DMC M Series

The DMC M series is a series of microcars produced by the Republian automaker DMC. Produced since 1949 across 3 generations, the M series is the cheapest model in the DMC model range and holds the distinction of being the first locally produced vehicle.

## RP details

### Brick count

169

Introduced in late 1948, with production starting in mid 1949, the DMC M48 was a cheap, low output microcar created as part of a government program to increase the mobility of low-income Republians. Production ended in 1952 with around 300 units produced.

### Development

The DMC M48 began deleopment as a single seater microcar designed for "disabled people and war veterans", hence the original acronym of Disabled Man's Carriage. As such, the original DMC prototypes lacked any foot pedals, instead having levers to control throttle and braking situated where the passenger seats are now located. A modified version was also supposedly available to mailmen with "small bodywork changes", which would have likely involved moving the throttle and brake control onto the handlebars in a similar fashion to production M48s.

Pre-release however, the focus of the M48 shifted into creating a cheap microcar for the masses, and as such while the disabled variant was still offered, it was no longer the main focus of development. The production M48 had its throttle and brake levers moved onto the handlebars in a similar fashion to motorcycles, and the space for levers was filled in with a second seat. The DMC acronym was also changed to Decent Man's Car, or Dapper Man's Car.

While all factory prototypes of the M48 were destroyed or repurposed before launch, it is rumored that 3 prototype models were sold to members of the public at around 55 RPP. None are known to have survived.

### Design

The chassis of the M48 consisted of wooden bodywork mounted on a welded steel tube frame chassis. The wooden floorboard was additionally impregnated with tar. The rear wheels were mounted on a soled axle suspended on rubber suspension. Propulsion came from a 50ccm two-stroke, single cylinder engine through 2-speed gearbox and chain drive, derived from imported Konsul P50 moped parts, producing 2.5HP and propelling the M48 to a top speed of around 45km/h. A factory conversion made the engine a kickstart instead of a pedal start. The fuel tank was located left to engine and tap was accessible from engine bay. A front wheel was suspended from a motorbike mechanical suspension and a motorbike fork, both taken from the British-Wembley motorcycle. The vehicle was operated from open-top convertible cabin, and had space for up to two people, depending on version. Most of vehicle controls were located on the handlebars due to its motorcycle origins. Vehicle electrics depended solely on an generator, meaning the car lacked a battery, and lights brightness was dependent on RPM. The M48 had only one drum brake, operated by cable and located on rear axle.

### Reception

The M48 was an instant hit with buyers upon release, largely due to the low and affordable price tag. This soon changed however as the M48 gained reputation as being unreliable and extremely unsafe, a result of a large amount of M48 crashes happening in a relatively short time after launch. In addition, build quality was also terrible, with little to no rust or moldproofing, and many vehicles rusted in just months if it is not rustproofed by the owners, many of whom did not have the money to carry out such preventative maintenance. Similarly, bodywork tended to rot during the winter due to the lack of treatment. As such, it is estimated less than half M47s remained on Republian roads in 1955, a mere 3 years after it had been pulled out of production.

Other complaints were centered around the M48's about driving experience, mainly the cramped cabin, large panel gaps leading to leaks, and a leaky canvas roof that had to side covers. Bodywork was reported to leave factory unfinished, leading to many reports of splinters injuring drivers and passengers in often gruesome traffic accidents. Moreover, the solid rubber suspension was hard, making unbearable amounts of vibration. The whole interior was also noted as having a strong, mixed stench of exhaust fumes, tar and paint solvent, making extended rides unpleasant.

## RP details

### Brick count

180

An iterative update to the M48, the M51 began production in 1951.

### Design

The M51 is mechanically identical to the M48, sharing the same wood on frame construction and motorcycle derived mechanical. Visually however, the M51 can be easily identified by its raised singular headlight, a change made in order to fit a newly mandated front license plate. The M51 also introduced a new deluxe trim, which adds a battery as well as an electric starter to the car, and an increased color pallet, adding blue and tan as available options along with the M48's olive.

### Reception

While the M51 suffers from many of the same criticisms as the M48 due to the methods of construction remaining unchanged, the M51 saw much higher sales figures due to an increase in production capacity at the DMC plant, as well as an increase in demand due to increased public awareness of the brand and a wealthier buying public, of which many looked towards the M51 as an inexpensive stepping stone into automotive ownership.

## RP details

### Brick count

228

A major overhaul of the threewheeler introduced in 1961.

### Design

M61 inherited whole chassis from previous M-series DMC. The main differences were a brand new motorcycle engine and a modern, fiberglass bodywork. Single cylinder 125ccm two stroke that was sourced from Konsul, generating over twice the horsepower M51 had. As a result, top speed has raised significantly to over 70 km/h. To meet the demand for more sophisticated automobiles, M61 was the first DMC to feature battery, electric starter and indicators as standard.

## Gallery

DMC M48s being manufacturedM47 gifted to ConstabularyA Republian Mail M48 broken down in the forestA brand new M51A M51 with its canvas top downAn accident involving a M51Rear of a M61
## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://discord.com/channels/658366843995684943/669261667452059707/767496825136611339
2. ↑ https://discord.com/channels/658366843995684943/669261744316612669/764872068604231680
3. ↑ https://discord.com/channels/658366843995684943/669261744316612669/778184059372306453
4. ↑ https://discord.com/channels/658366843995684943/658366844423634965/767555009108770838