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Grade Automobilwerke AG was an automobile manufacturing company established by the German aviation pioneer Hans Grade in 1921 and was closed in the late 1920s.

The company produced roughly 2000 units of the model "Grade Personenkraftwagen", a small, two-person leisure and racing car.

History

In 1921, the grade automotive Werke AG was established by the aircraft designer Hans Grade for the production of small cars - Provisions of the Treaty of Versailles prohibited after the First World War, any aircraft manufacturing activities in Germany, so that many aircraft manufacturers to neighboring areas went as the vehicle.

In the same year the company presented at the Berlin Motor Show in front of an open two-seater. It was powered by a single cylinder two- stroke engine with 887 cc displacement, which developed 12 hp.

The following year was this vehicle, but with a different two-cylinder engine of 808 cc, custom-made small car as Grade 4/16 HP, occasionally Grade F2 in series. It was without a chassis, so self-supporting construction. The drive concept with two-cylinder engine, friction gear and belt drive to the rear axle, which therefore did without differential, and the consistent use of lightweight construction principle move the Grade 4/16 PS near the cyclecars, though he was rather big for that. 1924 was even in Germany 's best-selling small car of this type.

But when Opel and Hanomag brought their small cars on the market, the lightweight vehicle with a boat-shaped structure had no chance.

Also a four-seater newer model and the four-cylinder with 980 cc grade F4 could not prevail. A failed 1925 made reorganization as Grade Automobil AG and after about 2000 vehicles built the company went bankrupt in late 1927. The production may already ended 1926.

Vehicles

Grade F1

The 1921 model Grade F 1 had a single cylinder, two-stroke engine with 97 mm bore , 120 mm stroke and 887 cc displacement , the 12 hp developed. This model was created by the end of 1921. 

Grade F2 and F2A

The end of 1921 or beginning of 1922 appeared Grade F2 . It had a two-cylinder engine with 70 mm bore, 105 mm stroke and 808 cc of its own design. The engine initially produced 14 hp, later 16 hp. It was without a chassis, so self-supporting. The drive was from a two-cylinder engine with friction gear and belt drive on the rear axle, with no differential.

In 1924 this type was the best selling in Germany.

1925 Grade 2 F A . Its engine with the same dimensions had instead of the plate valves for inlet. The engine output was now 16 hp. The wheelbase had been reduced from 295 cm to 290 cm. The track was still 100 cm. The vehicles were equipped with electric lights and starter. 

But when Opel and Hanomag brought their small cars on the market, the lightweight, boat-shaped vehicle seemed dated. 

Grade F4A

The degrees F A appeared in 1926. It had a four-cylinder-Zweitakt motor with 56mm bore, 100mm stroke, 980cc and 24hp. With a track width of 125 cm wheelbase was 300cm. This model had a differential. The body offered space for four people. Until 1928 only a few vehicles were produced.