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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