For 50 years the Porsche 911 has been the epitome of sports cars. No other model of Porsche has represented racing success and brand reliability on the road as well as the 911. Car History explains the secret of this fascinating vehicle, which forms the basis for all further generations of the model, and showcases the evolution from the original 1963 911 to the GT2 RS and the latest 911 (991).
The Audi quattro changed the car world forever. For the first time, a four-wheel-drive is not only deployed in a production car, but also in a rally car. Car History shows the evolution of the Audi quattro from its beginnings as a sports coupe to the S1 and S2, the most spectacular rally cars ever built. Rally world champion Walter Röhrl also shares his experiences with the quattro.
Corvette, Camaro, Impala - Is there anyone who doesn't know these dream cars from Chevrolet? Founded by Louis Chevrolet, this American brand climbed straight to the top at the turn of the 20th century. Historic photos, spectacular scenes from racing events and interviews with Formula 1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi and Olympic gold winner Sven Hannawald tell the exciting history of Chevrolet.
Since the '50s the Mercedes SL has been considered as the ultimate sports car legend. Starting with the legendary gull-winged 300SL, the SL series has always been all about innovation and sophisticated sportiness. The abbreviation SL means super lightweight, though these days it stands more for super luxury. Car History takes you on a ride through the history of the SL series.
The Ford Mustang represents the lifestyle of the 60s like no other car. Just hours after its first appearance in the showrooms the first of the so called "pony cars" was sold out. Even in the present the Mustang stands for coolness, adventure, and freedom. Car History tells the story of the Ford Mustang using historic pictures, starting from the first prototype to the latest Mustang Shelby.
The Mini is one of the biggest icons of the swinging sixties. It's cool, hip and young. It was the perfect car of its time for the often crowded streets of London. Even The Beatles, Peter Sellers, Bond girl Britt Ekland and the Royals drove an Austin Mini. Car History looks back on the evolution of the Mini from the original model to the John Cooper Works, Countryman and the Rally Mini.
The Volkswagen Beetle is not just a car. For many people it's THE car. Built over 22 million times, it has conquered every continent of the world. Being 60 years old, it tells us more about our century than many history books. Car History features the evolution of the Beetle from the "The People's Car" in Nazi Germany to the Rally Beetle and the latest New Beetle.
Ferrari - the name alone gets your heart racing. Wherever the iconic fire red legend from Maranello is, the car with the jumping horse on its emblem is always at the center of attention. Car History recounts the story of Ferrari, from the very first sports car up to the Ferrari FF, and shows historical footage from the Formula One and interviews with seven times world champion Michael Schumacher.
The Jaguar E-Type is exciting, breathtaking and the standard measure of all sport scars. The E-type is the sports car of the century whose shape still quickens the pulse. Car History reveals how the race-car D-Type lead to the development of what many consider the most beautiful sports car of the world. We also highlight the success that the Jaguar E-Type enjoyed in motor sports.
Always mean, always radical and somehow apparently not from this world: that's Lamborghini. None of the models are ever produced in volume series, many models are unique. Frank Sinatro once said: "You buy a Ferrari when you want to be somebody. You buy a Lamborghini when you are somebody". Car History presents the whole story of Lamborghini, from its beginnings up to the astonishing Aventador.
The 1960s and 1970s were the golden years of Opel. With the introduction of colorful, modern and exicting models like the Opel Ascona (1900 in the US), Manta, Rekord and GT, the traditional brand from Rüsselsheim in Germany rose to peak form. Opel was considered as more than a car, it was an attitude to life. Car History introduces you classic cars from Opel that reached cult status by now.
Since the 1950s the Mercedes S-Class has been the epitome of luxury, comfort and safety. The S-Class sets the standard for prestige and technology. Every model is a bestseller; every model becomes a status symbol of the rich and powerful. Car History tells the story of this 'special class' that prevails against any crises, social changes and its competition.
If there is a typical BMW, then it is the BMW 3 Series. It is fast, it is a cult, and it is the epitome of the sports sedan. Since its debut in 1975 the BMW 3 Series is the undisputed leader in the premium segment and the right car for every need: It is a family-limousine, sports car, tuning and racing car. Car History recounts all the models and reveals the whole story of the BMW 3 Series.
