Author: Fabian Henningsen

Two days ago, we said goodbye to Quincy Jones, a visionary whose influence stretches far beyond music into the hearts of everyone he touched. Quincy was more than an icon – he was a mentor, an inspiration and a dear friend of the Maybach Foundation.

Quincy Jones was a creative giant whose impact spanned music, film, and television, with 28 Grammy Awards and iconic works like Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Frank Sinatra. He broke barriers as the first Black executive at a major record label and produced groundbreaking projects, from The Color Purple to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Quincy first joined us in 2007 at our Maybach Foundation Mentoring Luncheon in Cannes – supported by the Maybach Brand. When Uli Maybach asked him to speak about the importance of mentorship, he didn’t hesitate. For Quincy, mentorship was personal – he credited his own mentors, like Count Basie and Clark Terry, with shaping his path. “If you can see it, you can be it,” he told us.

His commitment to lifting others up was recognized when Harvard named him their first-ever Mentor of the Year, a testament to the impact he had on so many lives. He believed deeply that one person’s success could open doors for others. His legacy of mentorship continues to resonate deeply with our mission and his friendship has been a cherished gift.

Today, we continue to honor Quincy’s memory. The Maybach Foundation is eternally grateful to have shared a part of our journey with this extraordinary individual. Rest in peace, Quincy.

His great-grandfather Wilhelm created the first modern automobile. Three generations later Ulrich Schmid-Maybach mentors young talents, continuing the family legacy. A conversation about philanthropy and the passion to innovate.

Read the full article from the GG Magazine here: https://www.gg-magazine.com/en/2024/08/der-gute-herr-maybach/

Today, on what would have been her 101st birthday, we honor the remarkable life and achievements of Irmgard Schmid-Maybach, born on October 16, 1923, in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Irmgard made a lasting impact on the evolution of MTU Friedrichshafen (now Rolls-Royce Solutions GmbH). As a dedicated Supervisory Board member for over two decades and later an honorary life Board member, she helped shape the company’s future, all while staying true to her family’s pioneering spirit and values.

In a time when women were rarely seen in boardrooms, Irmgard carved a path for herself through intelligence, empathy and a genuine passion for her work. Her presence on the board helped challenge expectations and paved the way for other women to envision roles beyond traditional boundaries.

Even after moving to San Francisco in the 1950s, she stayed closely tied to her roots, regularly visiting Friedrichshafen. She believed in honoring her heritage, which inspired her to establish the Wilhelm-Maybach-Award, and later, the Karl-Maybach-Award. In 2000, she was honored with the Medal of Honor of the City of Friedrichshafen for her achievements.

Today, we remember Irmgard Schmid-Maybach not just for her accomplishments but also for her warmth and unwavering dedication to her family’s legacy and the Maybach values: She remains a source of inspiration, especially for women in industries where she continues to stand out as a trailblazer.

On 2^nd July 2002, striking images were captured in New York as a helicopter delivered the newly developed Maybach 62 for its world première on Wall Street. On this day, the DaimlerChrysler AG resurrected the legendary automobile brand Maybach, one of the most exclusive German marques of the 20^th century. Irmgard Schmid-Maybach, the daughter of Karl Maybach, had the honor of receiving the first production Maybach on 14^th October 2002. This vehicle remains in the family’s possession to this day. While the „Myth of Maybach“ has continued to resonate in people’s minds, the new models marked the beginning of a new chapter in German automotive history, one that is set to endure in the future.

On 23^rd September 1921, the first production Maybach automobile, the „Type ²²⁄₇₀ PS · W3“, was unveiled at the German Automobile Exhibition in Berlin. The vehicle captivated the audience with its high quality and technical features: for the first time, a German automobile was equipped as standard with a four-wheel brake system and could be driven with an automatic transmission. The „W3“ set the benchmarks that Karl Maybach defined in Friedrichshafen for the Maybach brand: meticulous precision, the finest materials, and innovative technology for the utmost driving comfort.

