Stylish radios for classic cars and youngtimers: a guide

Old and youngtimers are more popular than ever and are moved by more and more car fans in everyday life. But hardly anyone wants to do without modern technology such as Bluetooth, music streaming, digital radio reception or Apple CarPlay. No wonder that modern radios in classic design are very trendy. They are not cheap.

Years ago, Blaupunkt achieved the very big hit with the new edition of his legendary car radio Bremen SQR 43. For decades after the luxury model in the typical design of the 1980s, Blaupunkt launched the SQR 46 DAB a successor, which had it optically and technically. In the meantime, Blaupunkt has released a whole range of the latest radios in the historical design. On the Followed models such as the Hamburg SQM 23 or the Frankfurt RCM 82 DAB. The original dates from 1992 and at the time ensured pleasant acoustics in the car with its intuitive operating concept, the simple design and its crystal clear reception.

Visually, the models from 1992 and 2022 differ only marginally. In addition to the adjustable lighting color, the 499 euro Frankfurt RCM 82 DAB offers a two-line display, as well as RDS and DAB+tuners with digital signal processing with equalizer, subwoofer connection and 4 x 50 watts output power. As with the Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 43 DAB USB, AUX and Micro SD interface, the supposed cassette flap hides. With his integrated hands -free system, the driver can make calls or access the voice assistants of the smartphone.

But not all car and classic fans helped with the design of the Blaupunkt models. As good as they fit in some vehicles from Audi, BMW or Ford, so little original encourage them in a classic Mercedes, for example. Since Becker does not offer his charismatic radio models of the type Mexico, Europe or Grand Prix more than new versions, the classic fan with the sense of the original Autolook has to use a manufacturer like retro manufacturing.

Models such as the Retro Manufacturing Grand Prix are based on the classic Becker design, but are optically and technically not at the level of the Blaupunkt models. Visually, a new Grand Prix Radio fits very well into models such as a Mercedes 450 SL from 1979 or a Mercedes 500 SEL from 1985.

On the other hand, if you are traveling in an old VW Beetle, a MG B or a historic Opel Kadett in the 1950s or 1960s, the design of the appreciated. The radio manufacturer is exactly the right choice for the popular US classics, because models such as Redondo RS or Wonder Bar II fit almost perfectly into a Ford Galaxy from 1963 or an early Chevy Corvette at prices of around 500 euros. In addition, the electronics company from Henderson in Nevada also offers boxing systems and insulation mats for the corresponding sound enjoyment when driving.

Porsche recognized the classic market gap of the sound systems years ago and has been offering the two operating systems PCCM and PCCM Plus for aged vehicles such as 911, Boxster and Cayenne for several years. For older Porsche models with the small DIN shaft such as 911, 924, 968 or 944, there is a 3.5-inch display from 1,350 euros, while the younger sports cars provide information about a seven-inch display from the Boxster series 986 and 911 generation.

In the meantime there is Even for the Porsche 911 of Generation 997 and the first Porsche Cayenne. All systems (from 1500 euros) have navigation, simple touch control, music streaming, radio, DAB+, Apple CarPlay and PCCM Plus also via Android Auto, steering wheel control and control of the Bose sound system.

“The demand for contemporary networking for our timeless classics is very large. And soon after the successful start of sales of the first infotainment systems for retrofitting, the corresponding inquiries from owners earlier 911 of the generation 997,” says Ulrike Lutz, Head of Porsche Classic. “That is why we are now expanding the range of Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus devices to retrofit.” And if the offers of Porsche, Blaupunkt or Retro Manufacturing are too expensive, you can make a detour to the electronics trade. Many workshops build a Bluetooth or USB interface at prices from 120 euros on historical radio devices.