Racing legend with a short life

Veritas (Latin for truth) was a German brand for racing and sports cars after World War II. The various manufacturers were based in Hausen am Andelsbach and Meßkirch in the Sigmaringen district, in Muggensturm near Rastatt, both in the then French occupation zone (later Baden-Württemberg), and most recently at the Nürburgring in Rhineland-Palatinate. Starting in 1947, former BMW employees converted pre-war 328s into racing two-seaters that won many victories. Veritas GmbH, founded in 1948, also put a coupe with BMW’s 1971 cc six-cylinder engine (80 hp) into production.

Veritas (Latin for truth) was a German brand for racing and sports cars after World War II. The various manufacturers were based in Hausen am Andelsbach and Meßkirch in the Sigmaringen district, in Muggensturm near Rastatt, both in the then French occupation zone (later Baden-Württemberg), and most recently at the Nürburgring in Rhineland-Palatinate. Starting in 1947, former BMW employees converted pre-war 328s into racing two-seaters that won many victories. Veritas GmbH, founded in 1948, also put a coupe with BMW’s 1971 cc six-cylinder engine (80 hp) into production.

An independent model series launched in 1950 could have stamped Veritas/Badische Automobilwerke GmbH as the new enthusiast brand: Designed by former aircraft manufacturer Heinkel, the aluminum engine was a 1988 cc six-cylinder with overhead camshaft (100 to 150 hp). The chassis included longitudinal spring bars and a de-dion rear axle. But the sweeping pontoon bodies, with arched cooling air outlets on the flanks and covered rear wheels, were too boldly sculpted for the tastes of the time.

Veritas offered road cars in addition to the RS, RS II and Meteor motorsport vehicles. These few vehicles, which differed in details, were produced individually; the number built is speculation. For example, Rosellen lists a combined total of 30 vehicles for Comet, Saturn, Scorpion and Dyna-Veritas, and 18 vehicles of the Veritas-Nürburgring types. Konen listed 32 Veritas and Dyna-Veritas and 9 Veritas-Nürburgring type vehicles in his register as still known and in existence. Walter speaks of little more than 20 cars produced at Muggensturm. Freese mentions 166 vehicles including race cars and 36 Heinkel engines, but these were also fitted to Meteor race cars. A number of three- and five-seat convertibles and three-seat coupes with Heinkel engines were built at the Nürburgring.

In 1950, 12 cars were newly registered in Germany. In 1951, the number rose to 43, and in 1952 it fell again to 30. No registrations have survived for 1953 and 1954.

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