Adler's Eclectic 1930s Mix

Adler was an important German automobile maker in the 1930s, ranking third in sales during the first half of the decade.  The above link is to the English language Wikipedia entry from which you can link to the German entry that mentions market rank and some production numbers.  I last wrote about Adler here.

Given the small 1930s production levels for European automobile firms compared to the likes of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, I find the variety of models some manufacturers produced rather surprising.  That definitely was the case for Adler.  For instance, at the start of the decade Adler marketed both six and eight cylinder models.  Then in 1932 it launched its Trumpf ("trump") front-wheel-drive line.  Towards the end of the 30s came the streamlined Typ 10 (also known as the 2.5 Liter or Autobahn Wagen).  And around that time Adler made a few Trumpf Rennlinousine ("racing sedans").  Examples of these and some others are shown below.

Gallery

Adler Standard 8 Limousine - c.1930.  A conventional looking car with fenders typical of the mid-1920s and earlier.

Adler Standard 8 Kabriolett, Walter Gropius design - c.1930.  Gropius founded the famous Bauhaus school, but left in 1928.  The next year he was asked to design Adlers, a sedan and the cabriolet shown here.  Only about six were made.  (Some background information on Gropius and Adler is here).

Adler Primus Kabriolett - 1932.

Adler Diplomat - 1934.

Adler Trumpf Junior - 1936, for sale photo.  For some reason Trumpfs lacked running boards.

Adler Typ 10, 2.5 Ltr. 6 Zyl. Limousine - c.1939.  I find this design quite interesting, especially the curved belt line.

This is the coupé version.  No B-pillar, so this flashy car anticipates postwar hardtop convertibles.

Adler Trumpf Rennlimousine - 1938, RM Sotheby's photo.  The body design is a nearly pure example of Paul Jaray automobile streamlining.