The National Auto Museum 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 the family business to international success in steel cabinetry and software solutions, has long harbored a deep passion for cars. His collection is not only a testament to this, but also a testament to his appreciation for technically important 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 $1.5 billion permanent collection .
The permanent collection houses approximately 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-end sports cars.
The location in Dietzhölztal-Ewersbach adds an extra layer of charm. Once the site of Omnical GmbH’s production facilities, it was transformed into a museum in 2015, preserving its industrial heritage and unique architectural character.
The experience begins with two bygone-themed corridors, where an array of polished pre-World War II cars set the stage. Here, iconic names such as Bugatti, Bentley, Talbot-Lago and Mercedes-Benz recall a golden era of automotive luxury and innovation. But the surprises don’t stop there. I was blown away by rarer gems, including the front-wheel drive 1932 Bucciali TAV8-32 V12, nicknamed ‘Golden Arrow’ by French maker Jacques Saoutchik. The futuristic design of the Austro-Daimler ADR 635 offers a rare glimpse into an alternative vision of the car.
The main hall, with its steep curves reminiscent of a racing or test track, houses many of the museum’s best-known vehicles. Each car in this centerpiece has its own fascinating story.
One of the highlights is the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, once the most expensive production car in the world, 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 spawned the Stuttgart factory’s RennSport dynasty. The collection also includes some of history’s most recognizable models, such as the Shelby Cobra, BMW 507, Jaguar E-Type and Citroën DS.
Behind the bend, a multi-story parking garage houses thirty vehicles in a striking vertical display that reminded me of how some people organize their Hot Wheels collections.
Between the two buildings is a corridor dedicated to a selection of historic DTM cars such as 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 range of important vehicles from the German car manufacturer’s rich history. One of the highlights was the Patentmotorwagen from 1899, next to the gold-plated Kapitän, which commemorates the production of Opel’s two millionth car.
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 by the 1971 Elektro GT. This groundbreaking car, powered by two Bosch DC motors producing 120 hp (with a peak of 160 hp), provided a glimpse into the future of EV technology. Despite the innovative design, the Elektro GT’s 280 nickel-cadmium batteries added a hefty 590 kg (1,300 lbs) to the vehicle’s weight, bringing the total to 1,550 kg (3,417 lbs).
Another notable Opel in the area was the ECO Speedster, an innovative vehicle that set 17 world records in one 24-hour period during the height of Europe’s diesel car boom. This compact racer, with its 1.2 liter engine and 112 hp, achieved an astonishing fuel consumption of 2.54 l/100 km, while still managing to reach 250 km/h.
Opel’s racing heritage was well represented, with iconic racing cars such as the 1983 Safari Rally Opel Ascona, the Opel Manta 400 and the striking ‘Cliff’ Calibra, among other motorsport legends.
The red Opel Astra OPC X-Treme was a personal highlight. This car has sentimental value as the cover vehicle of the first car magazine I ever bought.
The National Auto Museum delves deep into car culture, innovation and history. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek 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 Lyadov
Instagram: wheelsbywovka
because@wheelsbywovka.com
www.wheelsbywovka.com