Baden-Baden: The Hidden Motor City

Fascinating Automotive History with Benz, Caracciola & Co – Baden-Baden: The Hidden Motor City unveils the untold story of this early automotive pioneer hub. In 1887, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach introduced their vehicles here, sparking a legacy of innovation.

From one of the first car races in 1903 to legendary events like “2000 Kilometers Through Germany,” the book captures Baden-Baden’s motorsport heritage. Meet icons like Rudolf Caracciola and Ernes Merck, the only female racer of the 1920s, alongside aristocrats, film stars, and industrialists—including Josephine Baker and Henry Ford.

With exclusive images and rich storytelling, this book blends automotive history, motorsport milestones, and cultural flair. A must-have for car enthusiasts and history lovers alike!

Roland Seiter, born in 1956, is a freelance journalist and author. From 1990 to 2022, he was Head of Media and Communications for the city of Baden-Baden. He has had a keen interest in historic vehicles since his youth. His garage contains a 1955 Volkswagen “Willi” and two NSU motorcycles, both also from 1955, as well as a 1960 Kreidler Florett. He also loves convertibles and motorcycles and has a soft spot for pre-war cars. As a true classic car enthusiast, he has many contacts in the scene. When Roland Seiter first heard about the big races in Baden-Baden in 1992, he was hooked. He collected documents, photos and numerous accessories. His extensive collection provided the basis for the book Baden-Baden: The Hidden Motor City.