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Stunning 1949 BMW Veritas goes up for auction today

By Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY

We were stunned when we first saw this picture of this 1949 BMW Veritas, which goes up for auction today -- not because it's all that beautiful, but rather because it is certainly unusual and ungainly, thus making it ahead of its time. We considered it for Mystery Car 110, but decided it it would be too obvious for our crew of automotive detectives.

Still, we can't resist showing it to you. Auctions America by RM, which is putting it on the block, gives this history of the Veritas:

It was the work of Ernst Loof, Georg Meier and Lorenz Dietrich. Dietrich had worked for BMW, while Meier was a winner of the 1939 motorcycle Tourist Trophy, and Loof was also a motorcycle champ who had managed BMW's sports department. After World War II, the trio decided to build a car based on BMW components. Since the Allied Forces occupying Germany would not allow the manufacture of engines larger than one liter, customers were to bring their own drivetrains, which would be installed at the factory in Hausern.

A road-going version of the Veritas was launched in 1949. Coupe, cabriolet and sports roadster styles were available, all bodied by Hermann Spohn Karosseriebau of Ravensburg, whose work was principally found on Maybach chassis. Engines were from BMW, either stock or modified 326 units or powerplants from the 328. BMW objected to the use of their name on cars not of their manufacture, so the cars were soon rebadged simply as Veritas.

Spohn became enamored of Harley Earl's Le Sabre concept car and turned out several custom cars with Le Sabre-type rear fins and taillights. This all-original example is believed to have been returned to Spohn for such modifications, which included installation of fender skirts. It was also fitted with an upper grille assembly in the nose. In time-warp overall condition, the Hartung Spohn is a truly a barn find car and remains entirely original, waiting for its next owner's enthusiastic direction.

Steve McQueen's Ferrari stars in 'Tower Heist'
Audi tops list of most-stolen new cars