031- Auto Union Stromlinienwagen 

 
This race car is basically a pre-war model, however having already the "spring-propelled" drive which was believed to be available after 1948.

The differences: showing the words "Protected" and "Geschützt" (which means protected) on the right side (never seen again), the "BILLER-TOY" inscription is missing on the hood, the lever for the and the 5th wheel are missing as well.

The base-plate shows "GERMANY" and the additional tin to cover the spring drive.

So it is quite difficult to determine the exact date of production. Let's speculate: it is a pre-series model, master-model, test-version ??? !!! Because of the "Auto-Union" and "Germany" inscriptions the car is to be taken as a pre-war model.

Quite interesting that this key which came with this car is different (different structure) to the later ones. For comparison see the picture at the bottom of this page.

The race car No. 6 was offered in November 2004, the No. 10 and 14 were offered in May 2013 via eBay in Bulgaria.

Length: 155 mm

 
car's right side showing the words "Protected" and "Geschützt" the "Silver 6" hood - and the "Auto-union" inscription left side - incl. the key from above
HABI-Rennwagen - a pre-series model?  HABI-Rennwagen - the hood HABI-Rennwagen - left side plus key HABI-Rennwagen - from above#
 

and finally underneath - showing the slot for the key and the pre-war key itself

the "new" No. 10 and 14

 No. 14 more detailed car's right side showing the words "Protected" and "Geschützt"

HABI-Rennwagen - "Germany" underneath

 pre war pre war No.14 - 2 pre war No.14 - 3
 

See the difference of the both keys - the upper key is the post-war version

and another similar car was offered - now No. 15. But no knob or release lever recognized. Sold in a Floor Auction FEB-2007 - no further details.

pre- and post-war keys

I have NO idea
generated: DEC-25-2004 last update: Christmas 2013