Traditional FM radio is increasingly facing competition from digital broadcasting. In Norway, nationwide FM services were switched to DAB+ as early as 2017. In Switzerland, public broadcaster SRG has no longer transmitted via FM since the beginning of 2025. The transition is also progressing in Germany: the first FM frequencies have already been switched off, and Schleswig-Holstein plans to complete the transition to DAB+ by 2031. For classic car owners, this raises an important question:
What happens to the original BECKER, BLAUPUNKT, DELCO or BENDIX radio?
These radios are an important part of the character of a classic car. Chrome bezels, ivory-coloured buttons and mechanical tuning scales blend perfectly into the dashboard. A modern plastic radio, by contrast, often looks completely out of place. There are essentially three ways to add DAB+ to a classic car.
1. A MODERN RADIO WITH A RETRO DESIGN
Various manufacturers offer modern car radios with a classic appearance. Depending on the model, bezels, knobs and shaft spacing can be adapted to suit different vehicles. These radios typically offer modern features such as DAB+, Bluetooth, USB and, in some cases, hands-free calling. The disadvantage: although the design may look period-correct, it is no longer the vehicle’s original radio.
2. CONVERTING THE ORIGINAL CAR RADIO TO MODERN TECHNOLOGY
If you want to preserve the original appearance completely, the existing radio can be professionally converted to modern technology. The housing, dial, knobs, buttons and original operating mechanism remain intact, while the historic amplifier and receiver electronics are replaced with modern components.
Depending on the radio, the converted unit can offer FM, DAB+, Bluetooth and USB. Even original electromechanical automatic tuning systems – such as those used in BECKER, BLAUPUNKT or American DELCO WONDERBAR radios – can continue to function. The key advantage: the radio is still operated using its original knobs and buttons. From the outside, the conversion is virtually invisible.
In many cases, the vehicle’s original antenna can also continue to be used, provided it is technically suitable and in good condition. WUNDERBAR Custom Radio Shop, near Stuttgart, specialises in the digital conversion of classic car radios from BECKER, BLAUPUNKT, DELCO and other manufacturers.
3. RESTORING THE ORIGINAL RADIO AND CONNECTING DAB+ EXTERNALLY
Another option is to fully restore the historic radio to its original condition and connect an external DAB+ receiver. On many classic BECKER and BLAUPUNKT radios, the existing tape recorder input can be used for this purpose. The DAB+ receiver can then be hidden, for example, inside the glove compartment.
However, many American radios from manufacturers such as DELCO, BENDIX or MoPar do not have this type of input, so an additional connection must first be installed..
The advantage of this solution is that the historic radio remains largely original from a technical point of view. However, the DAB+ receiver is usually not operated via the radio’s original controls.
WHICH SOLUTION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you are mainly looking for a classic appearance, a modern retro-style radio offers a straightforward solution. If, however, you value originality and modern functionality at the same time, converting the existing classic car radio is particularly attractive: the original radio remains visible and fully operational, while modern technology works discreetly inside.
This way, classic car radios do not have to fall silent in the age of DAB+.