A vintage German model car, lovingly restored by a volunteer engineer, has been transformed into a hands-on mechanical learning tool to spark engagement and memories in people living with dementia.

As a lifelong engineer and now a proud volunteer with Remap and Men’s Sheds—charities dedicated to improving mobility and wellbeing—I never expected that a battered, rusting German model car would become the centrepiece of a groundbreaking dementia support project. But that’s exactly what unfolded.

It all began when an Activities Coordinator at a care home asked me to create a tactile board for a resident with dementia who had worked as a plumber. Her hope: something mechanical and familiar to re-engage his mind. Activity boards for plumbing and electronics were assembled. That request sparked an idea—what if I could find a working model of a car engine to demonstrate mechanics in a tangible, satisfying way?

Martin Young with his model sectioned car

Martin Young, MSc (Eng), CEng
Volunteer Engineer – Remap (Bedford North)

Car as found on market stall

The Search for Something Special

I scoured auto jumbles, museums, and scrap yards, but nothing had the authenticity I sought. Then, at a Festival of Transport, I stumbled across a battered, sectioned model car outside an antiques stall. Despite missing wheels, a steering wheel, and its drive motor, it had a cutaway four-cylinder side-valve engine, gearbox, and working axle components—everything I needed, in one badly broken package.

The car bore markings from a technical college in Freiburg, Germany, likely dating to the 1940s. The seller, Jason, delivered it to my home, and the restoration journey began.

Restoring the Past

Every piece was photographed before disassembly. Under the rust and neglect, the workmanship was exceptional. With help from friends—Joe and Alan on mechanics, Barry, Graeme, and Bob on electrics—I tackled the engine first.

The engine and gearbox casings, axles, and leaf springs were all aluminium. The crankshaft turned easily. I discovered a cleverly designed distributor system using a commutator with four studs triggered by a rotor on the camshaft. It fired bulbs in “dummy” spark plugs in the classic 1-3-4-2 sequence.

Some cams were loose, but rather than fully dismantle the valve gear, I refitted and reset them, replacing one damaged circlip with a custom-made locking collar. The crankshaft had no traditional bearings; it ran directly on aluminium surfaces. Surprisingly simple and brilliantly effective.

The front axle and differential were mostly sound. I fabricated missing brake rods and pedals. The canvas universal joints on the propshaft were replaced with pieces of an old black leather handbag, thanks to a local saddler.

Alan, my 3D-printing wizard, created new brake shoes, drums, and a spark plug body. Joe provided lights from a kit car. Slowly, the little car came back to life.

Gearbox with 2 forward, plus reverse gears

Sidevalve block with crankshaft and pistons (shown reversed)

Camshaft and wires from the commutator terminals leading to spark plugs

Axles, wheel hubs, differential and leafspring suspension

Wiring in the Magic

Lighting was next. The dummy spark plugs housed bulbs that lit in firing sequence. Using a 12V battery, I powered everything safely—no 240V hazards here! Kevin, a scooter parts dealer, supplied vintage-style headlights and indicators. I chose Morris Minor trafficators for authentic charm.

The dashboard was updated with a voltmeter, ammeter, and switches. When my wiring puzzled me, friends stepped in. Graeme identified I needed a diode in the ignition circuit. Bob sent one by post. Fitted inside the ignition switch housing, it fixed everything.

Ignition system now working correctly thanks to a strategic diode

12v wiper motor and chain drive

Powering the Engine

The plan was to use a 12V Citroën 2CV wiper motor to drive the engine. With Alan’s help, I experimented with a belt drive, but it slipped. Eventually, a 6mm pitch sprocket and chain system worked beautifully. It turns the engine at a realistic 40 rpm, showcasing the pistons, valves, and spark timing in action.

All run by a compact 12V motorcycle battery—no dangerous mains needed. Ideal for fetes and care homes alike.

Looking the Part

Refinishing was crucial. The chassis was sprayed in a brilliant metallic blue; the mudguards in cheerful red. Bright colours appeal to those with dementia. The engine and axles retained their aged look, with original paint and hand-painted highlights on key components.

The rusted bumpers? I considered painting or re-chroming, but quotes were sky-high. Then a kind-hearted chroming business stepped in, offered to help, and delivered them gleaming—for free!

Fresh chromework and new paint

A Star is Born

The little car’s debut was at the May 2024 Billericay Soapbox Derby. Despite minor teething issues (the belt drive failed and the indicator relay burned out), it wowed the crowd. I soon swapped in the chain drive and fitted a new dashboard with walnut veneer and lit gauges. The car is now a reliable, eye-catching demonstration tool.

Finished model car at Billericay soapbox derby

First public appearance at Billericay Soapbox Derby

The Bigger Picture

The car is now part of a wider project: Career-Specific Activity Boards. These tactile, challenge-based tools mimic real-world tasks in plumbing, electrics, carpentry, and mechanics—encouraging users to think, diagnose, and solve problems just like they did in their working lives. I’ve demonstrated them widely in Bedfordshire care homes, and they’ve been a hit.

This car is more than a teaching aid—it’s a spark for memory, confidence, and joy. I’ve even hidden fun challenges, like matching Branston Pickle jar lids to a missing hubcap. Small puzzles that entertain while stimulating cognitive skills.

Final Thoughts

Restoring this little Deutsche car was more than a hobby project. It was a tribute to the past and a gift to those navigating the difficult journey of dementia. With colour, movement, lights, and sounds, it reconnects people with their skills, memories, and sense of self.

If you’re an engineer, enthusiast, or simply someone with a garage full of bits, I invite you to get involved. These hands-on projects can have a big impact. Let’s bring more meaningful mechanical joy to those who need it most.

Learn more:
Remap www.remap.org.uk
UK Men’s Sheds Association www.menssheds.org.uk

Donate:
If you would like to help with a donation to REMAP
https://remap.org.uk/get-involved/donations
Please let them know the donation is for the Dementia Career Activity Boards Project.

Postscript

Why “Deutsche Car? Well, fans of a certain British 1970s rock classic might recognise this twist on the original lyrics…

Guess the band & song

(Answer below Project Gallery)

Demonstrating my model Deutsche car
A to B is never very far
Your home was near, now such a long way
Your legs and head all feel the wrong way
And so I realized my Deutsche car
Is only there to take you somewhere
Even so I really do care
I hope you’ve liked to see my Deutsche car?