The Eighties were a fertile time for lovers of German motoring. It was the legends formed during this era that mean today’s German cars are now the heroes in the UK, where once Ford, Vauxhall and Rover did battle.
We’ve rounded up five cars that helped cement those foundations, from £5000 to £50,000. Which one’s your favourite? Let us know below…
1. Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC
With stupendous heave on offer from its 5.0-litre V8 engine, top-quality refinement and soothing luxury, not much can cross Europe this quickly and comfortably. This one comes with full Mercedes-Benz service historyand looks to be in exquisite condition.
2. BMW M635 CSi
With 286bhp on tap from its BMW M1 supercar-sourced straight-six and scintillating sharknose styling, the 6-series cuts an almighty dash. This particular car is one of just 20 Motorsport Edition special editions and has lived a pampered life.
3. Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet
While the Golf may lack the high-horsepower heft of some of the other cars in this list, the clipped, just-so lines formed from Giugiaro’s pen created a stylish car for tooling around town in excellent style. It's not an out-and-out sportscar, but still fun regardless. This one has an automatic gearbox and power steering for easy motoring.
4. Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera Targa
While the 911 Turbo gets a lot of the attention for its sheer power, the Carrera Targa offers a cheaper route into 930-era 911 ownership – and it’ll be very nearly as entertaining. This one’s just under £23,000 and looks ready for many a European adventure.
5. Audi quattro
The quattro revolutionised rallying with four-wheel drive and the road car provided so much grip and turbocharged hustle that not much can keep up to it from point to point. This fabulous example looks great in Ashes to Ashes red.