Automotive Terms

DEUVET

This association, which today is called "Bundesverband für Clubs klassischer Fahrzeuge e.V.", used to be called "Bundesverband deutscher Motorveteranen-Clubs e.V." and has existed since 1976. It represents the interests of the German classic car scene vis-à-vis politicians, authorities and the media, as well as in the world umbrella organization FIVA (not to be confused with the world umbrella organization of footballers, FIFA).
As proof of the historical authenticity of a vehicle that is more than 20 years old, one can acquire the DEUVET vehicle passport. The same applies to the FIVA Identity Card, for which the vehicle must be 24 years old. Both papers are issued after successful vehicle inspection for a fee.

Members of DEUVET are usually clubs, IGs or other associations, so their members automatically become members of DEUVET and, via a bonus card, enjoy some benefits at events, museum visits, etc.. In addition, both the DEUVET Vehicle Passport and the FIVA Identity Card, which are required for participation in some events, are considerably cheaper for members.
More information is available on the [ ⇒ Website of the DEUVET ].
The Rover Freunde Deutschland e.V. is currently not a member.

Dewar Trophy

The Dewar Trophy was endowed in 1904 by Sir Thomas Dewar, MP (later Lord Dewar), to the Royal Automobile Club (RAC). It was to be awarded at the discretion of the Club's Technical Committee for the most meritorious performance by an automobile manufacturer at the "Certified Trials" organized by the Club.
The first recipient of the award in 1906 was Dennis Brothers Ltd, Guildford, whose 20hp car covered a distance of 4000 miles.
In the years up to 1929, the award was presented 19 times.
In 1931, the criteria for the award were updated to recognize "the most outstanding technical achievement made in that year under the rules of the Club's competition". Under these new conditions, however, no award was made until 1950 - when it went to the ROVER Company Ltd for the production and performance of the Rover gas turbine car.
After that, the trophy was not awarded again until 1957. At that time, the conditions were changed again. They remain valid today and read: For an outstanding British technical achievement in the field of automobiles during the preceding year.

Dickey [ ⇒ Body shapes ]

Doctor’s Coupé → Fixed-head Coupé [ ⇒ Body shapes ]

dohc - Engine

The abbreviation stands for double overhead camshaft. This expresses the fact that each row of valves - intake and exhaust valves - are controlled by a separate camshaft. The design effort is considerable, so what is the point? The effectiveness of combustion depends on the shape of the combustion chamber. It was recognized early on that a hemispherical combustion chamber over a flat piston is ideal. This can only be achieved if the valves are spaced as far apart as possible in a V-shaped arrangement.
A significant disadvantage of this design is that both camshafts have to be removed to adjust the valves.

Dos à dos [ ⇒ Body shapes ]

Drop-head Coupé [ ⇒ Body shapes ]