The Wrong Way Through History

In the1920s, Hitler’s first car was a 1920 green Selve 8/30, followed by a Mercedes 15/70/100.

From then on, he only used Mercedes vehicles.

In 1924, after being released from Landsberg prison following his failed attempt to overthrow the Weimar Republic, Hitler was driven away in a grey Benz 11/40.

In 1930, Hitler was involved in an accident with a truck while in a supercharged Mercedes 15/70/100.

The Mercedes suffered minor damage, solidifying his loyalty to the brand.

During the 1930s-40s, Hitler’s primary car became the Mercedes-Benz 770 ‘Grosser’, an armoured luxury vehicle often seen in parades.

Equipped with bulletproof glass and reinforced steel for protection.

Hitler used the off-road, six-wheel Mercedes-Benz G4 for military inspections and parades through conquered territories.

Regarding cars, Hitler had a clear favourite — Mercedes.

‘Apparently, he liked his rides like his speeches: long, loud, and impossible to ignore.’

In 1938, Hitler played a vital role in creating the Volkswagen Beetle, designed by Ferdinand Porsche as an affordable ‘People’s Car.’

Hitler’s cars, especially the Mercedes-Benz models, were symbols of Nazi power and technological superiority, regularly paraded for public image and propaganda.

Hitler sponsored Mercedes and Auto Union (Porsche) in Grand Prix racing, leading to German dominance in motorsports from 1935 to 1939.

Hitler’s cars were technical marvels but forever associated with the dark history of Nazi propaganda and power.

Some still survive in museums and private collections.

‘Hitler’s love affair with Mercedes was legendary — after all, if you’re going to drive the wrong way through history, you might as well do it in style.’