Given the lack of factory-produced racecars during the immediate post-WWII period, it is no surprise that a handful of smaller concerns emerged building homespun competition specials. Among the most significant of these companies was Veritas, which was the brainchild of three German automotive professionals with various connections to the BMW factory and the competition community. As high-performance automobile production was forbidden in occupied Germany for a time, Veritas’ founders chose to build cars upon BMW’s pre-war sports car line, utilizing the remaining 319/1 and 328 chassis, among others. These chassis were equipped with a re-tuned version of the successful inline six-cylinder engines that had commanded so many victories in the BMW 328.

Privateer-campaigned Veritas examples achieved numerous wins in small-displacement class competitions during the late 1940s, most notably via the RS model, which featured striking aerodynamic racing coachwork fashioned from lightweight alloy. These cars were remarkably successful in early post-war sports car racing with famed German driver Karl Kling winning at Hockenheim and Nürburgring, while another RS set the two-liter speed record of 147 mph at the Belgian Autoroute. Soon the RS was challenging competition models such as the Ferrari 166, Frazer Nash Le Mans, and the Osca MT4 on racing circuits across Europe.

Although precise Veritas production numbers remain elusive, it is believed that approximately 25, and possibly fewer, examples of the Veritas RS were built. Almost assuredly raced in period (with some racing photos having been previously attributed to 61651), this fascinating RS was reportedly acquired in the 1950s or 1960s by Björn Öwre, a noted Veritas and BMW collector based in Norway. Mr. Öwre apparently intended to refurbish the RS at some point, but the car remained unrestored when it was acquired from his estate in 2001 by a German collector.

The Veritas was then entrusted to specialist Georg Thiele for a full restoration that included rebuilding and upgrading the triple-carbureted aluminum engine, rejuvenating all the drivetrain elements and related systems, refinishing the exquisite coachwork, and reupholstering the seats. The engine was mated to a new five-speed gearbox for longer-legged performance, although the original four-speed transmission is included with the sale.

Following completion of the restoration circa 2004, the Veritas was enjoyed in numerous vintage rallies and events over the following 10 years, including the 2012 ADAC Eifelrennen and 2014 AvD-Oldtimer Grand Prix and Monaco Historic. Acquired by the current caretaker in May 2015, the RS was imported to the US where it has been fastidiously maintained ever since. Although invited to prestigious concours events in recent years, it has rarely been publicly shown under current ownership—enabling the next caretaker to introduce a national audience to the sleek, streamlined lines of the Veritas RS.

In its current correct state of presentation, the RS is replete with ravishing competition details, like the passenger tonneau, rear fender skirts, and Brooklands-style windscreen. Ideal for exhibition or continued event enjoyment, this fetching Veritas would make a unique and compelling addition to any racing-focused collection.