Sixty years after the last Maybach of the SW 42 type was delivered in 1941, the first example of the new Maybach 62 left the Maybach Manufactory in Sindelfingen (Germany) on 24^th June 2002. The maiden voyage was destined for New York City, where the car was presented to the global public. In keeping with tradition, the Maybach 62 crossed the Atlantic in a specially constructed glass container aboard the ocean liner Queen Elizabeth II. What many do not know is that the container was placed on a special deck, allowing first-class passengers to be the first to glimpse the new limousine.

Upon arrival in New York, the vehicle was flown by helicopter from the deck of the Queen Elizabeth II to the old Cunard Pier in Manhattan. From there, escorted by the New York motorcycle police, it proceeded to the spectacular world première at the Regent Ballroom next to the New York Stock Exchange. „Never before has a car been presented so spectacularly — A show in Hollywood style,“ wrote the German press. Over 500 million television viewers and more than 350 newspapers worldwide reported on the event — a resounding success. The campaign was planned and executed by Oliver Schrott and his agency OSK.

At the launch in 2002, two limousines were available, with model names reflecting their impressive lengths: 6.17 meters for the Maybach 62 and 5.73 meters for the Maybach 57. Equipped with the latest automotive technology, the new Maybach models embodied the principles that Karl Maybach adhered to while developing legendary vehicles in Friedrichshafen from 1921 to 1941: „Create only the best from the best, of lasting value, in the highest form of perfection.“ This was the philosophy of Karl Maybach and the Maybach Motorenbau GmbH, which aimed to set the standard for the new models in 2002. Additionally, the brand benefited from the technical expertise and experience of Mercedes-Benz in the luxury segment, along with its global network. Many components of the new Maybach models were based on the proven Mercedes S‑Class W 220 and the W 140 series. The specially developed distribution concept included around 25 Maybach centres worldwide, with the „Centre of Excellence“ in Sindelfingen serving as a central hub close to the manufactory. The production of Maybach limousines in the modern Sindelfingen manufactory allowed for the realization of the most exclusive customer wishes. Each handcrafted luxury vehicle became a unique masterpiece, perfectly combining high-tech and craftsmanship.

Vehicle technical developments that had previously only been available exclusively in Mercedes-Benz vehicles were further developed for the Maybach limousines and became standard equipment in all Maybach models. These included the electrohydraulic brake system Sensotronic Brake Control (SBCTM), the AIRMATIC DC air suspension, the LINGUATRONIC voice control system, the COMAND APS control and display system, and the automatic emergency call service TELEAID. As with the Maybach automobiles of the 1920s and 1930s, these technical advancements not only enhanced driving comfort but also significantly improved vehicle safety. DaimlerChrysler also focused on its own innovations that underscored Maybach’s aspiration to lead the luxury segment.

The twelve-cylinder engine with a displacement of 5.5 litres and twin-turbocharging produced 405 kW (550 hp) and offered a maximum torque of 900 Nm at 2300 rpm, making the „Type 12“ engine the most powerful production engine in a limousine worldwide. The Maybach 57 and 62 models could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds and reached an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The Maybach 57 S, introduced in 2005, featured a 6.0‑litre V12 twin-turbo engine with 450 kW (612 hp), allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds. Later, Mercedes-AMG developed an even more powerful engine with 471 kW (640 hp), which propelled the Maybach 57 Zeppelin from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reached a limited top speed of 275 km/h.

The head of development for the new Maybach vehicles was Professor Hermann Gaus. In just three years, he brought the first Maybach vehicle into production. Driven by the desire to create a vehicle of the highest quality, Gaus worked tirelessly from 1999 on the prototypes of the Maybach 57 and Maybach 62. As he himself stated, he always oriented his work around the high standards set by Wilhelm and Karl Maybach, as well as the automotive development at Maybach Motorenbau in Friedrichshafen: „Maybach vehicles of the 1920s and 1930s were characterized by technical innovation, the highest quality, luxurious equipment, and individuality. These qualities were also incorporated into the new Maybach vehicles of the 240 series. However, the realization of these features differs due to the 70 to 80 years of technological advancement in between. A common trait, however, remains the love for detail and perfection in execution.“

Like Karl Maybach, Professor Gaus spared no expense. Test drives took place worldwide to assess the vehicle under various conditions. In Laredo, Texas, the car was exposed to extreme temperatures, while its endurance and durability were evaluated on rough terrains. In Arjeplog, Sweden, the electrohydraulic braking system was tested in icy conditions. Overall, all test vehicles covered 2.5 million kilometres under real-world conditions.

