Classic Velocity

The postwar need for cheap reliable transportation caused a number of entrepreneurs to try their hand at producing automobiles. This was one of the most interesting periods of time for variation, as many ideas made it to the marketplace and the ultimate judgement of the buying public. One such attempt was made by Egon Brütsch Fahrzeugbau, which was shortened to Brutsch. They came into being in 1952 with the idea of producing unique microcars to be licensed to other manufacturers. As a result, they produced many models in very low quantities.

The cars were three or four wheeled machines with engines from Fichtel & Sachs, ILO, and Maico. They had top speeds in the range of 40 – 80 MPH. The structure of the chassis for most of the vehicles meant that they needed the body to maintain adequate integrity. This in turn eliminated doors and forced a low height. When combined with the styling treatment, they would have been at home in a Dr Seuss movie. Brutsch crafted several licensing deals and began to run into trouble. Designs were altered by licensees in the name of safety or practicality. Brutsch responded with vigorous defense and lawsuits. They did not prevail in a few big ones, and the machines gained a reputation for being dangerous.

The end result was that licensees dried up and the business did as well. Brutsch produced eleven models from 1952 to 1958. However, only around eighty cars were produced. This makes them rare and collectible.