BACKGROUND: The DDAC, Der Deutsche Automobil-Club, (The German Automobile Club) was instituted in September 1933 by NSKK, National Sozialistisches Kraftfahr Korps, (National Socialist Motor Corps), Korpsfuhrer Adolf Huhnlein, as an "independent" automobile club, that was similar to the AAA, American Automobile Association. As the organization was opened to all private car owners only full-time DDAC Officials were uniformed, with the regular members wearing identifying armbands or a sports vest during participation in competitions and rallies. Members were encouraged to display an assortment of metal plaques and pennants featuring the DDAC emblem on their vehicles, civilian membership lapel pins were available and an annual honor award in the form of a lapel pin was bestowed for a few years before being discontinued in 1938. As with the AAA membership in the DDAC had certain membership benefits. Shortly after Hitler was appointed as Reichskanzler, (National/Imperial Chancellor), on January 30^TH 1933 programs to develop the road network and the production of inexpensive vehicles began. As a result of their loss in WWI and the rampant unemployment and inflation following, Germany was well behind other nations in private car ownership. In comparison, in 1928, one in five Americans owned a car while only one in one hundred thirty four Germans owned a car. Hitler and the NSDAP, Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, (National Socialist German Worker’s Party), embarked on an ambitious program constructing the Autobahn, (road network), that was to be the envy of Europe and in an attempt to provide affordable vehicle transportation to the masses Hitler proposed the government sponsored development of the KdF, Kraft durch Freude, (Strength through Joy), car that would eventually become the Volkswagen, (People’s Car), Beetle. Hitler’s attempt at providing affordable private car ownership also extended to his proposals of legalized parking on the streets and reductions in gas prices and gas taxes. No doubt these aggressive proposals met with favor of the DDAC. Research provides conflicting results as to weather Hitler actually held a valid driver’s licence, although he had owned a second hand, Selve touring car prior to the Beer Hall Putsch on November 8^TH/ 9^TH 1923 and a Mercedes Benz, which was allegedly seized by the police when he was imprisoned at Landsberg prison on November 11^TH, as a result of the failed Putsch. It is also documented that as early as 1925 Hitler had employed a chauffeur, so although he may not have held a valid driver’s licence he did own private vehicles, which would have made him eligible to be a DDAC member. It seems Hitler did have a quite an affection for vehicles and allegedly was fond of driving fast, even if it wasn’t him doing the driving, although there is some evidence that he actually did drive himself on occasion. The issuance of a DDAC membership card could also have been symbolic or honorary in view of Hitler’s position and his plans to increase private car ownership. Of Note: Plans to increase private car ownership in Germany, specifically the KdF/Volkswagen resulted in an open savings plan where people could invest five Reichsmarks a week towards the total cost of a new Volkswagen which was around 990 Reichsmarks. Eligible individuals could get a specific, savings stamp booklet to record their investment at a time, (Circa 1933-1934), when the average weekly income was roughly thirty-two Reichsmarks. By 1939 the government had accumulated roughly 110 million Reichsmarks in the plan and by 1944 that had grown to roughly 268 million Reichsmarks invested. Although a few prototypes of the car were produced in 1936 and again in a new factory in 1938, allegedly no cars were ever actually delivered to the roughly, 336,000, people who had invested, until after the war.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 3 1/2", (8.8cm) tall, 5 1/4", (13.3cm), wide, mid-weight, dual sided, tan cardstock membership card with black printed Latin script and typed particulars. The obverse of the card features the printed title, Der Deutsche Automobil-Club, Mitglieds-Ausweis 1934/35". (The German Automobile Club Membership-Identification card 1934/35). Additional printed script includes, the dates the card was valid for, "1. Oktober 1934 bis 30. September 1935", and, "Dieser Ausweis ist nicht übertragbar", (This identification card is non-transferable). The obverse also has the small, light brown printed DDAC emblem consisting of a stylized national eagle, with down-swept wings, clutching an encircled, canted swastika in it’s talons. Additional printed and typed script includes, "Mitglieds-Nr. 56180:, (Member Number 56180), "Abteilung Eins", (Unit One), "Gau 10", (District 10), the recipients title and name, "Führer und Reichskanzler Adolf Hitler", (Leader and Chancellor Adolf Hitler), and his personal residence address, "München 8 Prinzregentenplatz 16/II". Of Note: Although used within NSDAP as early as 1923 and generically, the title, "Führer" (Leader), wasn’t officially adopted by Hitler until after the death of Reichspräsident Paul von Hindenburg on August 2^ND 1934. On Hindenburg’s death Hitler didn’t assume the title, Reichspräsident, (National President), but rather amalgamated the positions of Reichspräsident and Reichskanzler and adopted the official title, Führer und Reichskanzler instead. The obverse of the card also has the printed date, location and authorizing authority, "München, 1. Okt. 1934 Der Präsident:", (The President:), with a printed facsimile signature. The reverse of the card also has black printed Latin script with the heading, "Anschriften des D.D.A.C.", (Addresses of the DDAC}, with the administrative headquarters address, "Die Hauptverwaltung München 2 NO Koniginstraße. 11a", Additional printed script to the reverse includes some of the basic membership benefits, "Wichtige Mitteilung! Der DDAC gewährt nach Massgabe der jedem Mitglied zugegangenen Richtlinien freiwillig: 1. Zuschüsse zu den Kosten der Krankenhausbehandlung. 2. Unterstützung bei Tod, dauernder Teil-oder Voll-Invalidität. 3. Sterbegeld} bei Unfällen mit dem Kraftfahrzeug", (Important Notice! The DDAC voluntarily grants each member these benefits guidelines in accordance with conditions: 1.Subsidies for the costs of Hospital treatment. 2. Support in Death, or for lasting partial or complete disablement.3.Death Benefits} In accidents with motor vehicles.) The card is in overall excellent condition with minimal age toning. Of Note: The consignor reports that this card was acquired by a veteran from Hitler’s Munich apartment in 1945. Very rare, personal, Adolf Hitler item.