4 Classic Models That Saved Car Companies
Author: Jason / Date: August 9, 2022 / Tags: 300SL
(RareCarMarket.com) – As valuable as some cars are, it’s hard to believe their parent companies were on the brink of extinction at one point. Fortunately for them, they each developed a model that was just what consumers wanted and sold like hotcakes, essentially single-handedly saving the parent company. Here are four classic car models that saved their companies:
1. Mercedes-Benz 300SL
Unfortunately, World War II took a serious toll on this renowned luxury brand. The company had no choice but to rely on pre-war cars to sell. Mercedes struggled until it unveiled the 300SL. The new model was essentially a road-legal version of the popular W194 racecar. It had looks and performance and managed to put the brand back on its feet.
2. BMW 700
Bavarian Motor Works was another German car manufacturer that nearly went out of business due to financial struggles resulting from the second world war. BMW nearly went under in the 1950s. Thankfully for the company and BMW enthusiasts, designers came up with the 700. BMW announced the vehicle, featuring a rear-mounted 697-cc displacement engine. BMW sold around 188,000 model 700s until 1965 when they ended production.
3. Porsche Boxster
It’s hard to believe a brand as prominent as Porsche was once on the brink of closing, but it happens to even the best companies. Another German car company, Porsche struggled significantly in the 1990s. Its 911 and 944 models weren’t exactly hot sellers, and the company faced financial trouble. Fortunately, Volkswagen swooped in and saved the day.
Designers offered the Boxster, a vehicle they hoped would appeal to every aspiring Porsche driver; it incorporated performance, comfort, handling, and quality. The Boxster was cheaper to produce, and people loved them, allowing the brand to cut production costs and save itself.
4. Lamborghini Gallardo
If the other names on this list didn’t catch you by surprise, this certainly will. What started as a tractor company has become one of the biggest names in the supercar industry. Yet, even this company had financial struggles, bouncing between several different owners for years until none other than Volkswagen bought the company and created the Gallardo. If not for that fateful decision, there likely wouldn’t have been any new Lamborghini models. Kudos to Volkswagen.
As you can see, any company can be at risk of failing. Expensive cars don’t always contribute to a company’s success. But superior engineering and innovation often save brands.
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