AMG - three letters that quicken your pulse. From the very beginning, AMG has been specialized in improving performance for Mercedes cars. It is the embodiment of automotive performance, exclusivity and dynamic driving pleasure. Car History details AMG's growth from its humble beginnings as an independent engineering firm to being a world renowned company owned by Mercedes-Benz.
Lancia - Legendary racing successes, technological innovations and exclusive vehicles, made this brand world famous. But Lancia hasn't just enjoyed success in its history. The Italian car manufacturer had to endure severe misfortunes and economic mismanagement as well. Nonetheless, the legend lives on to this day. Car History looks back on the ups and downs in the history of Lancia.
The Motorsport division of BMW has been a success story since its inception, but they are not just celebrating success on the race tracks. The road cars with the letter M on the rear fascinate car drivers from around the world and quickly gained a large cult following. Car History looks back on BMW M which was founded in 1972 as BMW Motorsport GmbH.
Saab, the iconic brand from Sweden, is a rolling manifesto of "otherness". A Saab is the perfect car for all non-conformists who have a sense of aesthetics, quality and comfort. They cars are considered to be individual and innovative. But in the end, Saab is insolvent as well. The fans remain though and keep the brand alive. Car History documents the rise and fall of this unique company.
Not sophisticated, not extravagant, but American in style and avant-garde - In the '60s and '70s, Ford is building one classic car after another and has always the same formula in mind: simple technique, pleasant design and affordable prices.Today Ford Taunus, Escort and Capri enjoy cult status. Car History provides a retrospective on all classic cars from Ford.
Volvo Classic Cars are always solid, always safe, but not always beautiful. Since 1927 the Swedish car company produces cars, which are a little bit different. But no matter if their individual models are curvy or boxy; a Volvo is always an individual car. Get ready for a ride through the history of Volvo on this episode of Car History.
The Land Rover is the bedrock of all terrain vehicles. Built in 1948 as a simple car for British farmers, the Land Rover soon became an export hit. Two years later the all-rounder was sold in over 70 countries. Today the Landy is at home all over the world. Car History highlights the story of Land Rover, which evolved into a luxury manufacturer with the introduction of the Range Rover.
Vive la difference: Their design is always unusual, their comfort is always extraordinary, and their ideas are often avant-garde: Of course we're talking about the cars from Renault. With the help of the Dauphine, Renault is contributing to the economic miracle. The Renault R4, R16 and R5 made history as well. Car History details Renault's story and shows all the models up to the Twizy.
Always ahead of the time, always different from the others: For Citroen, the joy of the extravagance has always been the engine for automotive revolution. But for some time, Citroen mutated from exceptional to mass produced cars. Car History recalls the evolution of Citroen and reveals the secret behind three of its cult cars: the Gooddess, the Gangers' limousine and the Duck.
The Volkswagen Golf is a reasonable car. it's not really exiting, but a bestseller! With more than 30 million units sold, the Golf is one of the most successful cars in automotive history. The models of the first generation have been cult objects for years, especially the Golf GTI and the Golf Cabriolet. Car History tells the story of the Volkswagen Golf and reveals its secret to success.
No one is faster, no one is more reliable and no one is more successful than Porsche Racing. With more than 28.000 victories in motorsports within 65 years, Porsche set a world record. Car History recounts the story of the unbeatable racing teams from Zuffenhausen. Rally legend Walter Röhrl and Le Mans winner Hans Hermann also comment on the success of Porsche Racing.
BMW, one of the most successful automobile groups in the world, promises customers the "joy of driving". The sporty automobiles and motorbikes of Bayerische Motorenwerke AG (German for Bavarian Motor Works) are equally popular among regular customers and race drivers. Find out more about the former aircraft engine manufacturer and its foray into the world of cars on this episode of Car History.
The Porsche 550 Spyder is small, flat and fast. Even though it was built only 140 times, the 550 Spyder still made history. It laid the foundation for Porsche's success in motorsports and it was the car, in which Hollywood star James Dean was killed. This accident not only turned Dean into a legend, but they Porsche 550 as well. Car History reveals the whole story of the dream car from the 1950s.
