MAYBACHTyp 12 Cabriolet 1929 - 1931

　　After WWI, Maybach couldn't do aviation engines anymore, so the carmaker had to turn its attention towards another rising star of the engineering industry, automobiles.

　　During his career at Mercedes-Benz, Karl Maybach uncovered many of the secrets that made the three-pointed-star brand such a successful brand on the market. Yet, the design was not one of his best qualities, which is why the Typ 12 range looked so similar to some of the Mercedes-Benz cars from the same era. So, after releasing the Typ 12 with a closed bodywork, Maybach focused on creating an open-top version, which was aptly named Typ 12 Cabriolet.

　　With its massive stance and the flat, vertical radiator, the Typ 12 Cabriolet had a commanding view of the road. The valanced front fenders were connected with a straight horizontal bar that supported the headlights. It was a similar system used by Mercedes-Benz for its cars. But Maybach created a new design for the engine compartment, with a rounded upper cover instead of a straight one. The cabin featured a vertical, flat windshield. A removable canvas top protected the occupants from the elements and could have been manually retracted behind the rear seats.

　　Karl Maybach made the Typ 12 in honor of his father, who lived enough to see the creation. Wilhelm Maybach passed away in December 1929. The car's cabin was fitted with luxurious materials such as wood veneers and leather seats. The dashboard featured center-mounted dials and gauges. The rear bench was wide and comfortable for two occupants.

　　Under the hood, Maybach installed a V12 engine. It was the first German vehicle fitted with such a huge powerplant. The German automaker paired it with a three-speed semi-automatic gearbox that sent the power to the rear wheels.