 From around 1912 until the mid-1920s cars featuring v-shaped radiators were all the rage in Germany. In particular, the characteristic radiator masks introduced by Daimler and Benz before WW1 were copied by many manufacturers including Duerkopp and Opel in Germany, as well as by Puch and Steyr in Austria. The attached car in the photo from my collection shows another of these Benz-lookalikes. However, it lacks the typical badge which was attached to the radiators of all cars from the manufacturers mentioned above. So what marque could that be? I am almost sure, it must be a German brand, given the angular shape of the wings, which was another common feature of quite a number of smaller cars made in Germany after WW1. Of course, AGA springs to one's mind - but their cars had a disctinctive badge on both sides of the radiator, as well. The bonnet louvres looked different, too. Perhaps one needs to consider the possibility that this a one-off, built by a talented (?) owner using parts from different vehicles. The wings appear to me made in a rather crude manner, whereas the rest of the body is of higher quality. The carbide lamps would suggest this car was made before WW1, yet they could still be in use afterwards for some time. Judging from the caps of the two little boys and from the overall condition of the car, this photo was probably taken in the mid-1920s. Words and pictures: Michael Schlenger |
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Mystery Benz look-a-like
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