It is in his capacity as editor of the magazine “Motor-Kritik” between 1928 and 1934 that Mr. Ganz took a keen interest in the development of a German “Volkswagen” and, together with other engineers like Professor Porsche, has greatly contributed to realizing this project. Furthermore, by promoting the idea of using rear engines, backbone platform chassis and swing axle suspensions, he has greatly furthered the German automobile industry.
Embassy of the Federal Republic Germany in Australia, 1965
As editor-in-chief of Motor-Kritik, Josef Ganz had a strong influence on the design of a large number of German cars developed in the early to mid-1930s. Furthermore, in his capacity as automotive engineer, Josef Ganz designed or was closely involved in the development of the following cars:
Ardie-Ganz prototype (1930) – the first proof-of-concept prototype of Josef Ganz’s Volkswagen idea, designed and built by Josef Ganz at the Ardie motorcycle company in the summer of 1930.
Adler Maikäfer prototype (1931) – the second Volkswagen prototype, designed and built by Josef Ganz at the Adler car factory in the spring of 1931.
Mercedes-Benz 170 (1931) – as a consultant engineer, Josef Ganz helped design the fully independent suspension system with swing axles at Daimler-Benz in 1931.
Mercedes-Benz 120 prototypes (1931-1932) – as a consultant engineer, Josef Ganz helped design the Mercedes-Benz 120 prototypes with rear-mounted engines, swing axles and streamlined bodywork at Daimler-Benz in 1931 – 1932. In 1934, Daimler-Benz introduced the production model Mercedes-Benz 130 which was based on their experiences with the 120 prototypes.
BMW AM1 (1932) – Josef Ganz helped design the fully independent suspension system with swing axles at BMW in 1931 – 1932.
Standard Superior (1932-1935) – In 1932, the Standard Fahrzeugfabrik purchased a license to develop a small car based on the patents of Josef Ganz and the design of the Maikäfer prototype. Following the 1932 prototype, the Standard Superior was introduced at the Berlin motorshow in 1933 and remained in production until 1935.
Bungartz Butz (1934) – In 1933, Bungartz & Co purchased a license to develop a small car based on the patents of Josef Ganz. The Bungartz Butz was introduced at the Berlin motorshow in 1934, but no more than a few pre-production cars were made.
Rapid “Swiss Volkswagen” (1937-1947) – In 1937, Josef Ganz was commissioned by the Swiss government to develop a “Swiss Volkswagen” based on his experiments with the Standard Superior and Maikäfer prototype. Following the prototypes built in 1937 – 1939, a small pre-production series of around 40 cars was built in 1946/47.
Julien MM5 & MM7 (1946-1949) – After WWII, Josef Ganz came into contact with the Société des Études Automobiles M. A. Julien in France, which developed two cars with the help of Josef Ganz and his experiences with the Rapid “Swiss Volkswagen”, the MM5 (1947-1949) and MM7 (1949).
