The Designer

Karl Maybach

German engineer (6 Jul 1879 – 6 Feb 1960), son of Wilhelm Maybach; co-founded the engine firm (1909, renamed Maybach-Motorenbau 1912). An engineer/manufacturer rather than a stylist — bodies were coachbuilt — he engineered the pre-war Maybach luxury cars and the Zeppelin airship engines. Sources: Wikipedia Wilhelm/Karl Maybach; maybach.org.

Notable cross-make designs: Pre-war Maybach cars (W3, W5, DS7/DS8 Zeppelin, SW series); Zeppelin airship & aircraft engines; later Maybach diesel engines (rail/defence)