The Nationales Automuseum is the brainchild of Prof. Dr. Friedhelm Loh, a German entrepreneur and passionate car collector. In 2023, Loh transformed his private collection into a public treasure, showcasing automotive history on a grand scale.
Loh, who led his family’s company to international success in steel cabinetry and software solutions, has long nurtured a deep passion for cars. His collection is a testament not only to that but also to his appreciation for technically significant vehicles that have shaped the course of automotive history.
I recently had the opportunity to visit this extraordinary museum, which is currently divided into two parts: a temporary Ferrari exhibition (which I will share with you in a separate post) and a permanent collection valued at US$1.5 billion.
The permanent collection houses about 150 rare and exceptional vehicles, spanning decades of innovation and design. Tucked away in the scenic Hesse region of Germany, the museum features a stunning selection of classic and high-performance sports cars.
Its location in Dietzhölztal-Ewersbach adds an extra layer of charm. Once the site of Omnical GmbH’s production facilities, in 2015 it began being transformed into a museum while preserving its industrial heritage and unique architectural character.
The experience begins with two yesteryear-themed corridors, where an array of highly polished pre-WW2 cars set the stage. Here, iconic names like Bugatti, Bentley, Talbot-Lago, and Mercedes-Benz recall a golden era of automotive luxury and innovation. But the surprises don’t end there. I was blown away by rarer gems, including the front-wheel-drive 1932 Bucciali TAV8-32 V12, nicknamed ‘Golden Arrow’ by its French creator Jacques Saoutchik. The stunning Austro-Daimler ADR 635’s futuristic design for its time offers a rare glimpse into an alternate vision of the automobile.
The main hall, with its steeply banked curves reminiscent of a race or test track, houses many of the museum’s most well-known vehicles. Each car in this centerpiece has its own fascinating story.
Among the highlights is the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, once the world’s most expensive production car, with only six examples ever made. Next to it is the Bugatti Veyron, a high-speed icon of the modern era.
Other notable cars include a bright orange Lamborghini Countach, a sleek Lamborghini 350 GT, Porsche’s iconic 959 S, and the legendary 2.7 RS, which birthed the Stuttgart factory’s RennSport dynasty. The collection also features some of the most recognizable models in history, such as the Shelby Cobra, BMW 507, Jaguar E-Type, and Citroën DS.
Behind the curve, a multi-story parking garage houses 30 vehicles in a striking vertical display that reminded me of how some people arrange their Hot Wheels collections.
Between the two structures, a hallway is dedicated to a selection of historic DTM cars like the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evo and BMW E30 M3, alongside newer touring cars and a collection of classic Formula 1 and Le Mans racers.
One of the highlights of my visit was the special exhibition celebrating 125 years of Opel. This showcase featured a series of significant vehicles from the German automaker’s rich history. Among the standouts was the 1899 Patentmotorwagen, alongside the gold-plated Kapitän, which commemorates the production of Opel’s two-millionth vehicle.
A clear favorite was the Opel Corsa ‘Moon,’ a playful design study from 1997 that heralded a facelift for the popular model.
Opel’s early foray into electric vehicles was also represented with the 1971 Elektro GT. This pioneering car, powered by two Bosch DC motors producing 120hp (peaking at 160hp), gave a glimpse into the future of EV technology. Despite its innovative design, the Elektro GT’s 280 nickel-cadmium batteries added a hefty 590kg (1,300lbs) to the vehicle’s weight, pushing its total to 1,550kg (3,417lbs).
Nearby, another notable Opel was the ECO Speedster, an innovative vehicle that set 17 world records in a single 24-hour period during the height of Europe’s diesel car boom. This compact racer, with its 1.2L engine and 112hp, achieved an astonishing fuel efficiency of 92.6mpg (2.54L/100km) while still managing to hit 250km/h.
Opel’s competition heritage was well represented, with iconic race cars like the 1983 Safari Rally Opel Ascona, the Opel Manta 400, and the striking ‘Cliff’ Calibra, alongside other motorsport legends.
The red Opel Astra OPC X-Treme was a personal highlight. This car holds sentimental value as the cover vehicle of the first automotive magazine I ever purchased.
The Nationales Automuseum deeply delves into automotive culture, innovation, and history. Whether you’re drawn to the svelte lines of a Lamborghini Miura SV or fascinated by the story behind the DeLorean DMC-12, there’s something here for every car enthusiast.
Stay tuned for part two of my visit: the Ferrari Collection.
Vladimir Ljadov
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