Top five... Classic cars at Frankfurt

Tucked away on a handful of manufacturer stands at the 2015 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show are a few historic cars, displayed to help illustrate the heritage of the marque and/or model. Here’s five of the best that we’ve pawed over.

Borgward Isabella TS Coupe

The rebirth of the Borgward brand would not be complete without some evidence of this famous Bremen-based manufacturer’s past. Sure enough, at the rear of its stand a pristine 1950s Isabella TS Coupe, owned by the Borgward family since new, doesn’t disappoint, although it doesn’t bare too much resemblance with the brand new BX7 SUV model. Here’s hoping a modern day Isabella is being planned.

Alpina BMW 6-Series B8

The renowned BMW tuning specialist – Alpina – marks its 50^th anniversary at the IAA with the introduction of some new special edition ‘50’ models, plus a nice reminder of its past, in the shape of this lovely early 1980s B8, based on the classic 6-Series coupe. A great way to turn heads…

Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2

Unquestionably one of the stars of the 2015 Frankfurt Show, Alfa Romeo has sandwiched its new Giulia model with two of its 105-Series 1960s name sakes; a desirable 1964 Giulia Ti Berlina, plus the ‘too-die-for’ competition alloy-bodied TZ2, shown at the IAA in ultra-rare road going form. It’s simply stunning.

Hanomag 2/10 PS

One of the OEM component suppliers is grabbing attention with this little 1920s Hanomag 2/10 PS, so named as the car has two taxable and ten brake horsepower. Built between 1924 and 1928, the rear-engined chain-driven Hanomag was the world’s most fuel-efficient mass-production car between the two Wars, achieving an average 71mpg from its low-friction, one-cylinder-engine and light weight body.

Range Rover

Jaguar Land Rover is celebrating the 45^th anniversary of the groundbreaking Range Rover with a deliciously original early 1970s two-door on its stand. This period pale blue example is generating as much media attention as Land Rover’s new two-tone LWB Range Rover Insignia.