In the 1960s, the class E 03 was built as the most powerful electric locomotive up to this time. It was intended for use in passenger transport for the German Federal Railways. From 1970 and 1974, a total of 145 of these serial locomotives were built and officially designated as class 103.1 locomotives. In terms of appearance, the 103s are still considered some of the most attractive electric locomotives today. These engines were supplied with a diamond current collector up to the company number 215.
