Description
Adler Trumpf Junior Convertible | 1935
Highlights:
- Rare pre-war front-wheel-drive convertible
- Believed to be 1 of 23 remaining examples in Europe
- Original paint and leather interior
- CPAA homologated (FIVA-recognised)
- Matching numbers, unrestored example
The seller offers for sale a 1935 Adler Trumpf Junior Convertible, a rare cabriolet with a 999cc four-cylinder petrol engine and a manual gearbox. Unusually for its time, this pre-war classic features front-wheel drive—a forward-thinking layout in the 1930s. The car has Portuguese registration documents and is currently located in Setúbal, Portugal.
This Adler is presented as unrestored, still wearing its original paint and retaining its factory leather seats, which are described as being in good condition. With a claimed 45,000 kilometres on the odometer (not guaranteed), this Trumpf Junior has survived nearly 90 years largely untouched. It is one of just 23 known examples left in Europe, according to the seller, and holds CPAA homologation, a significant detail for historic event eligibility under FIVA rules.
Mechanically, the car is reported to be solid and in driving condition. Lights, indicators and brake lights are operational, and the vehicle has a valid technical inspection. It retains an original mechanical setup with no modifications or upgrades to systems such as power steering or brakes.
The exterior paintwork shows minor wear in the form of light scratches and surface imperfections consistent with age. However, no accident damage is reported. Panels appear well aligned, and chrome details remain present. The soft-top is intact in the images provided, and the car’s overall silhouette and period-correct details suggest careful preservation.
Inside, the leather upholstery is described as being in good condition, showing minimal wear despite the car’s age. All components appear intact and functional. The dashboard retains original dials and switches, while the steering wheel and gear lever reflect period styling. No modern features have been added, which supports the car’s value as an authentic pre-war survivor.
Adler, once among Germany’s leading automotive manufacturers, was based in Frankfurt and active from the early 1900s to the early postwar years. The Adler Trumpf Junior was introduced in 1934 as a smaller sibling to the larger Trumpf model. It was notable for its use of front-wheel drive, a relatively novel feature at the time, and was aimed at offering efficient urban mobility in a modern layout.
With a unibody chassis and transverse engine layout, the Trumpf Junior was remarkably advanced. Most contemporaries were still using body-on-frame construction and rear-wheel drive. The 1.0-litre four-cylinder engine produced modest output, but in combination with low weight and front-wheel traction, the car was praised for its surefooted handling and efficient packaging.
The convertible version, such as this example, was among the more luxurious variants of the Junior, with bodywork typically produced by specialized coachbuilders. It was a popular model among the middle class in pre-war Germany and neighbouring countries. Adler produced around 100,000 Trumpf Juniors in various body styles between 1934 and 1941, but due to the impact of World War II and the passage of time, relatively few survive today, particularly convertibles in unrestored condition.
Following WWII, Adler ceased car production and shifted its focus to typewriters and motorcycles, eventually becoming part of the Grundig and Triumph-Adler groups. This shift, along with the destruction of records and manufacturing capacity during the war, has made surviving pre-war Adlers increasingly collectible, especially those with known provenance and originality.
This Trumpf Junior is an appealing candidate for collectors looking for a preserved and complete pre-war car with significant historical interest. Its front-wheel-drive configuration, open body style, and documented CPAA (FIVA) homologation make it suitable for vintage rallies, concours exhibitions, or static collections.
Noted imperfections are limited to minor scratches in the original paint. The seller explicitly states that the car has not been restored, which means age-related patina and wear should be expected throughout the body and undercarriage. While mechanicals are said to function well, a full inspection and possible preventative maintenance are advisable due to the vehicle’s age.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Setúbal, Portugal.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Portuguese registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
