The 1947 Volkhart V2 Sagitta was a one-off aerodynamic prototype built on a modified Volkswagen Beetle chassis. Created by engineer Kurt Volkhart and aerodynamicist Baron R. König von Fachsenfeld, it demonstrated exceptional efficiency, capable of impressive speed despite a low-horsepower engine.
Specifications and design
Chassis and drivetrain:The car was built on a modified KdF-Wagen (pre-war Beetle) chassis, using the standard Volkswagen 1.1-liter air-cooled, flat-four engine. The engine produced a modest 24.5 horsepower at 3,300 RPM.
Aerodynamic body:The "slippery" teardrop-shaped body was constructed from lightweight aluminum by Helmut Fuchs. Its extremely low drag coefficient (Cd) was a major technical achievement.
Volkswagen tested the V2 Sagitta in its modern wind tunnel in 2013 and found its Cd to be 0.217.
This figure is twice as aerodynamic as the original Beetle and better than the modern Golf Mk7.
Performance:The drag-efficient body allowed the V2 Sagitta to reach a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph), an astonishing feat for a car with only 24 horsepower.
Safety feature:The car included an early form of stability control—an "anti-skid" mechanism mounted at the rear behind the engine.
History
Initial purpose:Kurt Volkhart initially conceived the idea for a streamlined "courier car" for the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) during World War II. The project, however, was postponed due to the war effort.
Post-war revival:The project was revived after the war, with funding from the industrialist Sagitta, and completed in 1947. Only one prototype was ever built.
Disappearance and rediscovery:For decades, the car was believed to be lost. It was rediscovered in Austria in 1999, acquired by a private collector, and restored.
Re-testing:After its discovery, the car was sent to Volkswagen for wind tunnel testing in 2013, confirming the success of its aerodynamic design.
Legacy:The V2 Sagitta remains an innovative example of early aerodynamic automotive design, showcasing how low drag can compensate for low engine power to achieve high speeds. The project never reached series production, in part because Volkswagen refused to supply chassis.
Initially reminiscent of the Disco Volante, it has that similar aero-look. The Volkhart is really cool, especially for its age. Great reading, GREAT choice John, thank you sir!
Initially reminiscent of the Disco Volante, it has that similar aero-look. The Volkhart is really cool, especially for its age. Great reading, GREAT choice John, thank you sir!
Initially reminiscent of the Disco Volante, it has that similar aero-look. The Volkhart is really cool, especially for its age. Great reading, GREAT choice John, thank you sir!
Yes on the Disco Volante.
And how about the first Porsche?
"The Porsche 64, also known as the Type 64 and Type 60K10, is considered by many to be the first automobile from what was to become the Porsche company, and a true design precursor to the post-war production model."
The Wikipedia article says there is a restored example in the Petersen Museum
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I have this nice TSM 1/43
Another great article of interest John, that leads to further interesting discussion. Bob this was never a production car. According to the article only 3 were produced. Thanks
This post was modified 5 months ago by Geoff Jowett