The Porsche 550 Spyder is small, flat and fast. Even though it was built only 140 times, the 550 Spyder still made history. It laid the foundation for Porsche's success in motorsports and it was the car, in which Hollywood star James Dean was killed. This accident not only turned Dean into a legend, but they Porsche 550 as well. Car History reveals the whole story of the dream car from the 1950s.
Racing has been the motor for Ford for more than 100 years. Henry Ford even won his first race with his first-ever car. Thousands of victories followed ever since. Ford writes motorsports history with the GT40 in Le Mans, the Capri on the circuit and the Escart at the Monte Carlo Rally and the Safari Rally. Ford even built the most successful engine of the Formula 1: the Ford-Cosworth.
BMW is one of the most successful automotive companies in the world. From the beginning, racing is one of the pillars for this success. Whether it's on over long or short distance tracks, whether it's in formula or touring car races: the Bavarian Motor Works set new standards. And thanks to the transfer of technology into series production cars, customers benefit from racing victories as well.
No sooner had the first car been launched in 1886 than advertising began touting the great benefits of the motor car for mankind. Part 1 of 3.
In the 1970s and 80s, car production booms and with-it car advertising. Television advertising for cars picks up speed. Part 2 of 3.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an icon and the world's best selling sports car. Introduced more than 60 years ago, it became a firm part of the American culture like the Statue of Liberty, the Superbowl or John Wayne. No other car stands more for the "American Way of Drive"ќ than the Corvette. Its recipe to success: high displacement, high performance and exciting design.
50 years of Porsche 911 and 60 years of Chevrolet Corvette: two legends, two myths, two dream cars - and two opposing philosophies. But whether it's a rear or a front engine, both the Corvette and Porsche sports cars are icons in the US and Europe. Both are unique, each with a distinctive design and each the embodiment of a sports car.
Marketing is key in the automotive industry. Brands, models and advertising has been closely intertwined for decades. How has car advertising developed since the 1990s? Part 3of3.
Selling more than a million cars per year, Audi is now one of the most successful car manufacturers in the world. The brand with the four rings does stand for innovation, superior technology and outstanding design. In the 80s Audi revolutionized the automotive world with the Audi Quattro, which not only changes the world of rally sports but also brings the all-wheel drive to everyday cars.
The Auto Union is the incredible story of the "Fantastic Four": Horch, Audi, DKW and Wanderer. With the sign of the four rings, they are the second-largest automotive group in Germany behind Opel in the 1930s. The four brands of Auto Union are automobile pacemakers, build technical milestones and the fastest car in the world. Today, the name is long gone, but the brand lives on.
In the early 20th century, many inventors work on new ways to travel. One of those pioneers is Henry Ford, who introduces the Model A in 1903. But it was not until the Ford Model T and the moving assembly line, when his company from Dearborn, Michigan really takes off. Ford captures not just the US, but the whole world. At the same time, he becomes one of the world's richest people.
Two continents, one unique story: There aren't many manufacturers who have been equally active in the US and Europe as early as Ford did. Even though both markets have different demands and needs, Ford has been successful with this strategy. While the Mustang excites young people in the US, Europeans get fascinated with the Capri.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans are the toughest race in the world. In 1951 Porsche took part in the 24 hour-classic for the very first time and competed every year ever since. Till 1998 the Porsche enjoyed 16 victories with its prototypes - more than any other manufacturer in the history of Le Mans. No other brand plays such a decisive role in Le Mans as Porsche.
Jaguar, this is probably the coolest car brand in the world. Originally named Swallow Sidecars Company, company founder Sir William Lyons builds his first Jaguar in 1935. Soon afterwards the Jaguar SS 100 is produced, a sports car which outshines all other sports cars. Ever since, each Jaguar impresses with its power, dynamics and elegance, no matter if it's the XK 120, the E-Type or the XJ.
