Harry Niemann

Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts gehörten Aufladung und Aerodynamik zu den Entwicklungsfeldern im Fahrzeugbau, die es zu erforschen galt. Mercedes-Benz zählte zu den Pionieren in beiden Segmenten und baute für die »2000 Kilometer durch Deutschland«-Rallye 1934 gleich sechs 500 K vom Typ W29, die mit Kompressoren und Stromlinienkarosserien ausgestattet waren. Drei dieser Stromlinienfahrzeuge werden momentan nach Originalunterlagen wieder aufgebaut. Dr. Harry Niemann beleuchtet nicht nur deren Wiedergeburt, sondern auch die komplette Historie, geht auf Details ein und recherchierte alle Daten zu diesen fortschrittlichen Fahrzeugen.
192 Seiten, 265 x 230 mm

Dinner is served

In the period before the First World War, the automobile was still seen as a competitor to the horse. Nevertheless, even then there areas of application in which the four-wheeled vehicle had great advantages. Due to the still high exclusivity of the car, however, these usually only benefited the highest personalities.

In view of the fact that the top warlords wanted to dine on site during their visits to the military maneuvers, the “Daimler-Motoren Gesellschaft” invented the so called “Küchenwagen” (mobile kitchen).

Cooking could be done in the vehicle, two large ice buckets served as storage containers for meat, butter, wine, and beer “…in a richness that is up to all demands of the increased appetite during the maneuvers.”

In the convoy with the “Küchenwagen” there was also an escort car, which was used to transport eight to ten people. The seats could be removed from the interior of the car in just a few simple steps and could be used as outdoor seating. Under certain circumstances, it was even possible to form a sleeping facility form the benches. 

Both cars together were marketed under the term “Küchenzug” (kitchen train). The mobile kitchen was available to the German Emperor Wilhelm II, from about 1910 and was used in the annual maneuvers. 

Both cars were based on the 22/50 hp chassis.

In addition to the “imperial garage” of the German Emperor Willhelm II, the Russian Tsar is also known as the buyer of the vehicle duo. He used the two vehicles for private excursions or picnics. 

The turnover of this model car is subject to differential taxation according to § 25a USTG: This means 0% VAT.

The turnover of this model car is subject to differential taxation according to § 25a USTG: This means 0% VAT.

As far as we know, the 1924 Mercedes Targa Florio #10 winner Christian Werner does not exist as a 1:43 model. This is therefore a truly unique model.

The turnover of this model car is subject to differential taxation according to § 25a USTG: This means 0% VAT.

Ahead of its time

From around 1906, the Berlin-based company “Erdmann & Rossi” dedicated itself to the production of bodies for automobiles. Even before the First World War, the German nobility was one of the clients and even in the 1920s the factory relied on a financially strong clientele and provided chassis of the luxury brands Rolls Royce, Horch, or Bentley with neat bodies.

Erdmann & Rossi attracted attention at the IAMA in Berlin in February 1933 with a very aerodynamically shaped car based on a Mercedes-Benz 170. The car, painted in the color old gold, certainly caused heated discussions, some saw a short-term spleen in it, others a real option. The management of Mercedes-Benz was also among the skeptics, because on the first day of the fair, the Swabians issued the decree that the star should not be mounted as a logo on the vehicle.

The Mercedes-Benz no longer indicated its standard model due to its appearance characterized by extreme curves and teardrop shape. While the front wheels were not covered to allow the steering lock, the rear wheels were fully covered. In retrospect, the Erdmann & Rossi Mercedes-Benz was several years ahead of its time. Presumably, this was precisely its fate that it found no supporters and quickly disappeared into oblivion.

Super Fotos vom Originalautos: https://vandpcars.smugmug.com/1938-Mercedes-540K-Joachim-Van-Ribbentrop The car was commissioned by the German embassy in Great Britain for Joachim von Ribbentrop - the German ambassador to Great Britain. And this is a unique car: it is a Mercedes, but looks like a typical Rolls Royce. Surely this is no coincidence, but diplomatic calculation. This car model has never been produced by any company on any scale.

Super photos of the original car: https://vandpcars.smugmug.com/1938-Mercedes-540K-Joachim-Van-Ribbentrop