HWS (Germany) - AllCarIndex
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1955-1958
The HWS cars, conceived by the ingenious Hubert Willi Schillings, represent a fascinating chapter in automotive history. Originally inspired by his unrealized design for the Adler Coupé, Schillings aimed to create a sporty, budget-friendly two-seater, a more potent alternative to the Kleinschnittger. With support from motor journalist Robert Poensgen, who anticipated the project’s market potential, Schillings embarked on turning his vision into reality.
The initial model, known as the HWS-I, was an innovative two-seater convertible, crafted with a tubular frame chassis welded by a local expert and a wooden framework topped with an aluminum body. The 400 cc Horex engine, originally designed for motorcycles, was seamlessly integrated into the design. The car was completed in July 1956, but Schillings faced a humorous obstacle: the car was too large to fit through his apartment door and hallway. Undeterred, he disassembled the vehicle, moved it outside, and reassembled it for its inaugural test drive at midnight. This successful drive was a significant milestone, encouraging Schillings to further pursue his project.
In late 1956, Schillings relocated to an old farm in Ranstatt, setting up “HWS-Fahrzeugbau” and securing low-interest state loans to continue his work. The HWS-II, his next creation, featured a more complex design with a tubular steel frame and a plastic body. Completed in autumn 1957, this roadster had a sleek aluminum dashboard in the Bugatti style, foldable front section, and two-tone paint. The car's 400 cc Horex engine, now mounted transversely, delivered 30 hp and achieved a top speed of 135 km/h. Although KTM showed initial interest, the project faced setbacks, including financial difficulties and the decision to eliminate the power-hungry fan in favor of airflow cooling.
Despite plans to begin series production in May 1958, financial constraints halted progress, and only one HWS-II was ever built. This unique vehicle, never publicly exhibited, stands as a testament to Schillings’ ingenuity and determination in automotive design.
