View Full Version : German staff car
Passion Fingers
04-06-2011, 07:19 PM
I'm looking for some information on a 1930s German car that had a couple of distinct features.
It was a highly streamlined tandem seat design that was used to transport someone or other along autobahns at very high speed.
I have the impression that it may have been a Mercedes with modifications by Ferdinand Porsche, but that may be wishful thinking.
Any thoughts?
pimento
04-06-2011, 07:48 PM
I'm thinking it'd be a Merc, maybe a 500/540 (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/search/&keys=&method=&carspagestart=150&brand=Mercedes-Benz) or 770 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_770).
csl177
04-06-2011, 08:18 PM
First, welcome. :) There were many pre-WW2 aero experimentals in Germany (Europe generally)... but "tandem" means passenger behind driver, something unlikely from your description. There were several builders of tandem voiturettes, rather small open cars. My guess is you're thinking of one of the "Stromlinien-karosserie" from Maybach or Adler, BMW, Horst or even Tatra. Daimler-Benz and Auto Union both built highly streamlined record cars, but not for passenger use. You might search the work of Paul Jaray, Hans Ledwinka, Wunibald Kamm, and Koenig-Fachsenfeld to start.
Post WW2, the best known tandem-seating car is the Messerschmidtt KR200.
Matra et Alpine
04-07-2011, 02:14 AM
I was thinking the KR too csl, EXCEPT for the "very high speed" comment :)
But it was 50s and the record 60mph over 24 hours version was single seat.
http://www.cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/messerschmitt/images/Messerschmitt_KR200_Super_Record_Breaker_1955.jpg
Delmaster
04-08-2011, 05:44 AM
High speed transport on autobahn by Mercedes
1937 - 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Autobahn Kurier - Images, Specifications and Information (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/3238/Mercedes-Benz-540-K-Autobahn-Kurier.html)
vanessalane
04-18-2011, 10:09 PM
High speed transport on autobahn by Mercedes
1937 - 1939 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Autobahn Kurier - Images, Specifications and Information (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/3238/Mercedes-Benz-540-K-Autobahn-Kurier.html)
wow nice car..... its look grate the old lady .... :)