Maybach Revives Past Memories

Rolls-Royce isn't the only company recalling former glories. German luxury marque Maybach is joining forces with tyre firm Fulda to recreate a legendary vehicle from the past. In 1938, the car maker commissioned a prototype under the guidance of aerodynamics expert Baron Reinhard Koenig-Faschenfeld.

Auto Express Car Reviews

06th April 2005

It was used for advanced tyre testing, and was based on a Maybach SW 38 (image), the last car from the firm before the current saloons. The prototype borrowed the SW's 140bhp 3.8-litre straight-six, one of the most powerful engines of its time. The vehicle allowed Fulda to trial new tyre designs at speeds in excess of 125mph, but after testing was interrupted during World War II, the car went missing. However, Auto Express has learned that Fulda is researching the one-off car, and with the help of historians is reconstructing an exact replica.