Visionary Craftsmanship - The automotive world is a space where creativity, ambition, and engineering meet to create machines that are more than just vehicles—they are works of art and innovation. Among the countless stories of iconic automobiles and their makers, one brand that offers a fascinating blend of artistry and aspiration is Hispano Alemán. This Spanish manufacturer left its mark not through mass production but through unique and ambitious projects like the Hispano Alemán Scirocco. While its story is less well-known, it carries the charm of a visionary era in car design.
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| This is the sole known image of the Hispano Alemán Scirocco during its debut at the 1970 Barcelona Motor Show. (Picture from: Motodinoza) |
The
Hispano Alemán company was the brainchild of
Werner Bernhard Heiderich, better known as
Ben Heiderich, an individual whose life journey was as dynamic as the cars he sought to create.
A former U.S. Air Force serviceman,
Heiderich made Spain his home and ventured into the automotive industry in
the late 1960s. Starting with a business named
"International Motors," he catered to an eclectic clientele that included American military personnel, resident tourists, and diplomats. This venture laid the groundwork for his foray into crafting his own car brand, inspired by his growing understanding of what car enthusiasts sought in both performance and design.
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The story of the Hispano Alemán Scirocco began with German coachbuilder Dieter Kohlmus, who designed its prototype (later known as the Kohlmus Scirocco) using the innovative NSU TT 1200 and its 1177cc engine. (Picture from: Motodinoza)
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The
Hispano Alemán Scirocco was one of
Heiderich's most intriguing creations, standing alongside other notable models such as
the Mallorca Buggy,
his early success with 500 units produced,
the Vizcaya introduced in
1971, and
the Castilla unveiled in
1972.. First showcased in
1970 at
the Barcelona Motor Show, the
Scirocco was
a compact, sporty vehicle that turned heads with its bold gull-wing doors and sleek fiberglass body.
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| The Kohlmus Scirocco prototype sat on display at the Museum Autovision in Altlußheim, a small town in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. (Picture from: Wikipedia) |
Interestingly, the story of this car did not begin with
Heiderich but with
a German coachbuilder, Dieter Kohlmus.
As the proprietor of Munich-based Kohlmus Kunststofftechnik KG,
Kohlmus developed the prototype using
the NSU TT 1200, a highly innovative compact car.
The NSU TT's 1177cc 4-cylinder engine and sporty foundation provided an ideal platform for
Kohlmus's ambitious vision.
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| The Kohlmus Scirocco prototype (pictured here as the rare 1972 model) was initially developed by Dieter Kohlmus, owner of the Munich-based company Kohlmus Kunststofftechnik KG, in collaboration with Rudolf Thurner. (Picture from: Story Cars on Instagram) |
The
Kohlmus Scirocco, as it was initially known, was a striking example of
1970s design ambition.
The lightweight fiberglass body combined with the NSU engine delivered a balance of style and performance. However, when the collaboration between
Kohlmus and
his partner Rudolf Thurner dissolved, the car’s path took an unexpected turn.
Kohlmus revised the car’s rear, creating his version, while
Thurner marketed his own variant, the
Thurner RS. Despite these efforts, production for
the Kohlmus Scirocco ceased in
1973 after just a handful of units.
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| The Kohlmus Scirocco was the only model produced, designed as a sleek coupé featuring distinctive gull-wing doors that drew comparisons to the iconic Porsche 904. (Picture from: Story Cars on Instagram) |
At some point,
Werner Heiderich acquired the rights to
the Scirocco project, seeing in it the potential to create something extraordinary under
the Hispano Alemán banner. After presenting the car in Spain, he dismantled and modified it, tweaking its design to align with his vision. However, the project never moved beyond this stage. The reasons remain unclear, but this promising collaboration did not result in the mass production
Heiderich may have envisioned. The
Scirocco's story as
a Hispano Alemán model ended as an ambitious prototype that highlighted the challenges of independent car manufacturing in an industry dominated by established giants.
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| The body of the Kohlmus Scirocco was crafted from glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), a lightweight yet durable material ideal for enhancing performance and aerodynamics. (Picture from: Story Cars on Instagram) |
Though the
Scirocco did not achieve commercial success, its legacy endures as a testament to the determination and creativity of smaller manufacturers during a transformative period in automotive history.
Heiderich's broader contributions to the automotive world, including his representation of brands like
Porsche,
Lamborghini, and
BMW in Spain, further reflect his passion for high-performance vehicles and his deep understanding of car enthusiasts’ desires.
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| The Kohlmus Scirocco prototype was powered by a 1177cc 4-cylinder engine, paired with a sporty design that perfectly embodied the automaker's ambitious vision. (Picture from: Story Cars on Instagram) |
The
Hispano Alemán Scirocco might not have reached the production lines, but its story is a reminder of the bold ideas that drive the automotive industry forward. Visionaries like
Heiderich and
Kohlmus dared to dream beyond the limitations of their time, leaving behind creations that continue to inspire admiration and curiosity. While the roads may never have seen fleets of
Hispano Alemán Sciroccos, the singular prototype represents a unique intersection of innovation, collaboration, and ambition—qualities that define the spirit of the automobile.
*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STORY CARS ON INSTAGRAM | AUTOPASSION18 | MOTODINOZA | BLOG.TARANEA.ES | DRIVE2.RU | COTXESCL-CP513 | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SPORTS CAR ]
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