Steyr Type XII History

First shown at the London Olympia Motor Show in October 1925, the Type XII was a significant leap over the heavy Waffenauto. Designed under Ledwinka's influence, it used a 1.5-litre (1,496 cc) overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine producing 35 hp, mounted on ball-bearing crankshaft journals — a technically sophisticated choice for the era.

The Type XII introduced four-wheel brakes to the Steyr range and featured independent rear suspension via swing axles, making it one of the more technically advanced European small-six cars of its day. Available as a four-/five-seat tourer and a four-door saloon, it won international motor-press praise and sold 11,124 units across its four-year run — the brand's highest pre-war volume.