From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Promotional brochure for the Maybach 12 Type Zeppelin car, detailing its features and specifications.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 66a\3\ scan0024 | |
| Date | 14th June 1924 guessed | |
| THE NEW "MAYBACH 12" TYPE ZEPPELIN Those experiences gained in the construction and operation of the 12 cylinder airship engines of the "Graf Zeppelin" have been applied to the expert knowledge of fine motor car building. The result is the design and the construction of this perfect automobile, the new "Maybach 12" Type Zeppelin. Five 600 HP Maybach 12 cylinder engines were driving the huge airship "Graf Zeppelin" on her race against time around the world. At the same time the experimental new 12 cylinder cars were racing up and down the steepest hills of the Alps in the greatest heat of summer -- experimental engines for this new car were running under full load and power for hundreds of hours on the test stands of the plant at Friedrichshafen. Speed tests on Europe's famous racing tracks proved that the top speed would excel the most ambitious expectations. The Maybach engines of the "Graf Zeppelin" were undergoing there most severe test in the eyes of the entire civilized world and at the same time the new "Maybach 12" Type Zeppelin was bringing proof of its ability to satisfy the expectations of the public and the designer. One hundred and fifty Horse Power are waiting in the new "Maybach 12" Type Zeppelin to take the owner wherever he should wish to go safely and swiftly, and with the greatest comfort to all the passengers. MAYBACH-MOTORENBAU G.{Mr Griffiths - Chief Accountant / Mr Gnapp} m.{Mr Moon / Mr Moore} b. H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} FRIEDRICHSHAFEN ON LAKE CONSTANCE. THE ENGINE 12 Cylinder V-60°. Displacement of cylinders 427 cu. in. (7 liters). Bore 3 5/8". Stroke 3 15/16". 150 Brake Horse Power. Crankshaft on 8 main bearings. Overhead valves in detachable cylinder heads. Camshaft on 7 bearings. Battery ignition with distributor, automatic spark advance, with additional manually controlled advance. Two double carburetors. Hot spot. Air cleaner. Lubrication by oil pressure (gear pump). Oil filter. Centrifugal water pump. Automatic radiator shutter. Integrally mounted gear driven fan. THE TRANSMISSION The three speed standard shift transmission with single plate clutch is located in a separate casting and is bolted to the engine. In connection with this transmission a Maybach overspeed transmission is assembled to the torque tube and permits a change of the rear end ratio merely by pressure on a small lever on the steering wheel, without using the clutch and without the slightest noise or effort on the part of the driver. -- From a walking pace to top speed, without shifting and with an acceleration never previously experienced in any motor car. THE FRAME Low swung pressed steel frame. Front axle forged of chrome-nickel steel. Rear end of light metal and steel. Disc wheels swung on ball and roller bearings. Right or left hand drive. No front wheel shimmy. Low pressure cord tires 32x6.75 or 17x50. | ||