A weird look 1950 BMW-Veritas Convertibles by Spohn

Unique ONES This was the first time we've heard the Veritas auto brand, it might be a little strange for ours today. But in fact, the name was the German automotive company name founded by 3 individuals who worked at BMW shortly the 2nd World War was over. 

The one-off 1950 Veritas SP90 Convertible by Karosseriebau Hermann Spohn. (Picture from: WeirdWheels)

As quoted from Conceptcarz, the company was founded by Ernst Loof, Georg Meier, and Lorenz Dietrich. All three of these individuals brought a wealth of experience. Meier had won the 1939 motorcycle Tourist trophy and Loof was also a motorcycle champion. Loof’s resume included a management position in BMW’s sports department and Dietrich had worked for the BMW as well.

The one-off Veritas SP90 Convertible by Karosseriebau Hermann Spohn is constructed in 1949 and finished in 1950 for an American Airforce Pilot who was living in Germany. (Picture from: TheGentlemanRacer)

After World War II came to a close, these three gentlemen began modifying and building vehicles based on BMW components. Since the Allied Forces occupying Germany restricted engine manufacturing to a maximum of one liter, customers would bring their own drivetrain, which would be installed at their Hausern factory.

This kind of 1949 Veritas Scorpion Cabriolet is believed to have been returned to Hermann Spohn for modifications into its form as we look today. (Picture from: ClassicCarWeekly)

From 1948 to 1950, the Veritas was the two-liter car to beat on the European racing scene. The Veritas-BMW Hemi six-cylinder engine and four-speed transmission outclassed and outran the competition during these years, collecting 30 victories and eight National Championships. This unique Spohn-bodied version is certainly a most unique Veritas. The SP-90’s dramatic tail fins and long hoods are unique among all other Veritas models. 

The one-off 1950 Veritas SP90 Convertible by Karosseriebau Hermann Spohn in the original 'barn find' condition. (Picture from: RouteVecchie.org)

In 1949, the Veritas introduced a road-going Komet Coupe which was little more than a racing Veritas RS made street legal. This was soon followed by a coupe, cabriolet, and sports roadster body styles. The bodywork was performed by Karosseriebau Hermann Spohn of Ravensburg, known for their work on Maybach chassis. The engines were from BMW in either stock or modified 326 units or powerplants from the 328. Since BMW did not allow the use of their name on cars not of their manufacture, the vehicles were rebadged as Veritas.

The steering wheel and dashboard view of the one-off 1950 Veritas SP90 Convertible by Karosseriebau Hermann Spohn in the original 'barn find' condition. (Picture from: RouteVecchie.org)

This unique look of 1950 BMW-Veritas was the work of Karosseriebau Hermann Spohn by using design inspiration from Harley Earl's Le Sabre concept. It is an all-original example that is believed to have been returned to Spohn for modifications which included the installation of fender skirts and upper grille assembly in the nose and believed the car was constructed for an US Airforce pilot living in Germany.

Rear side view of the one-off 1950 Veritas SP90 Convertible by Karosseriebau Hermann Spohn in the original 'barn find' condition. (Picture from: TheGentlemanRacer)

This car was secluded in the late Lee Hartung Collection for over 50 years. Lee purchased the car in the early 1960s from R.J. Mrofka. Mrofka’s brother had brought the car to the United States from Germany in 1959. It remains in ‘as found’ condition, with only a mechanical rebuild.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Lee Roy Hartung Collection auction presented by Auctions America. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $195,500 including the buyer's premium. Today the car sits unrestored in the Wheels Through Time Museum collection, one of the only non-US built vehicles at the museum. *** [EKA [170320] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICCARWEEKLY | CONCEPTCARZ | THE GENTLEMAN RACER | ROUTEVECCHIE ]

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