At the end of 2002, Gaus was honoured with the Benz-Daimler-Maybach Award by the Association of German Engineers. From 2007 to 2021, he served as a board member of the Wilhelm and Karl Maybach Foundation, which has resulted in a lasting connection with the Schmid-Maybach family. In a 2020 interview with the Foundation, Gaus spoke about the inspiration he drew from Wilhelm Maybach: „Wilhelm Maybach was a brilliant designer and inventor, rightly referred to as the ‚King of Designers.‘ If a vehicle from DaimlerChrysler AG was to bear the name Maybach, it was clear to everyone involved that it had to be the number one limousine to live up to the name’s prestige.“ You can read the entire interview from 2021 here:

https://maybach.org/zum-85-geburtstag-prof-hermann-gaus/.

In addition to the technical components, the Maybach Manufactory equipped the high-end luxury limousines with a specially developed solar module. Covering an area of approximately half a square metre, 30 solar cells converted sunlight into electrical energy, generating up to 63 watts of power. The solar energy was used to power the air conditioning ventilation fan when the ignition was off, allowing fresh air to circulate within the cabin. This helped reduce the heating of the dashboard, seats, and other interior parts during the summer months.
Exclusively in the Maybach 62, there were reclining seats with a reclining function: the rear passenger could tilt the backrest by up to 47 degrees at the touch of a button and activate a leg rest and footrest. Adjustable air cushions and a massage function enhanced seating comfort. A technical highlight of the Maybach 62 was the innovative electrotransparent panoramic roof. The laminated glass panel contained a liquid crystal film that became transparent under alternating current. Once the current was switched off, the panel became opaque.

All entertainment and communication facilities for discerning travelers were standard onboard, ranging from a DVD player to a wireless telephone. With the Business Package, it was possible to connect a laptop to the vehicle’s computer via Bluetooth, enabling fax sending and receiving as well as internet access — at that time, a novel feature. Starting in 2010, a WLAN router and a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) became available.

For the body paint, the luxury brand Maybach offered a spectrum of 17 color shades, which could be elegantly combined in two-tone combinations. At the 2007 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Maybach showcased the ALU BEAM Silver paint, which draped over the body like a liquid metal skin. The safety technology of the Maybach 57 included a meticulously developed body structure and a total of ten airbags — among them large side window airbags on each side of the interior. Notably, the Sensotronic Brake Control (SBCTM) system developed by Mercedes-Benz and the electronically controlled AIRMATIC DC air suspension were also featured. Both systems were interconnected, individually adjusting the damping and braking force based on road conditions, driving style, and vehicle load — truly innovative!

Those who examined the M 57 and M 62 up close discovered an example of the Maybach engineers‘ meticulous attention to detail in the headlights: the lenses of the Bi-Xenon headlights were adorned with the double‑M emblem of the Maybach Manufactory — an original contribution to product identity and a nod to the legendary „Maybach 12 Zeppelin“ from 1930. Additionally, tailored special editions for top-tier hospitality were developed, including gold instead of chrome in the interior, gold paint on the rims, lambskin carpets for a cozy atmosphere, family crests in custom locations, a compass in the headliner, or a partition with a retractable window — customers had the choice. Upon request, the Maybach 62 was also available with a special protection package designed to shield occupants from high-caliber handgun fire, thus meeting the security requirements for high-level protection. After the successful revival of the Maybach automobile brand in 2002, DaimlerChrysler AG realized that the demand was lower than hoped.

