1,000 units made, it’s known for its sleek design, reminiscent of the Chevrolet Corvette, and its frugal yet spirited 1.9-liter engine. The GT/J is a hidden gem among German sports cars for its uniqueness and rarity.
Gumpert Apollo (2005-2012)
The Gumpert Apollo is a rare supercar from a lesser-known German manufacturer. It’s known for its extraordinary performance and track-focused design. Only around 45 units were made, each powered by a twin-turbocharged Audi V8 engine. The Apollo is a rarity in the supercar world, offering extreme performance and a unique, aggressive aesthetic.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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