Electric Locomotive 103 220-0

In the 1960s, the Deutsche Bundesbahn planned to develop a new electric locomotive for high-speed passenger service. Several manufacturers submitted designs. Henschel was ultimately awarded the development contract for the four pre-production locomotives of the E 03 class, which were completed in 1965. In total, the Deutsche Bundesbahn procured 145 production units of the Class 103 series, which carried the bulk of TEE and IC traffic for decades. Their aerodynamic nose shape is the result of wind tunnel testing.

The locomotive body, originally ivory-colored with crimson lines, was based on the TEE color scheme introduced in 1965. A red decorative stripe on the front of the production locomotive serves as a transition to the higher color separation line of the accompanying TEE cars. In 1995, locomotive 103 220 received a special livery for the DB tourist train. This was intended to symbolize the elements of water, land, and air.