Matra Museum, Romorantin, France
Until November 1st, 2026
For its major annual exhibition, the Matra Museum offers an immersive journey into the heart of German automotive culture. As the exhibition’s title suggests, German cars, whether mass-market, sports cars, or luxury vehicles, have become a global benchmark for innovation, precision, and overall quality. One could almost say that the term “premium car” was coined to describe German manufacturers, notably Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche.
Sport and prestige were already in the manufacturers’ DNA in the 1930s, as demonstrated by a V12-powered Maybach DS7 (Maybach is now Mercedes’ “Luxury” division), the Mercedes 540 K convertible, and the BMW 328 roadster.
In just a few decades, Porsche became an icon of German and global motoring, starting with the 356, presented here in its B-series (third-generation) version, which was succeeded by the 911, still in production today, though it must be acknowledged that it has evolved significantly over the past 60 years! Two cars are on display: a 912, the entry-level model with a 90-horsepower flat-four engine, and a 320-horsepower 911 Turbo (Type 964).
The Audi Quattro, BMW 3.0 CSi and 2002 Turbo, Mercedes 190SL roadster, NSU TTS, and Opel GT showcase the diversity of the German automotive industry, here with a distinctly sporty focus.
Let’s not forget the more “popular” cars, such as the Volkswagen Beetle (here a rare 1951 “split-window” open roof version), its coupe variant built by Karmann based on a design by the Italian coachbuilder Ghia, or the Opel Kadett (here a second-generation “Type B”).
With the BMW M1 Procar, the Audi R8 (in spider version with a V10 engine), and the Mercedes SLS AMG, it’s clear that German manufacturers aren’t afraid to compete with Italy’s sportiest models.
Slightly off-topic, the exhibition also features unusual cars such as an amphibious Volkswagen Schwimmwagen or a Trabant P601, a symbol of East German industry, here in a fire truck version.
Photos, posters, drawings, and advertisements contribute to the atmosphere. As is often the case with these exhibitions, several display cases of miniatures round out this overview of more than a century of industrial expertise, notably including a display celebrating Mercedes’ victories at the ACF (Automobile Club de France) Grand Prix and Porsche’s wins at the Italian Targa Florio race.
The photos on this page belong to Automobile-Museums, no right of reproduction without owner’s express permission.