Schlör-Wagen
An Aerodynamic Masterpiece at 1:5 Scale
Ein Modell des Schlör-Wagen, einem stromlinienförmigen Prototypen aus den 1930er Jahren, im Maßstab 1:5 auf einem Vitrinensockel in der Sammlung Modellfahrzeuge im PS.SPEICHER.
This model shows a milestone in the history of mobility: the Schlör-Wagen. In 1938, engineer Karl Schlör (1910–1997) presented his visionary vehicle at the International Motor Show in Berlin. Because of its shape, it became known as the “Göttingen Egg”. Setting new standards for aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.186 – a figure that many modern vehicles still do not reach – the car is regarded as an outstanding technical achievement. Its teardrop shaped body reduced fuel consumption by up to 40 percent compared with vehicles of its time.
The Schlör-Wagen was based on airflow research, pioneered in Göttingen by the engineer Ludwig Prandtl (1875–1953). Despite its technical strengths, the vehicle remained a prototype; difficulties in crosswinds and its unconventional design prevented series production.
This model was built from historical photographs for display in the Aerodynamics section of the “Future Tunnel”, once part of the PS.SPEICHER Experience Exhibition. After this part of the exhibition was redesigned in 2023, it found a permanent place in the MODEL VEHICLES collection.