In 1956, German engineer Harald Friedrich began building sports cars that should have cost less than the Volkswagen Beetle. The new car, originally designed by Egon Bruetsch as a three-wheeled vehicle, was called Spatz. The doorless fiberglass bodywork design was by Hans Ledwinka. The engines used were mostly 200cc motorcycle engines and a 4-speed gearbox, mounted in front of the rear axle. Friedrich left the company in 1957 and the Spatz continued to be produced, however, equipped with two doors and a 248cc engine and 5-speed gearbox, by his partners in the Victoria bicycle factory. Production ceased in 1958.