Car History

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.