25th Feb, 2026 11:00

Dawsons Discovery

 
 

A Hohm driving school large-scale instructional working model car, German, post-War, (1960s), the model with cutaway sections and electrically operated functions including a visible engine block and cylinder/head, with plywood base fitted with switches and buttons to allow demonstration, 107 cm long x 39 cm deep x 41 cm overall height.

In 1934, Emil Hohm, an Opel dealer in central Germany, and Werner Degener, a driving instruction-manual publisher, recognized the need for an instructional model (modelle) which was portable and could easily demonstrate the mechanical and operation functions of the automobile. A true-to-scale model of an Opel Admiral was produced and shown at the 1939 Automobile Exhibition in Berlin. A hit with the crowds, production soon started with six employees.

After World War II, with an upturn in the German economy, there was a period of rapid growth in the automobile industry. Driving schools sprang up everywhere, and the functional model became part of the teaching curriculum. Some schools produced their own instructional chassis.

Due to the high quality and low production, Hohm models were never inexpensive, originally costing over 900 DM in 1959. Nonetheless, Hohm produced over 7000 models of all types, capturing almost 70% of the market. Their quality and good name was known all over Europe, and many were exported to Spain, Finland, Indonesia, Greece and other countries. More often than not these models have been restored and re-painted this is in its original factory finish with a pleasing patina.

Estimate
£1,000 - £2,000
 

Buyer's premium: 27.50% +VAT


 

A Hohm driving school large-scale instructional working model car, German, post-War, (1960s), the model with cutaway sections and electrically operated functions including a visible engine block and cylinder/head, with plywood base fitted with switches and buttons to allow demonstration, 107 cm long x 39 cm deep x 41 cm overall height.

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Auction: Dawsons Discovery, 25th Feb, 2026

A curated sale of antiques & collectables.

Please note: This is an online sale only; there are no bidders in the room.

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All items with an upper estimate value equal to or above £1,500 in this catalogue are searched against the ALR database.

Viewing

In person at our saleroom:

Unit 8 Cordwallis Business Park, Clivemont Road, Maidenhead, SL6 7BU

Friday 20th Feb - 10am-5pm

Monday 23rd Feb - 10am-5pm

Tuesday 24th Feb - 10am-5pm

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International Buyers: Please contact recommended shippers below:

Mailboxes (MBE): 01628 633336 maidenhead@centres.mbe.uk

Sackville-West: 02080 909988 office@sackvillewest.co.uk

Pack & Send Reading: 0118 958 4498 reading@packsend.co.uk

ThePackengers: 0203 154 4363  hellolondon@thepackengers.com

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