Consequently, there were no successor models for several years following the reintroduction. However, at the Dubai Motor Show in 2007, DaimlerChrysler unveiled an extraordinary masterpiece: the prototype of an open Maybach Landaulet. In the tradition of exclusive landaulets, the roof of this shimmering white unique piece could be completely opened in the rear, while remaining closed in the chauffeur’s compartment. When opened, the roof folded down and rested, along with the integrated rear window, on the parcel shelf. The chauffeur could cover the stowed roof with an elegant white leather tonneau cover. In autumn 2008, the prototype of the Landaulet, based on the 62 S, became a reality and was delivered to the first customers. With the Maybach Zeppelin, the brand crowned its model range, marking its peak position in the high-end segment. It was a worthy successor to the legendary Maybach Zeppelin from the 1930s, regarded as the pinnacle of sophisticated automobile manufacturing. Externally, the flagship of the luxury brand was recognizable by a two-tone special paint. The inscription „ZEPPELIN“ arched beneath the double‑M of the bonnet ornament and on the rear lid highlighted the special status of the Maybach Zeppelin. The Maybach Zeppelin was limited to just 100 units worldwide.

Overall, Maybach sold around 3,600 vehicles between 2002 and 2012. A maximum of five Maybach vehicles were produced per day, exclusively made to order at the Maybach Manufactory in Sindelfingen, Germany. Ultimately, the high sales expectations of DaimlerChrysler AG could not be met. In November 2011, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche announced that the Maybach brand would be discontinued in 2012 in favor of other models of the Mercedes S‑Class. On 17 December 2012, the last Maybach vehicle left the manufactory. Although Maybach limousines continued to be sold until 2013, the name was to be retired thereafter. Today, those fortunate enough to own one of the élite Maybach vehicles from 2002 to 2013 can consider themselves lucky — the vehicles have become rare, and collector prices are steadily rising. At the end of 2014, the Daimler Group announced the reintroduction of the Maybach brand name.

Even though Karl Maybach was no longer able to produce his rare luxury automobiles after the Second World War, there was a large community of Maybach automobile enthusiasts, centred around the „Maybach Club,“ who collected and lovingly maintained the old Maybachs. When DaimlerChrysler AG revived the myth of Maybach in the form of the Maybach models 57 and 62 in 2002, it was clear to all that a new chapter in German automotive history was being written. To this day, Maybach automobiles continue to be produced, keeping the Maybach legacy alive and meeting the highest standards of quality and technological advancement in automobile manufacturing.

🛥️On August 17th, the Maybach Foundation and Grieve Family Winery hosted an exceptional gathering aboard the exclusive yacht “Blue Steele” to honor our contributors and supporters. After the exciting Mercedes-Maybach lunch, Blacklane shuttles brought our guests to the private yacht event at the beautiful Stillwater Cove in hashtag#PebbleBeach, where they tasted exquisite wines from the Double Eagle Winery, enjoyed breathtaking views, and received beautifully curated Gift Bags provided by MAYBACH Icons of Luxury. Guests were greeted by the Black Opal Life team on the wharf before boarding tenders to “Blue Steele”, anchored in Stillwater Harbor.

🤝This event was specially hosted for our valued Maybach Foundation contributors, and we were delighted to bring them together for this memorable occasion. We extend our deepest gratitude to our annual supporters for their unwavering care of the Foundation’s mission. Both Uli Maybach and David Grieve warmly welcomed guests with their distinguished opening remarks, and Uli further engaged the audience by sharing insightful updates on the Foundation’s impactful activities and ongoing projects in Germany and the United States.

🏆Special Thanks to our Maybach Foundation contributors:

Grieve Family Winery renowned for its rich and structured wines.
Black Opal Life excelling in providing customized luxury experiences.
US Capital offering sophisticated financial solutions.
Family Office Division of Heffernan Insurance Brokers delivering comprehensive insurance services.
DRA Family Office focusing on private investments and championing female
founders.
Blacklane providing premium global chauffeur services.
MAYBACH Icons of Luxury crafting prestigious handmade luxury goods.

