Germany has given the world some of the most extraordinary cars in history. While names like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are household staples, some of their rarest creations remain hidden gems. These cars pushed boundaries in design, performance, and exclusivity. Here are 15 of the rarest German cars, ranked from the most recent to the oldest.
1. 2005 Porsche Carrera GT “Fayence Yellow”
- Only one ever built in this colour
- 5.7-litre V10 engine, producing 612bhp
- Carbon fibre monocoque, race-inspired technology
Porsche’s Carrera GT is already a rare German car, but the “Fayence Yellow” edition takes exclusivity to another level. With only one in existence, it stands out in a world of silver and black hypercars. The naturally aspirated V10, derived from a cancelled Le Mans project, delivers an intoxicating soundtrack and raw driving experience.
2. 2004 Volkswagen W12 Nardo Concept
- Built for speed, tested at 221mph
- 5.6-litre W12 engine, producing 591bhp
- Prototype for a Volkswagen supercar that never happened
Volkswagen isn’t known for hypercars, but the W12 Nardo Concept proved they could make one. With a low-slung design and a howling W12 engine, it shattered records but never made it to production. A missed opportunity? Perhaps. But that’s what makes it so special.
3. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster
- Only six ever built
- 6.9-litre V12 engine, producing 604bhp
- Roofless version of a Le Mans-winning machine
The CLK GTR Roadster is a topless take on Mercedes’ GT1 racer. With no roof and an ear-splitting V12, it’s as close as you’ll get to an open-air Le Mans experience. Its rarity makes it one of the most sought-after Mercedes models ever.
4. 2002 BMW M3 GTR Strassenversion
- Only 10 built for homologation
- 4.0-litre V8 engine, replacing the inline-six
- Banned from racing after dominating ALMS
BMW built the M3 GTR Strassenversion purely to comply with racing rules. It packed a V8 powerhouse, making it faster and meaner than a standard M3. Once BMW dominated the track, the rules changed, banning the car and making these road-going versions even more valuable.
5. 1987 Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 “Pikes Peak”
- One-of-a-kind, built for Walter Röhrl
- Over 600bhp, 0-60mph in around 3 seconds
- Legendary Group B rally technology
Audi’s Quattro changed rallying forever, and this is its ultimate form. The Pikes Peak version was built for Walter Röhrl’s record-breaking run up the mountain in 1987. Insane aerodynamics, brutal acceleration, and a soundtrack like thunder make this a legend.
6. 1981 Volkswagen Golf G60 Limited
- Only 71 produced
- Supercharged 16V engine, making 210bhp
- The ultimate sleeper Golf
Before the Golf R, there was this – a hand-built, all-wheel-drive Golf with a supercharged 16-valve engine. It was understated, quick, and incredibly rare, making it one of the most collectible Volkswagens today.
7. 1979 Porche 935 Street
- One-of-one, built for Porsche’s CEO
- Based on the Le Mans-winning 935 race car
- Turbocharged 3.3-litre flat-six, making over 800bhp
This road-legal version of the fearsome Porsche 935 was built for CEO Peter Schutz. With its extreme aero and outrageous power, it blurred the line between race car and road car like few others.
8. 1973 BMW Turbo Concept
- Only two ever made
- Influenced the design of the BMW M1
- Mid-engine, futuristic gullwing doors
BMW’s Turbo Concept was a glimpse into the future. It inspired the M1 and later BMW supercars. With a lightweight body, turbocharged power, and an unmistakable wedge shape, it was way ahead of its time.
9. 1970 BMW 3.0 CSL “Batmobile”
- Only 1,265 built
- Iconic aero package for racing dominance
- Lightweight homologation special
Dubbed the “Batmobile” due to its outrageous aerodynamics, the 3.0 CSL was a homologation special designed to dominate touring car racing. It succeeded, making it one of BMW’s most celebrated racing legends.
10. 1970 BMW 2800 Spicup
- One-off concept car
- Targa-top design with a retractable roof
- Powered by a 2.8-litre inline-six
The Spicup was an experiment in convertible engineering. With its unique roof system and bold styling, it remains one of the most obscure BMW concepts ever made.
11. 1970 Opel Diplomat V8 Coupé by Karmann
- Only 347 produced
- Chevrolet-derived V8, making 230bhp
- Opel’s forgotten luxury coupe
Opel’s Diplomat Coupé was a luxurious grand tourer that few people remember. Powered by a Chevrolet V8 and coachbuilt by Karmann, it offered a unique blend of German engineering and American muscle.
12. 1969 Porsche 917 (Chassis 001)
- The first-ever Porsche 917
- Iconic Le Mans-winning prototype
- V12 engine, pushing the limits of speed
The 917 changed Porsche’s history, delivering their first Le Mans victory. Chassis 001 was the car that started it all, making it one of the most historically significant Porsches ever.
13. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé
- Only two ever built
- Sold for a record-breaking $143 million
- One of the fastest cars of its time
This is the Holy Grail of Mercedes-Benz history. Built from the legendary SLR race car, it was intended for competition but never raced. One example recently became the most expensive car ever sold.
14. 1936 Maybach SW38 Stromlinien-Coupé
- Custom-built, inspired by aerodynamics
- Straight-six engine, luxurious craftsmanship
- Designed for high-speed travel in style
Before aerodynamics became mainstream, this Maybach pioneered streamlined design. With its sleek body and handcrafted luxury, it remains a unique piece of automotive history.
15. 1930 Mercedes-Benz SSK “Count Trossi”
- One-off, commissioned by an Italian count
- Supercharged 7.1-litre straight-six
- One of the most beautiful pre-war cars
The “Count Trossi” SSK is a masterpiece of 1930s design. With its long bonnet, supercharged power, and sinister black paintwork, it embodies the golden age of coachbuilt luxury.
Conclusion
Which of these rare German cars would you love to see in person? Do you think any other models deserve a spot on this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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