If you ever find yourself near the Nürburgring, Dortmund is a destination worth adding to your route. Around a two-hour drive from the Norscheliefe, this German city is mainly known for its football club, Borussia Dortmund. But for car lovers, there is much more to discover beyond the stadium.
Dortmund’s identity is closely tied to its industrial and mining past, as it lies in one of Germany’s most industrialized regions. Over the last few years, however, the city has also become a reference point in the automotive world thanks to JP Performance, the tuning company founded by entrepreneur and influencer Jean Pierre ‘JP’ Kramer. For car enthusiasts, a visit is almost mandatory, especially to the impressive PACE Museum. That said, this story is not about JP Performance. Just a few meters away from the PACE, directly on the Federal Road B1 (Bundesstrasse 1), one of the country’s main arteries, is a place that remains largely unknown outside Germany. Welcome to Halle77 Dortmund, part museum and part workshop, but wholly dedicated to youngtimer and classic cars.
Halle77 is the brainchild of Marco Degenhardt, a content creator and influencer, and a close friend of JP Kramer. Marco’s passion is clear from the moment you set foot inside: classic vehicles. At Halle 77, he documents restorations, dyno runs, and unique projects involving rare and iconic machines, drawing on his experience in the used-car business.
Arriving, visitors are greeted by a Mk2 Volkswagen Golf with a twist: two front ends instead of a front and a back. This sets the tone for the eclectic mix of vehicles you’ll find onsite on any given day. On the day I visited, the parking area hosted an E38 BMW 7 Series, an EK4 Honda Civic, a Volkswagen Passat B2, and an Opel Ascona C.
Inside, the variety expanded quickly. Brands like Mercedes-Benz, Lancia, Toyota, Cadillac, and Volkswagen were all represented. There was even a Trabant, the iconic East German car, before the fall of the Iron Curtain. Some vehicles displayed outside remain unrestored, preserving their original condition and natural patina.
The Halle77 collection spans several decades, from the 1960s through the early 2000s, with the occasional modern contrast, like an electric Honda e. Among the most curious sights were a Ford Transit rally-support transporter and a Ford Fiesta alongside an orange Beetle, sat upon a container and crowned with a Christmas tree.
After paying the €9 (approximately US$10) entrance fee, visitors step into a space that feels frozen in time. Every detail is period-correct, from engines and wheels to tools, posters, and diagnostic equipment. Highlights for me included an Audi Quattro, a Lotus Carlton, a Ferrari F355, a drag-prepared Opel Ascona, and a replica Mercedes-Benz 190E EVO II. From a window, it is even possible to watch cars being tested on the dyno when it’s in use.
Halle77 is more than a museum, and that makes it well worth a visit if you’re ever in the greater area.
