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The German sports car manufacturer Isdera has filed for insolvency. On April 11, 2025, insolvency proceedings were opened at the Saarbrücken District Court, and attorney Thomas Becker was appointed as provisional insolvency administrator.
This means that one of the most fascinating, but also most mysterious brands in German automotive history faces an uncertain future.
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The highlights of the Isdera brand
Isdera, founded in 1982 by Eberhard Schulz, has always been synonymous with handcrafted exclusivity and technical extravagance.
Each vehicle was built individually according to customer specifications – orders could only be placed after direct contact with the company's CEO. Production numbers always remained extremely low, making the models sought-after collector's items today.
Legendary models and technical milestones
◉ Isdera Imperator 108i (1984–1993)
The brand's most famous model was derived from the Mercedes-Benz CW311 prototype. Only 30 units were built.
The Imperator 108i boasted a Mercedes-Benz V8 engine, gullwing doors, and a distinctive periscope rearview mirror. With up to 390 hp and a top speed of 283 km/h, it was a true Autobahn king.
◉ Isdera Commendatore 112i (1993)
The successor to the Imperator was built as a one-off and presented at the IAA in 1993. The Commendatore 112i featured a 6,0-liter V12 from Mercedes-Benz, a six-speed transmission from Ruf, and an active suspension.
The design, with gullwing doors and periscope rearview mirrors, was inspired by Le Mans racing cars. However, the planned participation in the 24-hour race failed due to financial problems.
◉ Isdera Autobahnkurier 116i (2006)
Another eye-catcher was the retro-futuristic Autobahnkurier, a 5,65-meter-long Gran Turismo in the style of the 1930s.
Under the hood were two Mercedes V8 engines with a total displacement of 10,0 liters and 600 hp – a technical statement of the highest class.
Exclusivity and craftsmanship
Isdera vehicles were never mass-produced. Each car was handcrafted by a small team, with many components sourced from Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.
The brand was known for its uncompromising individuality and technical innovations such as gullwing doors, periscope rearview mirrors and extraordinary engine concepts.
The last years and the road to insolvency
After several changes of ownership and a collaboration with Chinese partners in the 2010s, Isdera tried to build on past successes with – let's face it – terrible electric vehicles and designs.
Despite a new development center in China and ambitious plans, it was not possible to stabilize the brand sustainably.
Conclusion
With Isdera's insolvency, one of Germany's most exceptional car brands is looming for good. Whether and how things will continue remains to be seen.
However, legends like the Imperator 108i and Commendatore 112i will be remembered as milestones in automotive history.
As symbols of engineering excellence, exclusivity, and the courage to realize automotive dreams outside the mainstream…
Sierks Media / © Photos: Wikimedia Commons – Longxiaode1976 (1) & YesSportscars, CC BY-SA 4.0 (1) Hweihe, C.C BY-SA 3.0 (1)
