1936 Steyr-Daimler-Puch Type 50 'Baby'

This car is currently reading just over 36,000 miles on the odometer. The vendor’s father bought this motor as a restoration project during the late 80s and there are photographs documenting the whole process, as well as plenty of literature relating to the car. All the paperwork is presented in bespoke binders and keepsake boxes.

It is believed that the car was brought over from Austria for the 1936 London Motor Show, and then remained here in the UK. It was first registered in 1946, with the distinctive Oxfordshire number, LFC43. The vendor is unsure when exactly his father acquired this Baby, but he claimed that it was stamped 01 somewhere on the chassis or engine (although the owner is not aware of where that is). His father always thought it was the prototype. This car has been dry stored in many different places over the years but more recently in the owner’s barn/workshop.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Type 50 is a rare and collectible car with a distinctive and elegant design that reflects the styling of cars produced in the pre-war era. Its streamlined body, chrome accents, and wire wheels make it a standout vehicle that is sure to turn heads.

This is a very well-engineered and efficient car that was designed to be compact and economical, making it an ideal vehicle for city driving or weekend trips. Its simple yet functional interior offers a comfortable and stylish cabin.

Finally, owning a Type 50 is a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. As a rare and collectible car, the Type 50 has a rich and storied past that is sure to appeal to automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike. As such, we think a prospective buyer will have to part with somewhere between £15,000 and £25,000 to take this car away.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Cullompton, Devon. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.