Vehicle Story
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The Steyr-Daimler-Puch Type 50, also known as the "Baby" due to its small size, is a compact car produced by the Austrian company Steyr-Daimler-Puch from 1936 to 1941.
The car has a distinctive streamlined body shape and it is powered by a front-mounted, water-cooled four-cylinder engine with a displacement of just under a litre. It produced 26 horsepower and can reach a top speed of around 75 km/h (47 mph).
The Type 50 was offered in several different body styles, including a two-door saloon, a two-door convertible and a two-door coupe, all of which can seat four people.
Despite its small size, the Type 50 is a well-engineered and durable car, and it was popular in Austria and other European countries. However, production was halted in 1941 due to World War II and never resumed. Today, the Steyr-Daimler-Puch Type 50 is considered a rare and collectible car.
Exterior
The body of the car is aerodynamically shaped with a sloping hood and rounded fenders. The front grille has a chrome-plated horizontal bar that extends across the entire width of the car, with the Steyr-Daimler-Puch logo at the centre.
The car's headlights are integrated into the wings, and they have a rounded shape that matches the overall styling of the car. The Type 50's roofline is low and sloping, with a smoothly curved rear section that tapers off into a pointed tail.
The car's exterior is finished with high-quality paint and trim. The Type 50 was typically fitted with wide whitewall tires mounted on wire wheels with hubcaps that feature the Steyr-Daimler-Puch logo. The Steyr-Daimler-Puch Type 50 'Baby' is stylish and elegant and it is typical of the pre-war era, and it retains its charm and appeal today.
Interior
The interior of the Type 50 'Baby' is functional and comfortable, with a simple yet stylish layout that reflected the car's overall design aesthetic. The car's cabin seats four people, with two bucket seats in the front and a bench seat in the rear. The seats are upholstered in high-quality tan cloth to complement the car's green exterior.
The dashboard of the Type 50 is simple and uncluttered, with a large speedometer and gauges for fuel level and engine temperature located directly in front of the driver. The steering wheel is a classic three-spoke design with a black horn ring, and the gear stick is located on the floor between the front seats.
The cabin also includes roll-up windows, adjustable seats, and a heater. The car's headliner is also finished in beige cloth to match the upholstery which looks taught and stain-free. The floor is covered in olive green carpeting, which shows evidence of staining under the driver and front passenger seats. It also appears to have picked up some rust marks in the back, on the driver’s side.
Mechanical
The 1936 Steyr-Daimler-Puch Type 50 'Baby' is powered by a front-mounted, water-cooled, flat-four engine with a displacement of 978cc. The engine has an overhead valve (OHV) design, which was relatively advanced for its time, and produces 26 horsepower at 3600 rpm. It is paired with a four-speed manual transmission that transmitted power to the rear wheels.
The Type 50's engine is a reliable and durable design, and it was notable for its compact size and efficient operation. The flat-four configuration helped keep the centre of gravity low, while the thermosyphon cooling system eliminated the need for a water pump, thereby reducing weight and complexity.
The engine is a well-engineered and efficient powerplant that was well-suited to the car's purpose as a small and economical vehicle. On the underside at the rear, there is evidence of surface rust and corrosion.
History Highlights
This car dates to 1936, but was first registered in 1946, which is where the documented history starts. It comes with an extensive track record and a great deal of paperwork, presented in two Steyr-Daimler-Puch embossed lever arch folders, to prove this restoration was a true passion project that has benefited from lots of love and attention over the years. In the words of the vendor: “We have masses of paperwork relating to the car, including the original registration certificate in 1946!”
It also comes with the original owner’s instruction manual, and a supplier catalogue.
