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
