Maybach Zeppelin

About this model

The Maybach Zeppelin was the Maybach company's 'Repräsentationswagen' model from 1930 to 1938. Named for the company's famous production of Zeppelin engines prior to and during World War I, it was an enormous luxury vehicle which weighed approximately 3,000 kg (6,600 lb). This weight was so great that German drivers required an additional goods vehicle licence (needed for vehicles over 2½ tons).

The first generation was the DS7, whose name stood for Doppel Sechs (Double Six) reffering to the V12 engine. The 7.0-liter unit delivered 150 hp, quite similar to the one on the Maybach 12, making many experts call the Zeppelin just a re-branded version. But there was more to it. The DS7 featured a four speed sequential transmission, was able to go as fast as 93 mph and used enlarged four bolt main bearing caps, plus camshaft gears made from new material called Novotex which significantly reduced noise.

A year after the DS7 debuted, a new version was introduced, the DS8. As you can probably guess, engine displacement was increased to 8.0-liters, providing a significant power boost of 50 hp. With the total power output at 200 hp mated to the five speed manual transmission, the DS8 became one of the most powerful cars of the time. Also available as an open top and closed body, the lighter versions were able to go as fast as 106 mph.

The Maybach DS7 was in production until 1931, while the last DS8 was built in 1939.