1931 MAYBACH Typ Zeppelin Doppel-Sechs 8 Liter (DS 8) Cabriolet 8.0 V12 Lang

Vehicle Overview

After WWI, Maybach couldn’t produce engines for the aircraft industry, and Karl Maybach continued his father’s legacy and introduced the DS8 upscale model in 1931.

After Wilhelm Maybach died in 1929, his son took the lead of the exclusive automobile manufacturer. In just two years, he created a new range: the Doppel-Sechs 8. Since it was the top-of-the-line model offered by his company, he used the name Zeppelin on it.

With a weight that required a commercial driving license and larger dimensions than most luxury cars from that era, the Zeppelin DS8 Cabriolet was a vehicle built as a long-range tourer. It offered power, comfort, and styling at a price that only a few could afford it. Moreover, the governmental agencies didn’t want to buy them. At the front, it featured the big, baroque-style fenders with an arched bar between them to support the big round headlights. A vertical, pinned-out radiator was specific for the brand. Unlike its limousine sibling, the Cabriolet featured different body panels, with a thick sloped-down line that started from the radiator and went all the way to the back of the car, surrounding the cabin. The canvas top was retractable and stored behind the last row of seats, above the trunk.

The carmaker installed a luxurious interior with leather upholstery, wood veneers, and chromed metallic parts for switches and gauges. It provided seating for up to eight passengers for the long-wheelbase version. Since the middle row was a fold-and-tumble type, they provided more legroom for the last row occupants. On the sides, Maybach installed removable window panels.

Under the long hood, there was an 8-liter V12 engine that produced 200 hp. It was mated to a 5-speed gearbox with a system that allowed the fifth gear’s engagement without using the clutch.