Every once in a while you need some quiet time away from your responsibilities in the world to reflect, recharge, renew.
It’s too bad when you live right in the middle of the biggest city in the country. But then you realize in all the commotion there are still places barely frequented, protected from the outdoors, cathedrals of a cool and mostly quiet solitude. And if I find those 15 minutes of quiet time every once in a while I try to bring back a few images from those Berlin dream garages.
The E12 stands to me as the most beautiful 5 series. It has the most delicate lines, and when it features the strange baby six M30 and Munich historic plates, it surely must be dream, and in good company, too!
The quality is not good on this image, but these Harlekin Polos (only 3806 examples produced!) have really been the ancestor of the now emergent VW Harlequin trend that’s become quite the social media phenomenon lately!
Yes, this a a US spec Audi 100! I’d love to know how it ended up in Berlin-Kreuzberg. And these Lada Nivas (still in production) have enjoyed quite the following here, lately.
The SL isn’t parked correctly I believe.
One of the last BXs in Berlin.
The read leather interior was rarely ordered in Germany, probably deemed too flashy.
The true gem of this post must be this Fiat Uno Turbo i.e. (Not that a Ford Capri is exactly common)
I must be 20 years since I had last seen one.
An unusual method for theft protection.
I didn’t like this design when it came out, but now that they have become so rare, I can begin to see how the Prelude is one of the best proportioned FWD coupes.
BIG and BAD – A transatlantic friendship.
Elder statesman from France.
Maybe this is his secretary.
Waiting for the sun to come out.
Maybe the most beautiful of the BMW convertibles?
My kind of sleeper.
The most underrated Fiat.
These old Mercedes feel right at home in the lower levels.
The T3 has enjoyed quite some popularity here in the last couple of years.
Nice pics and article. I know the feeling of finding a place of quiet at times.
My dream garage would look like this:
Any Cadillac Cimarron (82-88)
77 Cadillac Eldo. 85 Eldo
Any Cadillac Seville (1976-1991)
Any 77-79 Deville and/or Fleetwood
79-81 Lincoln Versailles
77-89 Lincoln Town Car and any Mark series.
83-99 Jaguar XJ6/XJ8.
And finally (and the strangest of all), a 77-81 Chevrolet Chevette.
Haha. Yup, that would be a fantastic garage for me to get lost in.
Remarkable finds, many of these. Were these in just random garages, or is this the Curbside Classic garage?
It suddenly occurred to me that I’d like a Niva; perfect for EXBRO as well as an around-town errand runner. I suppose I could import one 25+ years old without any substantial difficulty.
Owning anything Russian at the moment would be the ultimate contrarian move. Somewhere between outrageous and courageous.
Speaking of which, they’re thinking of re-starting Moskvich:
https://europe.autonews.com/automakers/russia-revive-soviet-era-moskvich-after-renault-exit
Somewhere between outrageous and courageous.
That’s the alternate description of my street address.
The Lada Niva has seen a fascinating spike in popularity here in the last 5 years amongst the Berlin hipster crowd. I’m uncertain how the current political situation will affect that development or used Niva prices.
They felt liked pretty random garages when I entered them and really special CC garages when I exited.
The images are actually from three different garages all located within 5 minutes of Berlin-Kreuzberg’s busy Hermannplatz.
That 1970 Chevy Impala looks enormous next to that SL, sticking out as far as it does in that parking space.
The Mk II Capri (“Project Diana”) may be common, but maybe that’s part of why I love it so much.
I also love the FIAT Barchetta and lament we in the U.S. never got a shot at it.
Great assortment.
BXs live forever, so it’s no surprise to see one here. But any 604 sighting in 2022 is cause for celebration! Those were all gone before the year 2000 in their native land.
Vielen dank for the tour, Hannes.
Dream garage indeed — this is a remarkable collection!
The ones that jump out at me the most here are the Peugeot 604 (a car I’ve always admired, but seldom seen) and the Lada Niva (I’ve never seen one in person).
The Harlequin VWs are about the most Un-Me car I can think of, but it’s still neat to see a picture of one that’s still around.
Love the picture with the three T3’s and the LT1. A Renault Kangoo is lurking in the background and there’s another white van on the right. Can’t tell what it is.
Good work Hannes!
Diese Bilder verursachen Heimweh!
(These pictures cause home sickness!)
Very nice vehicles ! .
Hard to choose a single favorite .
That red 4 cylinder W123 wagon must be really slow =8-) .
-Nate
Here’s my top three. I love the look and feel of those BMW’s but they far exceed my wallets capabilities.
1. Honda Prelude
Put the key in the ignition and have fun
2. VW T3 Westfalia green one last picture
Perfect weekend, week or weeks long vacation machine
3. Lada Nivia
Stories make me believe it’s Russia’s best attempt of the Toyota Hilux. Also because I always separate a countries people from its Dictatorship.
I always separate a countries people from its Dictatorship
Renault’s controlling share in Avtovaz was “bought” for 1 ruble by the state, so buying a Lada now = supporting said state.
A quite remarkable collection, an underground resistance to the drear of modern machines.
I cannot help but smile at the Peugeot, Renault and Citroen – in true French style, each sits with a goodly oil stain under the engine. Traditions must be maintained.
Also, I must be informed why every single 604 ever made was made in that green color, including the only one I’ve ever been in. I shall from hereon call that green Confirmation Bias Jade.
Given that Berlin is not in the middle of a desert, why is everything coated in dust, even some of the moderns? Is it the case that in a city so well-served by public transport and bikes that car-owners use them infrequently?
“Confirmation Bias Jade”
That made my day. Thank you!
That is very perceptive of you, I had not even noticed these oil stains!
As for the dust: These vehicles, at least the CCs, are probably driven once a month, if even that often at all.
And why the newer vehicles would be covered in dust? Berlin is just a very dirty city, with lots of pollution, little rain as of late, and a general attitude of why even bother to keep anything clean.