A world without war. The Stonewall KDF Roadster.
Following the Second World War, Stonewall Automotive was offered the plans for a German engineered people’s car as compensation for their involvement in the war by the allied powers. In a hugely controversial move, Stonewall not only took the plans, as well as an assembly plant in Wolfsburg, where the vehicle would be assembled, and, even more controversially, sold in the United States.
The car utilized a liquid cooled 1.7L Flat 4 cam in block engine, connected to the rear wheels via a 2 speed manual transmission. The car managed to get from 0-60 in a brisk 23 seconds, and topped out at 93 Miles an hour. “The car for anything, and everything.” was the marketing slogan. Despite the car’s mid engine layout, the compact packaging of the engine and transmission allowed for 4 seats, and a fold able convertible cloth roof, a cost saving measure by the German engineers of the time, in an attempt to save steel. All KDFs were fitted with the convertible top.
The decision to use German labor on a German designed vehicle was hugely controversial for what had previously been such a patriotic, red white and blue company. Many boycotted the car, as well as the company entirely. A few strikes were even held by Stonewall workers, who claimed the Company had intentions to ship all car production overseas.
It managed to get 23MPG, thanks to its aerodynamic body. The lack of an engine over the driven wheels made for light and easy steering at low speeds, as well as a tighter turning radius. The car was received well following the first few years of the war in the United States, however, as the nation’s Economy rebuilt itself, and the Eisenhower interstate system began to be built, Americans could afford larger vehicles, with larger, gas guzzling engines, the KDF was phased out after 10 years, lasting from 1946 to 1956. The plant was also sold off to CMW shortly thereafter.
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