Steyr 50 Baby- 1938

The history of Steyr dates back to 1820 with the manufacturing of sporting and military rifles. The concentric circle of the Steyr badge represents a target. The terms of the Treaty of St. Germain-En-Laye after the first World War prohibited arms production throughout Austria. Steyr turned to bicycle manufacturing to remain profitable, and began to produce automobiles in 1920. Their history includes associations with Daimler, Porsche, and FIAT, among others. The Type 50 you see here is said to resemble a FIAT 500 Topolino. It was offered in one body style–the 2-door coupe which seats four people. This model was the best selling of all Steyrs. Steyr’s factories were nearly destroyed during World War II. After the war, Steyr made bicycles before moving to trucks and tractors in 1946. Cars were made again from 1953 to 1977. The company continues to make trucks.