Unique ONES - The pre-war period of the 1930s was a time of remarkable advancement in automotive technology. This era marked a pivotal milestone in the development of motorized vehicles, as automotive industry players began implementing aerodynamic principles to enhance speed and stability. The competitive atmosphere surrounding the automotive world at that time, especially in racing, further fueled these technological advancements. Countries across Europe and America vied for dominance on the race tracks, and this competition spurred rapid progress. Among these ambitious nations, Germany stood out, driven not only by industry leaders but also by the political powers of the time.
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| No, it’s not a car, neither a computer mouse. It's a three-wheeled vehicle named Auto-Union DKW-Kahrman 600cc made in 1935. (Picture from: MrScharroo's Weird Car Museum) |
In Germany, the excitement of motorized vehicle racing was not confined to the automotive industry alone. Political forces, particularly the Nazi regime, saw an opportunity to channel this excitement toward their own ambitions. Hitler and his propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, were determined to use international sports, including car and motorcycle racing, to project their regime’s superiority. By 1934, the Nazi government had become heavily involved in supporting German manufacturers like BMW and DKW, pumping vast amounts of money into their operations. This financial support allowed these companies to make radical technical advancements, which would ultimately help them dominate the racing scene.
BMW and DKW were two of the main beneficiaries of this influx of government funding. DKW, a subsidiary of Auto Union since 1932, was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world at that time. The company used the funds to make significant strides in its vehicle designs, especially in the development of motorcycles and racing cars. BMW, on the other hand, focused on creating high-performance sports cars like the BMW 328, which went on to become a classic in automotive history. The competition between these two German giants and other manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Alfa Romeo created some of the most memorable racing rivalries of the era.
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| A very rare photograph of Adolf Hitler inspecting the DKW factory. (Picture from: Vintagent) |
However, the influence of the Nazi regime extended beyond financial support. The racing teams and record-breaking attempts of both BMW and DKW were closely monitored and controlled by the government. Drivers and riders were often required to wear Nazi symbols, which gave the impression that they were staunch supporters of the fascist regime, though many were not. This level of control reflected the government's desire to intertwine national pride with sporting success, and the automotive industry became a key vehicle for Nazi propaganda.
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| Looking like a letter to the future, the DKW streamlined record-breaker without its canopy, which badly affected handling. (Picture from: Vintagent) |
Despite the intense competition,
BMW and DKW seemed to have an unspoken agreement to focus on different areas of racing. While
DKW concentrated on
250cc and
350cc GP racing and record-breaking,
BMW focused on
500cc races and speed records.
BMW’s WR750 speed record motorcycles in 1936 became one of the most famous examples of their engineering prowess. At the same time,
DKW was making strides in engine development, particularly with
the Schnurle-loop scavenge system for two-stroke engines and the use of
superchargers with twin-piston combustion chambers. These innovations allowed
DKW to maintain its position at the forefront of the racing world.
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| The DKW streamlined-shape designed record-breaker three-wheeler without its canopy, while stopped on the pitstop. (Picture from: Vintagent) |
DKW’s work extended beyond motorcycles and into the realm of record-breaking racing vehicles.
Their 250cc and 350cc racing machines, developed in conjunction with
Auto Union GP cars, were masterpieces of engineering. These vehicles, featuring cutting-edge aerodynamic designs, were tested in wind tunnels—an innovation made possible by the financial backing of the
Nazi government. The sophistication and speed of these machines were impressive, and they represented the pinnacle of pre-war automotive technology.
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| The 1935 Auto-Union DKW-Kahrman 600cc with its full streamlined bodywork. (Picture from: Vintagent) |
An interesting aspect of DKW’s development during this time was their foray into three-wheeled vehicles. While it is unclear whether these vehicles competed in any specific racing categories, their design was innovative and futuristic. DKW’s three-wheeled vehicle, like their other models, showcased the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of design and performance. |
| The BMW 328 Mille Miglia 'Buegelfalte' was produced in 1937. (Picture from: BMWBlog) |
BMW,
not wanting to be left behind, also experimented with three-wheeled
vehicles. Their design, which resembled an airplane, was believed to be
more stable than DKW’s model. However, the fate of these three-wheeled
machines remains a mystery, as it is not well-documented whether they
succeeded in breaking any records or achieving their goals. This period
of experimentation highlighted the willingness of both BMW and DKW to
take risks and explore new concepts in their quest for speed and
innovation. |
| Ernst Henne with his supercharged BMW WR750 in 1936. (Picture from: BikeExif) |
The pre-war era, particularly in Germany, serves as a reminder of how technological advancements can be driven by both competition and political influence. The rivalry between
BMW,
DKW, and other automotive giants was a testament to the incredible progress that can be made when ambition, innovation, and resources are combined. While the involvement of the
Nazi regime adds a darker layer to this chapter in automotive history, it is undeniable that the advancements made during this time laid the groundwork for future developments in both racing and commercial vehicles.
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| The 1955 BMW WR 500 'Weltrekordgespain,' a three-wheeled record-breaker with its full streamlining, which was more stable than the DKW bodywork. (Picture from: Vintagent) |
Looking back at this period, it is clear that the automotive world was forever changed by the innovations of the 1930s. The aerodynamic designs, advanced engines, and groundbreaking vehicles created during this time continue to inspire modern automotive engineering. The legacy of these advancements, though tied to a complex and often troubling historical context, remains a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the engineers and manufacturers who dared to push the limits of what was possible.😉
*** [EKA [17092020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BMWGROUP-CLASSIC | THEVINTAGENT.COM | TRIUMPHTALK.COM | MRSCHAROO IN FLICKR | PETROLICIOUS | BIKEEXIF | CAR-DAY.RU | BMWBLOG ] Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
