Automotive anniversaries in 2025

Born in 1895 as Laurin & Klement, the bicycle manufacturer changed its name in 1925 and began producing automobiles. In 1991, just after the fall of the Iron Curtain, it became partially German by joining the Volkswagen Group.

Founded in 1925 by Walter Chrysler, the brand is a symbol of America, like the Chrysler Building in New York. It is credited with introducing the V6 engine in 1951, the airbag in 1974, and the minivan (Voyager) in 1983.

Created by the Spanish government to manufacture Fiat cars under license, the company didn’t launch its first “true” car fully designed in-house until 1984. This first-generation Ibiza would be produced in 500,000 units.

The brand created by Jean Rédélé made a name for itself worldwide with the A110, which was launched in 1962 and became world rally champion in 1973. Relaunched by Renault in 2017, it will be celebrating its 70^th anniversary from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June in Dieppe.

Launched in 1950, the Van, affectionately known as the “Combi” or “Bulli” in German, became a symbol of the hippie culture with its large capacity and convertible interior. It is synonymous with adventure, freedom, and a cool attitude.

A sensation at the 1955 Auto Show, this French sedan was produced for 20 years thanks to its avant-garde features: directional headlights, hydropneumatic suspension, and power steering. It will be honored at Rétromobile.

Unveiled at the 1955 Frankfurt Motor Show, this roadster marked a shift in the brand’s history with its simple, streamlined lines, chrome bumpers, and spoke wheels. Its affordable price made it a huge success.

In a time when only two percent of Germans could afford a car, this microcar, priced at 2,550 marks (1,300 euros), revolutionized mobility. Despite its modest 13 hp, it could reach a top speed of 85 km/h.

Launched in 1975, the 930 marked a major milestone in the brand’s history, with its flat-six engine supercharged by a turbocharger. For many, this version remains one of the wildest, with 260 hp that comes on suddenly!

Over the years, it succeeded in the impossible task of replacing the legendary E-Type. Yet, in 1975, it faced harsh criticism for its unusual design and cheap interior.

Unveiled at the 1975 Munich Auto Show, over 1.3 million units of the E21 were sold by the end of its production in 1983. This success can be attributed to the model’s positioning, creating the compact premium sedan segment. This anniversary will be celebrated at the Villa d’Este Concours d’Élégance.

When it was introduced at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, the lightweight roadster (695 kg, with an aluminum structure) created a shockwave with its Rover engine. It helped relaunch the struggling British brand.

With VW as the new owner, the goal was simple: a car with 1,001 hp capable of surpassing 400 km/h, while being as easy to drive as a Golf. Mission accomplished in 2005.

Who could have predicted, on May 13, 1950, at Silverstone, that this new discipline would last for so long? To celebrate 75 years of F1, Liberty Media is preparing a special event on February 18 in London. In August, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Élégance will also celebrate this milestone.

In 1975, the late Austrian driver won his first Formula 1 World Championship in the legendary Ferrari 312 T, designed by Mauro Forghieri and powered by a sensational 12-cylinder engine.

Now 83, the Englishman has five victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1975, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1987), just like Emanuele Pirro and Frank Biela. Only Tom Kristensen (nine wins) and Jacky Ickx (six wins) have more.

When Alesi joined F1 in 1989, many observers predicted a long career and many victories. While Jean Alesi stayed for thirteen seasons at the highest level, he won just one Grand Prix, at the Canadian GP in 1995.

No one saw the victory of a Grand Touring car against prototypes coming, especially not McLaren, making its debut at Le Mans in 1995. A double feat.

Who would have thought in June 2000 that Audi would win thirteen of the next fifteen editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans? The R8 alone won five, with the first victory in 2001 with Emanuele Pirro, Tom Kristensen, and Frank Biela.

It took five seasons for the German driver and Jean Todt to bring the cup back to Maranello. This was the first title for a “red” driver since 1979 (Jody Scheckter), starting a streak of five consecutive championships.

After sponsoring Sauber for ten seasons, the soft drink brand joined Ferrari on the list of entrants. Who could have imagined this in the 1960s, before the rise of sponsorship? Today, the team has six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ titles. Max Verstappen will celebrate this anniversary in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Born December 7, 1925, a contemporary of Juan Manuel Fangio, he is the oldest French F1 driver and Le Mans competitor. Now retired in Arcangues, in the French Basque Country, he still follows motorsport closely!

Six-time winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Belgian celebrates his 80th birthday on Wednesday 1 January 2025. An eclectic driver who performs as well at the wheel of a Formula 1 car as he does in a Le Mans prototype or a Dakar 4×4, he is still active and involved in setting up Hyundai’s (Genesis) Endurance programme.

Born February 24, 1955, “The Professor” is considered one of the greatest F1 drivers in history, with four World Championships and 51 wins with four different teams (Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, Williams).