Station wagons were once primarily workhorses. Owners typically wore out their combis, estates, and breaks until they were threadbare. We showcase ten models from the 60s and 70s whose prices are on the rise.
Someone who bought a station wagon in the 60s or 70s usually did so for professional reasons. Think of a baker or carpenter who occasionally needed to transport things, but didn’t need a van for that. Then a station wagon was a good solution. It goes without saying that their owners almost never pampered such cars, but mainly used them intensively. The chance that they could retire with dignity was quite small, and rust usually signaled the end at an early stage.
But some specimens have survived and are now increasing in value. The market experts from the German Classic Data looked for station wagons that left the showroom before 1980. In addition to the well-known representatives from this segment, such as the Volkswagen Passat Variant, the T-version of the Mercedes W123, and the Ford Granada station wagon, they also found rare specimens such as the Renault 12 Break. Next time, we will look for station wagons from 1980 onwards, where the supply is considerably larger.
1. Trabant 601 Universal
With its length of 3.56 meters, this is a particularly compact station wagon, powered by a 26-hp two-cylinder two-stroke with less than 600 cc. With the ‘Trabi’, everything is a size smaller than with other cars. For a long time, the prices were also modest. But that is changing. 601s ‘Universal’ in good condition are heading towards € 10,000. If you want one, you have to act now, because they won’t get any cheaper.
1974-1990, 595 cc, 26 hp
2. Volkswagen Passat Variant
1974-1977, 1.297 cc, 55 hp
It was not the first, but one of the more popular workhorses. The Volkswagen Passat was created with the help of Audi, the manufacturer from Ingolstadt supplied the technical basis. The Audi 80, with which it shared its basis, was available as a sedan, while the Passat was supplied with a sloping rear and as a station wagon.
3. Wartburg 353 Tourist
1968-1975, 992 cc, 45 hp
At the time, it cost no less than 17,700 marks on the home market. In return, you got a water-cooled three-cylinder two-stroke engine, a body with a length of 4.38 meters, and a top speed of 130 km/h. The station wagon version of the Wartburg 353 can of course also swallow much more luggage than the 16-centimeter shorter sedan. Both variants have one thing in common: prices are rising.
4. Peugeot 504 Break
1971-1982, 1.971 cc, 93 hp
This Peugeot 504 in XL format is a 4.80 meter long station wagon. There were three variants: the Break, the Commerciale, and the Familiale for large families. The latter could accommodate seven people. The wheelbase has been stretched to 2.90 meters.
5. Mercedes-Benz 240 TD
1978-1982, 2.404 cc, 65 hp
A good option for people who want to unwind: the low-power diesel engine suits the good-natured character of the Mercedes W123. Incidentally, the 240 TD had 7 hp more to offer from the summer of 1979, a case of ‘Morecedes’ therefore.
6. Ford Granada Stationwagon
1975-1977, 2.550 cc, 125 hp
What a cool thing this is. A nice six-cylinder, almost 4.70 meters long and equipped with an endless luggage space. With the Granada, Ford aimed its arrows at the higher middle class, after the update in the summer of 1975, even air conditioning was available at an additional cost.
7. Opel Kadett Caravan
1965-1971, 1.078 cc, 55 hp
The B-Kadett was a real all-rounder. It was available as a sedan, fastback, coupé and station wagon with two and four doors. The technical basis of the Opel: longitudinally mounted engines at the front and rear-wheel drive.
8. Renault 12 Break
1970-1975, 1.289 cc, 54 hp
In Germany, the station wagon based on the Renault 12 went through life as ‘Variable’, but in the Netherlands, just like in France, it was simply the R12 Break. Later, this model was also carried by Dacia as the 1310.
9. Volvo 1800 ES
1971-1973, 1.986 cc, 124 hp
Is ‘Snow White’s coffin’ really a station wagon? The Shooting Brake has always been more of a lifestyle car than a workhorse. The large glass tailgate is still very hip today.
10. Audi 100 Avant
1977-1982, 2.144 cc, 115 hp
The C2 or Type 43 was sometimes ordered as a two-door and often as a four-door sedan, from 1977 it was also available with a sloping rear under the name Avant. Let’s put it this way: the large tailgate is practical, but it’s not really a station wagon either.