Let’s imagine you’re a rich guy living in Berlin, Germany: where do you go to buy your next supercar, collectible classic or gentleman’s race car? Most likely the Classic Remise, located in a historic tram stop on Wiebestraße.
This large industrial space built in the early 20th century is completely filled with coveted rare cars. Owners of such vehicles can pay to store and maintain their cars here, but Classic Remise is primarily home to companies that service, restore and sell specialty vehicles.
After the German Drift Masters, I had a few hours to spare before heading home. Classic Remise seemed like the perfect place to pass the time, especially since my co-workers had never been to it before.
I think I’ll take you for a ride too, but there’s one thing you can’t experience: the smell. As soon as the entry door opens, a mixture of oil, rubber and old car interiors hits us.
The restoration workshop at Classic Remise is filled with classic Porsches, Jaguars, Land Rovers, motorcycles and other interesting vehicles. It was a Sunday when I went so they were closed and everything inside was in “still life”.
The cars hidden behind the glass are owned by the client and are ready to go for a spin day or night. I am endlessly grateful to those who decide not to lock up their prized cars in private homes, but to display them indirectly in such facilities.
As I mentioned, much of Classic Remise is dedicated to car sales, and there are definitely some gems available for purchase.
This red Alfa Romeo Montreal is the perfect example of the Italian sports car of the 70’s. Designed by Marcello Gandini, the striking 2+2 coupe had whimsical design cues and a lovely 2.6L V8 engine under the hood.
This Volvo 262C is another luxury coupe I had to take a close look to walk by. Interestingly, the car was designed by Volvo’s chief designer, Jan Wilsgaard, but was built at the Bertone factory in Italy. Usually, it’s the other way around – Bertone does the design, the manufacturer makes the car.
The only Japanese car I saw on set was this FCS3 Mazda RX-7 convertible. Approximately 22,000 FC Convertibles were produced, making them extremely rare. There are even fewer like this Turbo, so I was excited to see it in person.
My favorite car is this BMW 3.0 CSL in proper M colors and chrome fender extenders, which was a lovely design element at the time. I’ve always liked the fact that this ETC special homologation is sold without the rear spoiler installed. BMW can’t sell the 3.0 CSL with the spoiler fitted because German law makes it illegal to use it on the road.The answer is to leave the spoiler in the trunk for the owner to install back They drove the car home.
There’s definitely something eye-catching in the showroom. I never thought I’d see the Hyundai Lancia Stratos Concept, but I did.
The old Formula 1 cars are definitely eye-catching, but a little information about them could complete the picture. This Marlboro Team McLaren M26 has #7 on the side, probably James Hunt’s car. I noticed it had a Ford Cosworth V8 on the rear, a reminder that when the Blue Oval returns to F1 racing from 2026, it won’t be a rookie.
I think this BMW Sauber F1 car could be from the 2006 or 2007 season and belong to Nick Heidfeld, Jacques Villeneuve or Robert Kubica.
This is a car I didn’t even know existed until I saw it at Classic Remise Berlin. It was actually a redesigned Mini designed by Bertone and originally produced by Leyland, UK under the Innocenti label. After BLMC collapsed in 1975, the Innocenti was sold to De Tomaso and the model was rebadged accordingly. This Innocenti Turbo De Tomaso edition was powered by a Daihatsu-sourced turbocharged 993cc engine making 72hp.
Germany is popular for such facilities. Berlin and Düsseldorf have Classic Remise, Cologne and Stuttgart have Motorworld, Frankfurt has Klassikstadt, etc.
The Classic Remise Düsseldorf is particularly eye-catching. It’s in a beautiful historic locomotive roundhouse with a slightly translucent ceiling.
Autoworld Cologne has an ace, hosting Michael Schumacher’s private collection on its second floor.
I haven’t been to Autoworld Stuttgart for many years, but in 2013 they had a fighter jet in it.
Frankfurt’s Klassikstadt houses its cars in a four-storey building that was formerly an agricultural machinery factory.
All of these locations might feel a bit elitist at first, but opening them up to anyone with a passion for cars makes them feel more like a museum or a public library. The difference is that here we appreciate automotive art not through traditional art, but through some of the rarest and most interesting cars in the world. When they’re not cruising the track or getting whipped, that’s it.
Vladimir Lyadov
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