Maybach V12 DS8 1930

The Maybach V12 DS8 was one of Karl Maybach’s finest creations. The three-tonne convertible received an eight-litre V12 (7,922 cc) producing 200 hp at 3,200 rpm. The fuel tank held 135 litres, and petrol consumption was around 30 litres per 100 km. Top speed was approximately 170 km/h. Coachbuilders including Auer, Gikser, Neuss, Erdmann & Rossi and Hermann Spohn supplied bodies for Maybach chassis.

Its full name was Maybach Zeppelin DS8, honouring the Graf Zeppelin’s round-the-world flight. DS refers to the engine layout: doppelsechs, or ‘double six’. The DS8 had six forward gears and reverse, but the clutch only needed to be pressed when starting or stopping; a vacuum-operated automatic mechanism controlled other gear changes.