The Maybach Foundation welcomed its Friends, Patrons & Contributors to a myriad of events taking place over the 73^rd Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance hosted in Monterey, California — a captivating fusion of celebrating sophistication, innovation, and mentoring — a true embodiment of the authentic Maybach DNA & spirit.

The Maybach Foundation participated in an exclusive, invite-only Luncheon hosted by the Mercedes-Benz AG Group’s Maybach brand on Saturday, August 17^th, 2024. This event, which inspired and enlightened all automotive senses, included Mercedes-Maybach advocates, the Maybach Foundation network, and industry executives who shared their philosophies on one of the true Maybach values: “A Pioneering Spirit.” In addition to the Luncheon, a stimulating Maybach Panel Talk by Michael Savage (COO at Space Perspective), Daniel Lescow (Head of Mercedes-Maybach), and Uli Maybach (Founder & President of the Maybach Foundation and co-founder of the MAYBACH Icons of Luxury accessory group) took place during which the panelists shared their own perspectives on pioneering and how having this spirit has impacted their own lives. Rob Halloway (Head of Global Communications Mercedes-Benz) guided the panelists through the discussion.

Following the Panel Talk and Luncheon formalities, guests of the Maybach Foundation moved ‘from land to sea’ and joined Ulrich Schmid-Maybach & David Grieve (Founder of the Grieve Family Winery, Double Eagle) for sundowners at the “Maybach Foundation x David Grieve Yacht Event” on the beautiful Blue Steele yacht in the Stillwater Cove. This personalized assemblage highlighted the Maybach mantra of “Mobility by Land, Air, and Sea,” and offered a unique gathering for those dear to the Foundation’s mission.

Heartfelt thanks to our Contributors: Your support amplifies innovation and echoes the Maybach legacy, nurturing talent for a brighter future. To that end, the Foundation honors its annual contributors & loyal supporters whose generosity continues to inspire and provide a platform for the next generation of pioneers. Ulrich Schmid-Maybach emphasizes: “Your inspiration drives our organization and helps advance the Maybach Mentoring Program and History Showroom — thank you for helping us grow.

Grieve Family Winery renowned for its rich and structured wines.

Black Opal Life excelling in providing customized luxury experiences.

US Capital offering sophisticated financial solutions.

Family Office Division of Heffernan Insurance Brokers delivering comprehensive insurance services.

DRA Family Office focusing on private investments and championing female founders.

Blacklane providing premium global chauffeur services.

MAYBACH Icons of Luxury crafting prestigious handmade luxury goods.

Berlin, Germany – August 10, 2023 – Blacklane, the premium global chauffeur service, is set to make its mark at the upcoming private Maybach Luncheon. This exclusive event, hosted by Mercedes-Maybach, is organized around the topic of innovation, mentoring, and a discussion about modern technology. This established luncheon and the values stem from the deep history of Wilhelm Maybach who himself was mentored by Gottlieb Daimler, which allowed him to launch a successful career and change the world of mobility. We are reminded to this day of their legacy through amazing cars which bear their names.

This incredible story aligns with Blacklane’s core values of ‘breaking new ground’ as a disruptor in the premium mobility industry, along with the core value of ‘care’ – for others and the planet. The private Maybach Lunch will take place at the revered Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge, within the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance event in California, where luminaries from across industries will convene.

Read the full article here: https://www.blacklane.com/en/press/releases/bl0norhD83o81GnnL7sAq/

SAN FRANCISCO, OCTOBER 2024 – US Capital Global is honored to be a SILVER PLUS Contributor of the Maybach Foundation and participated at the exclusive, invite-only 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the premier event of Pebble Beach Automotive Week. Launched in 1950 and now the world’s foremost celebration of the automobile, this Monterey, California event attracted over 15,000 attendees. The Mercedes-Maybach Lunch was hosted by Mercedes-Benz AG Group’s Maybach brand, showcasing top-tier automotive innovation.