Whether it's the XK 120, the C-Type or the D-Type: sports and racing cars from Jaguar are tailor-made to reach maximum speed. Jaguar dominates not just the international racing scene in Le Mans, Daytona or Monte Carlo, but has a lasting effect on it, too. Unforgotten are the seven victories in Le Mans, which make especially the C-Type and the D-Type known worldwide.
The Volkswagen Group is the second biggest car company in the world. It all starts in 1936 with one car: the Volkswagen Beetle. It is supposed to make people's dream of owning a car come true, but turns to be even more: a object of the propaganda in the third Reich, a development worker after World War II, a million seller, a film star and a sports car. The Beetle makes Volkswagen world-famous.
In the 1970s Volkswagen is in a crisis after the company was hit by the oil price shock and the popularity of the Beetle has declined. Only with the introduction of the Passat and Golf, Volkswagen finds its way back on track. The Golf is a bestseller. With more than 30 million units sold, it makes the Volkswagen Group a global player. Now, twelve brands are part of the Volkswagen Group.
Whether with their rocket vehicles or their Ascona or Calibra car models, racing has been closely associated with the Opel brand for over 100 years.
Power, Passion, Pole Position: Mercedes has been writing racing history since 120 years. Mercedes and Benz competed in the first-ever car race in 1984 and achieved numerous victories ever since. Among their outstanding successes are their victories at the 1908 and 1914 French Grand Prix. Car History shows how the three-pointed star brand dominated motorsports right from the very beginning.
The Silver Arrows stand for an unparalleled era of motorsports. They dominated the racing scene in the 1930s like no other. Rudolf Carraciola, Hermann Lang, Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss are the heroes of that time and became legendary thanks to the Silver Arrows. Car History details the unique history of the Silver Arrows using both original footage and interviews with motorsport experts.
Whether it is gullwing, streamliner or monoposto: After WWII silver becomes the color of champions again. In the slipstream of their own myth, the second-generation Silver Arrows race from victory to victory and reward Mercedes with golden years in racing. Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss and Hans Herrmann are the heroes of that time. Car History documents the return of the Silver Arrows.
Whether it is the Monte Carlo Rally, the European Rally Championship or the Street Grand Prix of Argentina: There was a time when Mercedes dominated the international rally scene with cars like the sluggish 180D or the heavy touring saloons 220 or 300SE. After retiring from Formula 1 and Le Mans, Mercedes used rally sport as a testing ground as the use of close-to-production cars was mandatory.
1969 saw Mercedes' first win at a race after the 1955 Le Mans disaster and retiring from racing. What followed are the legendary appearance of AMG's red S-Class nicknamed "Red Pig" in Spa, uncountable victories in the German Touring Car Championship, the return to Le Mans, the Formula 1 championships with Mika Hдkkinen and Mercedes' own Grand Prix team featuring Lewis Hamilton.
After taking part in the world's first car race in 1894, Mercedes has won races around the world and became the most successful manufacturer in motorsports. No matter if it's Le Mans, Panamericana, Indianapolis or Formula One: There are not many racec that the three-pointed star brand hasn't won yet. Their pilots such are always among the best and most famous drivers of their time.
From the first three-wheel automobile to the shining star of the 30s, from Simplex to 500K: No other brand characterizes the first 50 years of the motor better than Mercedes, no other brand represents the evolution of the automobile more than Mercedes.
After World War II vehicles from Mercedes-Benz soon became the embodiment of status, quality, power and comfort again. No matter if it's the Gullwing 300 SL, Fintail, /8, Baby Benz or S-Class: Many Mercedes vehicles from the 50s, 60s and 70s became cult classics. Then as now, they are a testimonial for the three-pointed star brand's striving for perfection.
BMW M1, the Le Mans prototype or the M3 GT2 - the BMW Art Cars designed by Andy Warhol, Roy Liechtenstein, Frank Stella or Jeff Koons, the world's most famous artists.
In 1964, tractor manufacturer Ferruccio Lamborghini decided to build the best sports cars in the world in the tranquil town of Sant'Agata Bolognese.
The Nissan car brand emerged from the ruins of the Second World War and took on the then market leaders in Japan, GM and Ford.