Adler 2.0 Litre classic cars for sale
The Adler 2.0 Litre, produced between 1938 and 1940, is a compelling example of German automotive engineering from the pre-war era. With its robust 4-cylinder engine, innovative coachwork, and rare body variants—including saloon and cabriolet—this car is prized for its technical refinement and distinctive styling. Enthusiasts appreciate its limited production numbers and the role it played in the history of Adler as the successor to the Trumpf model.
Search results
Currently, there are no matching listings for your search.
Create search alert
Let yourself be notified as soon as a listing is published that matches your search filters.
Create listing
Do you have a Adler 2.0 Litre that you want to sell? Then create a listing now.
Create listingAdler 2.0 Litre listing references from Classic Trader
Below you will find listings related to your search that are no longer available on Classic Trader. Use this information to gain insight into availability, value trends, and current pricing for a "Adler 2.0 Litre" to make a more informed purchasing decision.
1938 | Adler 2.0 Litre
Adler 2-litre 2-door Cabriolet 1938
Create search alert
Let yourself be notified as soon as a listing is published that matches your search filters.
Create listing
Do you have a Adler 2.0 Litre that you want to sell? Then create a listing now.
Create listingHistory of the Adler 2.0 Litre
Manufactured from 1938 to 1940, the Adler 2.0 Litre marked a significant transition for the Adlerwerke in Frankfurt am Main. Developed to address the underpowered nature of its predecessor, the Adler Trumpf (1.7 EV), the 2.0 Litre adopted a strong, newly enhanced engine. Its chassis and base engineering built on the successful layout of the Trumpf, while the powertrain provided marked improvements in everyday driving and reliability. Production coincided with a turbulent period in German history, and while thousands of units were built, the model’s run was curtailed by the onset of World War II. Notably, several Adler 2.0 Litres saw use within the Wehrmacht during the conflict. By 1940, Adler had manufactured a total of 7,470 examples, after which production ceased due to the war.
Model History
The Adler 2.0 Litre, also referred to as the 2 EV, succeeded the Adler Trumpf (1.7 EV), aiming to rectify the perception that the Trumpf’s motor was underwhelming. While the steel body construction principles remained similar, the new car incorporated a significantly more potent engine. Available from February 1938 as a two-door saloon, a sporty cabriolet, and a distinctive four-window cabriolet, it offered customers upgraded performance and expanded choice. In 1939, Karmann crafted a more streamlined and modern saloon body, replacing the original Ambi-Budd version, while convertible bodies were produced by Dörr & Schreck in Frankfurt. Its immediate predecessor was the Adler Trumpf, while no direct civilian successor was produced due to the end of Adler automobile production post-war.
Highlights and Unique Features
The Adler 2.0 Litre stands out for its technically advanced 1910 cc engine, capable of delivering 45 PS at 3,900 rpm, and a remarkably modern body designed by Ambi-Budd and later by Karmann. Perforated wheels and robust, widened bumpers set the 2.0 Litre apart from its Trumpf forebear. Distinct body options included a saloon, cabriolet, and a rare four-window convertible. The vehicle's whole steel construction contributed to its durability and period-appropriate safety standards.
Technical Data
Special Editions and Collectible Models
Special variants of the Adler 2.0 Litre include bodies built by the Osnabrück-based firm Karmann, which featured a more streamlined, contemporary design for the saloon, while convertibles were handcrafted by Dörr & Schreck. Rarer four-window cabriolets are particularly sought after among enthusiasts for their scarcity and unique coachwork.
Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling
The Adler 2.0 Litre’s 1,910 cc four-cylinder engine provides a noticeable improvement in power and driveability over the earlier Trumpf. Delivering 45 PS at 3,900 rpm, it couples respectable acceleration for the segment with a top speed of 110 km/h. The vehicle's steel chassis and independent suspension contribute to stable road manners by pre-war standards. Transmission layout, typically a synchronized four-speed, ensures manageable shifting and a period-correct driving experience. - Saloon (Karmann bodied): Recognisable for its sleeker design and improved aerodynamics.
- Convertible (Dörr & Schreck): Known for its elegant lines and rarity, particularly the four-window version.
Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design
The Adler 2.0 Litre’s bodywork reflects a transition to modern automotive styling in pre-war Germany. Early models carried all-steel bodies from Ambi-Budd, noted for durability and period-correct styling cues. From 1939 onward, the Karmann saloon's slender silhouette brought a sense of advancement in exterior design. Convertibles by Dörr & Schreck featured finely crafted interiors, optional extra windows for rear passengers, and greater individualisation through upholstery and trim choices. Wheel arches, grille shape, and broad bumpers contributed to its recognisable aesthetic. Special accessories included period-accurate radios and deluxe trim packages.
Other Relevant Features
Several Adler 2.0 Litre vehicles were repurposed by the German Wehrmacht, reflecting their sturdy build and adaptability. The model’s pricing ranged from 4,350 to 4,950 Reichsmarks, making it accessible to the middle-class segment of the late 1930s, yet not a mass-market vehicle.
Summary
The Adler 2.0 Litre is a rare survivor from a pivotal period in automotive history. Its short but significant production run, robust technical specifications, and range of distinctive body styles make it a unique proposition among pre-war German classics. This model not only marks the zenith of Adler’s automotive engineering efforts, but also encapsulates the stylistic and technical evolution of late 1930s vehicles. Collectors value it for its historical context, advanced construction, and limited availability.