FIVE TRIALS
We enjoy the Schnellaster and put it fully to the test
1 DAILY DRIVING
If you want us to say that all that’s missing is some period signwriting to make this perfect as a quirky small business runabout, then we have to disappoint you. A lack of acceleration and a challenging column-change offer significant barriers. Being notably slower than other road users requires a greater awareness of surroundings, compounded by a lack of visibility, particularly over the shoulder – reversing around a corner without the help of a passenger is a chore. If you’re serious about regular use, then at the least we’d recommend consulting a specialist about fitting seatbelts.
2 IN THE SERVICE BAY
There’s an ethos that says a van isn’t earning money when isn’t on the road, it. So there are numerous features that home mechanics will love; the bonnet can be lifted beyond upright so it comes to rest on a rubber roof ‘dimple’ – without touching the screen – to give great access. Release a latch either side of the engine and the grille can be removed entirely, further aiding access. There are limited grease points, so annual maintenance largely comprises an oil change and not much else. There’s one ignition coil per cylinder and three sets of points housed within one distributor.
3 ON THE SHOW CIRCUIT
Assuming that show organisers aren’t too sniffy about letting a van into their classic car show, then the Schnellaster will be nothing other than a sure-fire hit. After all, it has a proven track record in this regard, having drawn large crowds when it was displayed on the DKW Owners’ Club stand at 2016’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham. It would be wise to arrive early because you’ll be spending most of your time at any event explaining to curious visitors exactly what it is that they’re looking at, and you’ll need to ensure that there’s time towards the end to make a break for it and see some of the other vehicles on show.
4 THE LONG WEEKEND
We rarely exceeded 40mph during our time with the Schnellaster. So either you’ll be taking your long weekend very close to home or waiting for the next four-day Easter weekend if you’re hoping to travel further afield. Owner, Adrian Baughn, is more sanguine and suggests that there’s a lack of familiarity on our part; he says that it’s capable of cruising at 50mph. But at these speeds most would find the noise levels unbearable. On the other hand, you can literally pack the kitchen sink if you so choose; camping out of the back of a Schnellaster is definitely possible.
5 THE B-ROAD BLAST
Though that two-stroke soundtrack suggests that there’s a potent sporting character to be exploited on a suitably sinuous stretch of B-road, the truth of the matter is that it’s… a van.
Road and Track magazine used a Schnellaster in period as a sort of mobile press office and praised its ‘exemplary handling’ on numerous occasions, but we assume that this is within the context of its contemporaries. Taking backroads to get from A to B is absolutely encouraged, but you’re unlikely to ever feel the desire to attack a corner while you’re behind the wheel of this big box on wheels.