US Capital Global is a full-service global private financial group with a strong track record in corporate finance, asset management, and capital formation services. Headquartered in San Francisco, the group also operates principal offices in Dallas, Philadelphia, Miami, New York, London, Milan, and Dubai.

Ulrich Schmid-Maybach, Founder and President of the Maybach Foundation, said, “I extend my gratitude to US Capital Global and all our contributors. Your support not only honors the Maybach legacy but also fuels innovation and nurtures future talent. We share a strong synergy with US Capital Global’s philanthropic initiatives through Braj Bhumi Group, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.”

Read the full article here: https://uscapital.com/news/pdfs/philanthropy-meets-luxury-us-capital-global-supports-maybach-at-pebble-beach.pdf

🔔➡We are thrilled to share that Uli Maybach Founder & President of the Maybach Foundation joined the keynote opening panel at the World Family Office Forum in Montreux, Switzerland on June 3^rd.

💡👏The panel titled « Legacy & Leadership : Navigating the Nuances of Family Business in Modern Times » was an engaging and inspiring session including the lively, interactive Q&A round. Uli Maybach provided insights about the challenges of family offices and generational transitions and shared the projects and plans of the Maybach Foundation and Stiftung. The session was expertly moderated by Sally Woodford, Independent Strategic Advisor.

Additional esteemed panelists included :
Ariane Spandow, Chair Board of Directors, Spabogruppen & Amesto Group.

Paulina Jakubec, Chairman, Board of Directors, IDC HOLDING shared their perspective and knowledge about family dynamics, balancing business with relationships, legacy, and integrating the younger generation into leadership roles.

🤝🌎The discussion addressed aspects of social responsibility and the role of family businesses in leveraging their unique position to contribute positively to society and the planet.

🌟🙏A special thank you to Alex Burgess and the Connect Group for organizing such a remarkable, impactful event in Montreux. It was an excellent opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities of family businesses today and to connect with international leaders and experts in the field.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -

🔔➡Uli Maybach, Gründer und Präsident der Maybach Foundation, hat am 3. Juni am Eröffnungspanel des World Family Office Forum in Montreux, Schweiz, teilgenommen.

💡👏Das Panel mit dem Titel « Legacy & Leadership : Navigating the Nuances of Family Business in Modern Times » war eine spannende Sitzung gefolgt von einer interaktiven Fragerunde. Uli Maybach teilte wertvolle Einblicke in die Herausforderungen von Family Offices und Generationswechsel. Zudem stellte Uli Maybach die Projekte und Pläne der Maybach Foundation und Stiftung vor. Das Panel wurde von Sally Woodford herausragend moderiert.

Weitere Panelteilnehmer :
Ariane Spandow, Vorsitzende des Verwaltungsrats von Spabogruppen und Amesto Group sowie
Paulina Jakubec, Vorsitzende des Verwaltungsrats von IDC Holding, die ihr Wissen über Familiendynamiken, das Gleichgewicht zwischen Geschäft und Beziehungen und die Integration der jüngeren Generation in Führungsrollen teilten.

🤝🌎Die Diskussion thematisierte Aspekte der sozialen Verantwortung und die Rolle von Familienunternehmen, ihre einzigartige Position zu nutzen, um positiv zur Gesellschaft beizutragen.

🌟🙏Ein besonderer Dank geht an Alex Burgess und die Connect Group für die Organisation dieses bemerkenswerten Events. Die Veranstaltung war eine hervorragende Gelegenheit, die Herausforderungen und Chancen von Familienunternehmen zu diskutieren und sich mit internationalen Führungskräften auf diesem Gebiet zu vernetzen.

Today, we want to share a historical Maybach Powered boat with you, that has an interesting story. Not only that, it recently made its way back to Friedrichshafen where it was made and used for a very specific purpose. Due to the versatility of products and technologies that were needed for the airships which Count Zeppelin had conceptualized, a wide array of companies settled and flourished in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance in Southern Germany.

