Melkus

Heinz Melkus built a series of racing cars through the late '50s and '60s.

This is the first, from 1956, which was heavily influenced by the Cooper Mk VIII but used a De Dion setup at the rear.

A JAP engine was used, though quite how he obtained this in East Germany is a mystery. At some point he seems to have replaced this, with what we do not know, and the car is sometimes referred to as Melkus Post-JAP.

Heinz finished third in the East German National Championship in 1956 and '57 and won in 1958, the last full year.

Thanks to the Melkus family, Fabian Matteus and Rob Young

Leipzig, May 1957

If you have any more information or pictures, please let us know.