European Desk

European Desk 101

The Steyr-Puch 500 and 650
Saturday, 19 July 2014 20:49
in European Desk

The Steyr-Puch 500 and 650

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The Steyr-Puch company, initially known as Josef und Franz Werndl and Company was founded in 1864 as a rifle manufacturer. During the First World War the company grew rapidly and in 1918 it employed 14,000 people. The company began producing bicycles in 1894. In September 1917 Steyr recruited Hans Ledwinka, now remembered as one of the great automobile engineers of the twentieth century, to the position of chief-engineer, to lead the creation of their automobile manufacturing business. The first Steyr car appeared in 1920. The company changed it’s name to Steyr-Werke AG in 1924. In 1934, Steyr merged with Austro-Daimler-Puch  to form Steyr-Daimler-Puch. After the second world war, Steyr-Daimler-Puch built diesel  engined trucks, buses and tractors and also resumed passenger car production. First, Steyr assembled the Fiat 1100E , then put their own engine in a Fiat 1400 , renaming the car the "Steyr 2000". Most prominent, however, was its range of off-road cars, from the two-cylinder Haflinger  and the 4x4  or 6 x 6 Pinzgauer , the Fiat Panda 4x4 (999cc) to the Mercdes-Puch G . The Haflinger  was produced from 1959–1974.
Historic Trophy Nürburgring 30 May-1 June 2014
Friday, 27 June 2014 00:00
in European Desk

Historic Trophy Nürburgring 30 May-1 June 2014

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Three times three – it's the success formula of the three-hour race of the Historic Trophy Nürburgring. Three racing series start together on Saturday afternoon for a 180 minutes race on the Grand-Prix circuit and the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. The equipes from approximately 150 historic touring cars and GT cars from the Dunlop FHR Long Distance Cup, Trophy and Triumph classic cars Competition & British GTs will not only compete against each-other in their own competition field but also against the cars the other two series. The pilots know that not only their lap times are critical - also with the right strategy and a good pitcrew are essential to finish this race. What is needed is the right mix of speed and consistency, so the combination of full commitment and gentle handling of the material is essential. A special highlight for the spectators is that they can visit the starting grid just before the start of the race.
Auto Union Museum Bergen opens again on Sunday
Tuesday, 13 May 2014 18:46
in European Desk

Auto Union Museum Bergen opens again on Sunday

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After the death of Henk Geerts , the owner of the Auto Union Museum in Bergen, the negotiations with Audi Germany took place but Henk’s wish to transfer the entire collection to the Audi museum, unfortunately, couldn’t be fulfilled. The last few months, there were many requests from car-enthusiasts to visit the museum. On Sunday the 29st of March, the doors opened again for those interested to see the complete collection. The museum attendants were enthusiastic and it was suggested to repeat this again the next few months. Provisional Sundays to visit the museum are: 18 and 25 May, 1 and 15 June , 6 and 20 July. Opening time from 12:00 h. to 16:00 h. In the spirit of the museum , where classic cars and changing art were always in harmony with each other , there are contacts with professional artists to exhibit their work. At the moment Henk’s inheritors are preparing themselves to find good destinations for all the cars, motorbikes, mopeds, parts, tools and DKW posters. The expectation is that there is still some time left to visit in the museum.
The Dutch Auto Union museum in Bergen
Friday, 13 December 2013 21:54
in European Desk

The Dutch Auto Union museum in Bergen

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In the centre of the picturesque village Bergen in the Netherlands, resides the Dutch Auto Union museum. This small museum houses historic cars and motorbikes of the brands Auto Union, DKW and Tornax, which have been collected over a long period and restored by Mr. Henk Geerts. The vehicles from the collection of the museum are from the 1931 to 1965. It is the only museum that is recognized by Audi AG. Sadly, on the first of November 2013, Henk Geerts passed away, at age 82. What will happen with this unique collection of two stroke-engined motorcars?
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