Vehicle Description
In the mid-1930s, Germany's powerful propaganda machine took on the
world of motor racing, throwing untold resources toward utter
domination of the sport. Government-backed Grand Prix teams from
Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union operated with virtually unlimited
budgets, and the cars they produced were marvels of technical
sophistication, overwhelming the competition. In production sports
car racing, BMW briefly achieved similar status, particularly in
2-liter classes, where their light and nimble 328 was the only car
to have if you wanted a chance at winning. BMW even beat the
Italians on sacred ground, winning the 1940 Mille Miglia in a
streamlined 328 constructed especially for the event. But after the
war, German motorsport was an altogether different scene. The cars
that dominated the prewar events were locked away, destroyed, or
broken up for parts. The legendary Nurburgring Nordschleifewas
overgrown, and the surface torn up by tank tracks. But racers are
nothing if not persistent, and clubs soon regrouped, cleaned up
circuits, and began trading food and cigarettes for spark plugs,
spare parts, and fuel. For the German motor industry, sports cars
were the last thing on their minds. Material shortages and
rationing meant it was all they could do to rebuild factories and
get German citizens back on wheels. Despite the devastation and
austerity, racers still wanted cars, and three German friends
devised a plan to meet the demand. Ernst Loof, Georg Meier, and
Lorenz Dietrich met while serving in Paris during the war. In
cafes, they daydreamed about building sports cars and swapped
stories of their racing exploits before the hostilities. All three
men had connections with BMW via car racing, motorcycle racing, and
sales, so it was natural that they chose to base their new venture
- namedVeritas- around proven BMW components. Occupying US forces
stipulated that new German vehicles could not exceed one liter in
capacity. However, they sidestepped that rule by utilizing existing
prewar 326 and 328 engines and building the cars in
French-controlled territory. Customers could supply their own
2-liter 328 drivetrains, along with some cash, and in a few weeks
collect their new BMW-Veritas, complete with a modified, rebuilt
engine and sleek aerodynamic coachwork. Veritas' first customer was
legendary racing driver Karl Kling, who promptly won his first
event in 1947, going on to secure the 2-liter sports car
championship that same year. Soon the grids were filled with
Veritas racers, and buyers pushed for road-going versions. Dietrich
was happy to oblige, and in 1949 offered a series of production
road cars with BMW running gear, lightweight tubular chassis, with
coupe, cabriolet, or sports roadster coachwork by the well-known
firm Hermann SpohnKarosseriebau. The standard Spohn bodies were
distinctly attractive, and the cars offered superb performance.
Unfortunately, the funding to secure long-term production proved
elusive, and Veritas folded in the early 1950s. Despite their brief
existence, the firm left an indelible mark on German motoring
history, restoring the nation's illustrious sporting past and
paving the way for Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche to carry the
torch into the future. This marvelous and extremely rare Veritas
Scorpion Cabriolet is one of just a handful of known examples
worldwide. Finished in dark metallic gray over a gray leather
interior, it is a uniquely stylish and understated display of Spohn
Karosserie'scoachbuilding prowess, a firm typically associated with
over-the-top flamboyance. It is offered from long-term ownership in
a private collection of prestigious automobiles and wears an
impeccably maintained concours quality restoration. This car's
known history picks up in the early 1960s when it came to the
United States with Mr. James Shipman of Seattle, Washington. A few
years later, Mr. Fred Kuney, also of Seattle, acquired the Veritas,
and it later joined the collection of Burt Laborette in Lake
Sammamish, Washington. In 1974, it was obtained from the Laborette
collection, and the new owner recalled the car was complete, though
disassembled and due for restoration. That owner had the Veritas
quietly stored away until 1989, when the comprehensive restoration
finally commenced, courtesy of the skillful hands of Greg Soter of
Phantom Restorations in Seattle. A substantial photo album
documents the meticulous process, which included carefully
separating the body from the tubular space frame, rebuilding the
front and rear bulkheads, and repairing the floor panels. The BMW
328 engine, gearbox, rear axle, and brakes were all rebuilt, and
the body was finished in Gunmetal Gray. Dark gray leather and
carpets complete the theme, which is subtly striking and
complements the purposeful, race-inspired styling. Other details
include body-colored center-lock disc wheels, period-correct
MichelinSuperconforttires, and exquisitely restored Veritas-branded
instruments. Upon completion, the Veritas Scorpion was invited to
the 1992 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it earned third
place in Class K, Post-War European Custom Coachwork. After the
concours, the owner enjoyed the car on occasion, savoring the
superb performance and handling provided by the tuned BMW
underpinnings. Since 2015, the Scorpion has quietly been in a
private collection, and the restoration shows the benefits of 30
years of care and attention. A few minor paint imperfections are
noted on close inspection; however, the car remains in marvelous
overall condition. The interior, in particular, is superb, with
taut, supple leather trim, excellent carpets, and finely detailed
controls. The cabriolet top is upholstered in German Sonnendeck
canvas and is fully lined in broadcloth. Under the bonnet, the
compact and powerful BMW OHV inline-six is authentically detailed,
topped with a trio of Solexcarburetors. This fascinating piece of
German motoring history would be a welcome sight back on the
concours circuit, where the rarity and significance would
undoubtedly allow entry into the world's most exclusive events. It
would also make a highly capable entry into premier rallies and
tours worldwide, where the race-bred chassis, superlative BMW
drivetrain, and exquisite balance will undoubtedly shine. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7458-1949-veritas-scorpion-cabriolet/
