Footnotes

• Frankfurt-based Adler started out in the 19th Century as a bicycle manufacturer, turning later to the production of motorcycles, cars and the typewriters with which its name is most commonly associated today. A highly respected firm in its native Germany, Adler was already manufacturing automobile components when it introduced its first car - a Renault-influenced, De Dion-powered voiturette - in 1900. Within a few years the company was making its own single- and twin-cylinder engines though by 1910 the range was powered exclusively by fours. Some of the latter were huge - as big as 7.4 litres - one of which was purchased by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Sixes and a straight eight were added to the range in the 1920s and then in 1932 the firm introduced the revolutionary front-wheel drive Trumpf for which it is best remembered.
  Adler’s pre-WWI range was comprised of straightforward motor cars noted for their solid good looks and a rather peculiar gearchange, but the Kleinwagen (little car) of 1911 was an attempt to bridge the gap between cyclecars and the 1.8-litre ‘12’. The Kleinwagen was powered by a four-cylinder, sidevalve engine displacing 1,292cc and equipped with magneto ignition, while other chassis features included a three-speed gearbox with right-hand gate change; shaft and bevel final drive; transmission foot-brake; rear-wheel handbrake; and semi-elliptic suspension front and rear. Weight was 10cwt and contemporary road-test figures spoke of 50mph and 38mpg. The British importers were Morgan & Co, of Leighton Buzzard, whose main business was coachbuilding. It is said that the Kleinwagen (or Morgan Adler ‘Carette’, as it was marketed in the UK) was invariably re-bodied for sale here (price new: £210) as the original German coachwork was considered to resemble a bath far too closely!
  This example was purchased by the vendor at auction in 1968, its previous owner, one H Horsfield, Esq, having previously rallied it extensively both at home and in Europe. The current owners have continued in the same manner, entering the Adler in numerous Veteran Car Club events, the entry cards for which are contained within the history file. Kept in dry storage and not used since the mid-1980s (the engine remains ‘free’) ‘CX 1414’ should respond to sympathetic re-commissioning, rewarding its fortunate new owner with a superb Edwardian motor car. The vehicle is offered with VCC dating certificate and Swansea V5 registration document.