Wiesmann

wiesmann
History

A brief history about wiesmann: Wiesmann is the realization of an automotive dream shared by two passionate German brothers, Martin and Friedhelm Wiesmann. From a young age, they were captivated by the world of motor racing and set out to create a car that would embody both timeless elegance and pure driving excitement. Their enduring vision has always been to build a sports car that combines classic design with modern performance and perfect balance.

The company’s philosophy is centered on creating cars that “stick to the road like geckos to a wall,” which inspired the brand’s gecko logo. Although relatively new to the automotive world, Wiesmann quickly earned a reputation for producing handcrafted, high-performance sports cars that blend artistry with engineering precision, securing a place among the world’s most exclusive car manufacturers.

Wiesmann began its journey as a manufacturer of custom hardtops for convertibles, a business it continues to this day. The transition to building cars started in 1985, when the brothers attended the Essen Motor Show and noticed that many sports cars on display lacked passion and soul. Motivated to change that, they decided to design their own vehicle—one that captured the beauty of classic design while integrating advanced technology.

By 1986, the first development phase was complete, and Wiesmann had a nearly finished chassis. Testing soon began, and just a year later, the brothers built their first Wiesmann roadster. In 1988, they opened their first factory and made their debut as car manufacturers at that year’s Essen Motor Show, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the small but ambitious company.

In 1991, Wiesmann established its factory in Telgenkamp, Dülmen, and two years later introduced its first production car, the Wiesmann MF3 Roadster. The car featured BMW-sourced engines and transmissions, combining German craftsmanship with proven performance. The MF3 was an immediate success in Germany, leading to a lasting partnership with BMW that continues to define Wiesmann’s engineering excellence.

At the 2005 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), Wiesmann unveiled the GT MF4, expanding its lineup with a grand tourer that offered both luxury and exhilarating performance. In 2008, reflecting the company’s philosophy of exclusivity and innovation, the brothers commissioned a new factory—a striking glass and steel structure shaped like a gecko. Known as the “Glass Manufactory,” this architectural masterpiece became a symbol of the brand’s blend of craftsmanship, technology, and design.

As Wiesmann’s popularity grew, the company began exploring international expansion, including plans to enter the North American market in 2010. In the meantime, the factory’s team of roughly 100 employees continued to refine their craft, focusing on bespoke production and attention to detail. The brand unveiled its next masterpiece, the Wiesmann MF5 Roadster, at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, further establishing its position as a purist sports car manufacturer.

Following financial challenges and a brief hiatus, Wiesmann experienced a revival in the 2010s under new ownership. The company’s spirit of innovation and dedication to handcrafted excellence remained intact, as it began preparing for a new generation of vehicles that would bring the brand into the era of electrification without compromising its distinctive character.

In recent years, Wiesmann has embraced modern performance technology while preserving its traditional craftsmanship. The company announced Project Thunderball, its first all-electric roadster, featuring dual motors and instant torque, promising the same emotional connection to driving that defined its earlier models. Built with lightweight materials and precision engineering, the Thunderball represents Wiesmann’s seamless transition into the world of electric sports cars.

Today, Wiesmann stands as a symbol of bespoke automotive artistry, merging classic aesthetics with cutting-edge innovation. The company continues to handcraft each vehicle in Germany with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every car delivers both timeless beauty and exhilarating performance. With its rebirth and embrace of electrification, Wiesmann carries forward the vision of its founders—a perfect harmony between passion, design, and engineering excellence.