Maybach-Motorenbau-GmbH, relocated to Friedrichshafen in 1912 as Motorenbau GmbH and from 1918 was then known as Maybach-Motorenbau-GmbH. Karl Maybach, the eldest son of Wilhelm Maybach, had led the company in its new directions. With his development of high performance engines over the decades he contributed significantly to the history of mobility — from population for airships that travelled over the Atlantic — to fast running Diesel engines for trains which enabled speeds invoking the nickname « The Flying Trains »

Claude Dornier was another important figure in Friedrichshafen. He was born in 1884 in Kempten, son to his French father who had emigrated to Germany. His mother was German. Claude studied in Munich at the Technical University of Applied Sciences. He graduated in 1907. In the early stages of his career, he performed strength calculations. These endeavors did not foretell his later significant contributions to aviation.

Claude Dornier in a portrait from 1930. Bundesarchiv Bild 102 – 09496, CC BY-SA 3.0 de

Count Zeppelin had also realized that the long-term technology to succeed were not airships but aero planes. This led to some unique aircraft being developed in Friedrichshafen, with Dornier leading some groundbreaking projects. From 1910 onwards, Dornier worked for Count Zeppelin. Beginning in the mid nineteen-tens already ‹Flugboote› (Flying boats) such as the RS I to IV were built. After WWI, large projects of airships with potential military usage were forbidden. To circumvent these new restrictions for a new large project the AG für Dornier-Flugzeuge (Cooperation for Dornier-Airplanes) was established-not in Germany though, but on the Swiss side of Lake Constance in Altenrhein.

The Do X in flight 1932, Bundesarchiv Bild 102 – 12963, CC BY-SA 3.0 de

The Do X (Short for Dornier ten) was essentially the project for which this company had been formed. It was the largest, at 56 tons, and using twelve 391 kW (524 hp) Siemens-built Bristol Jupiter radial engines. It was clearly the most powerful flying boat at the time of its construction. It took fours years to complete. The Claude Dornier began planning in 1924, with production running from 1925 to 1929.

Flying Boat Dornier Do X, Bundesarchiv Bild 102 – 08578, CC BY-SA 3.0 de

The Altenrhein is a time witness of this high-tech plane of its day. Altenrhein was one of two boats which were used to tow in the Do X. It had been manufactured nearby Friedrichshafen at Bodan Shipyards in Kressbronn. With Maybach-Motorenbau-GmbH being a preeminent producer of engines with global renown, the boat was fitted with a Maybach engine.

It is not entirely clear which engine had been installed in Altenrhein originally, but give the size of the boat and the specs, at 65 horsepower, it most likely was a S 1 engine (As one advertising brochure from the 1920s described it, the S 2, unlike the S 1 was designed for ‹light, especially fast boats, up to nine meters length›) The type S 1 engine and its sibling, the S 2 are examples of the versatility of the products of Karl Maybach. These engines had originally been constructed as the W 2 and were conceptualized for cars. To be more precise, the type W 3 car was first presented by Maybach to the public in 1921. The S 1 and S 2 are marinized versions. The development towards marine applications broadened the Maybach portfolio of engines whereby the well-known slogan for Maybach was coined : « In Air, In Water and By Land. » This sums up the Maybach range of technology as well as its profound history as one of Germany’s premier inventors, developers, and producers.

The historical evidence of the Altenrhein had been lost for quite some time. Very recently it has resurfaced. Thankfully, it did not end up being sold in the marketplace, but was donated to the Dornier Museum in Friedrichshafen. There, it currently is been restored. Remarkably, plans are underway to operate Altenrhein once again on Lake Constance. It is undetermined if the engine will be replaced with the original Maybach type S 1 engine, as this would be a difficult task, inasmuch as the S type engines of the first generation are very rare. The estimate is that only 280 were produced, counting both type S 1 and S 2 engines.

In the Maybach Virtual Museum under https://maybach.com/year-decade/1918 – 1933/ you dive deeper to learn about Maybach Powered boats. Just click on the 1927 time marker, « Excellence Across All Elements. »