Dortmund Type 57

The Dortmund Type 57 was a small family car produced by Dortmund Motor Company in a variety of styles. The Type 57 was only in production from 1957 to 1965 yet was one of the company's most successful models, with over 28,000 sold.

Type 57
The bulk of Type 57s produced were the standard 2-door version 1.3 liter, 3-cylinder engine (25hp) which barely allowed it to reach 51 mph. Despite this, the very low price of Th. 1680 (about US$600) was enough to see sales of 1020 models in the first year. Improved suspension and a new 1.5 liter, 45hp 4 engines from 1959 saw the price rise to Th. 1700, but at the same times sales rose as well. By 1965, 21,500 of these basic models were prooduced.

Type 57 estate
The Type 57 estate was one of the most popular varieties of the 57. The car was introduced in 1959 and came with the standard 1.5 liter. The estate was available in two configurations, with one bench up front and lots of room in the back or two benches, with both starting at Th. 1800 in 1959. The estate was produced until 1965 and 2890 cars were made.

Type 57 roadster
The 57 roadster was marketed as a sporty Dortmund, but it was hardly that. As a convertible, weight was increased and the price was some 1800 thalers when introduced. With only the 1.3 liter engine available it was terribly slow and saw only 320 sales. The car was finally given a new 1.7 liter engine in 1962, but sales reamined low and the roadster would be scrapped after a total of 453 sales.

Other varieties
The Type 57 sport was a rare version of the model. Produced in 1962 and 1963, the cars were issued with a 1.7 liter, 60 horsepower 4-cylinder engine, good for about 72 mph. The original model was priced at Th. 2000 and in 1963 rose to 2100 thalers. Only 185 cars were produced in its two years.

In 1958, Dortmund introduced the 57 van, which was quickly snapped up by small businesses for their good size, price and reliability. When the type 57 ended production in 1965, the van continued to be made as no Type 65 wagon was produced and there was still demand. When production ended in 1970, some 3,050 cars were made.