Der Prototyp
The present location
ZylinderhausmuseumAdolf-Kolping-Str. 2, 54470 Bernkastel-Kues
Technical data
vehicles`model | limousine, 2-door for 4 persons |
Aufbau | monocoque closed all-steel bodywork (patent application) with high-adjustable undercarriage (patent application) and independent suspension |
size | ca. 4000 x 1700 x 1600 mm |
brakes | drum brake, all around |
wheels | steel rims, 19 inch |
electrical system | 6 V |
Engine original |
from DKW F4 692 ccm / 20 HP 3 gear box |
Engine current |
from VW-beetle 1200 ccm / 30 HP 4 gear box |
speed | about 100 km/h |
weight | 684 kg |
laden weight | 1034 kg |
special qualities at that time | |
Adolf Hitler wanted a vehicle for the masses in the early 30`es. He stipulated some preconditions for that vehicle by an announcement in 1933:
- closed bodywork
- room for 4 persons
- freeway-suitable
- rear engine
- 990,- RM at most
The qualified engineer Friedrich Eugen Maier got 300.000 Reichsmark for the development from a not further specified company located in Munich, the development of Leichtbau (lightweight) Maier.
The vehicles`story
- 1933 The Project `Leichtbau Maier` started just in the year of the announcement, as well in which Maier a patent application for that vehicle has filed. That was a milestone an is fundamental for all today`s limousine.
- 1935 The vehicle is finished and the belonging patent application was published. because of dissensions between Mr. Maier and the NS regime were his finished project denied.
- 1936 One year later collected the government his company grounds and the path-breaking car rested unnoticed on the Sömmeringstreet 30.
- 1943 The car were considerable damaged during a bomb attack.
- bis 1954 The car rested on the Sömmeringstreet.
- 1954 - 1959 The car was stored in the Darwin-garages on the Quitzowstreet in Berlin.
- 1959 - 1976 The car was stored in the former cowsheds on the Gierkeplatz in Berlin. 1974/75 appeared the car in the movie `Tadellöser und Wolff. It was still unrestored.
- 1976 The wreck of that car was sold by his daughter to a movie-equipment company in Berlin.
If you are interested in Mr. Maiers`life, read `the inventor`. If you are rather interested in that car, read `finder`.