Stoewer V5 History

Launched in 1931, the Stoewer V5 was one of Germany's first mass-produced front-wheel-drive automobiles — alongside the DKW F1 — and a significant engineering step for the Stettin firm. It used a 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine producing 25 PS, with all-around independent suspension and swing axles; the sportier V5S variant raised output to 30 PS and top speed to 100 km/h.

Production reached 1,380 cars in 1931 and 720 in 1932. The car was offered as a sedan, convertible, and roadster. Despite its technical merit, the Nazi-controlled supervisory board deemed the light front-drive layout unsuitable for military requisition and demanded its cancellation — a decision that also led to the Stoewer brothers being forced out of their own company by 1934.