In the 1930s, Auto Union set several world records with a series of race cars known as the Silver Arrow. Among these was the Type 52, a street-legal sedan that was never built. However, Audi has taken the initiative to bring this historic vehicle to life by recreating it using archive documents and design sketches. Let’s delve into the details of this fascinating project and the upcoming debut of the Auto Union Type 52 at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Auto Union, a company that Audi traces its roots to, achieved great success in the 1930s with its Silver Arrow race cars. The Type 52 was a street-legal sedan that was originally envisioned but never produced. It was designed to feature a de-tuned version of the powerful 16-cylinder engine used in the race cars, making it one of the fastest and most powerful cars of its time.
The Schnellsportwagen, as the Type 52 would have been known, had a sleek and aerodynamic design with an unusually long wheelbase to accommodate the massive mid-mounted engine. It featured four rear-hinged doors and a unique interior layout with the driver positioned in the center and two passengers on either side. The car offered a top speed of 124 mph, making it a true performance machine.
Although the Type 52 never made it off the drawing board, Audi commissioned a restoration shop named Crosthwaite & Gardner to bring this historic vehicle to life. Every part of the car had to be built from scratch, including the chassis, engine, and body panels. The project proved challenging due to the lack of living individuals who worked on the original design, but through collaboration with Audi Tradition, the Type 52 was successfully recreated.
In the process of recreating the Type 52, certain modifications were made to the original design. The wheelbase was extended to accommodate various components, and the engine was updated to a 6.0-liter 16-cylinder version with 520 horsepower. The car now runs on a unique blend of methanol, gasoline, and toluene. Additionally, the exterior color was chosen to match the iconic Cellulose Silver of the Silver Arrow race cars.
After over 90 years since its original conception, the Auto Union Type 52 will finally make its public debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. This event will mark a significant moment in automotive history, as enthusiasts and spectators will have the opportunity to witness the resurrection of this legendary vehicle. Don’t miss the chance to see the Type 52 in action at this prestigious event.
In conclusion, the recreation of the Auto Union Type 52 is a remarkable achievement that pays homage to a bygone era of automotive innovation and excellence. Through meticulous research, collaboration, and craftsmanship, Audi has brought a piece of automotive history back to life for modern audiences to enjoy and appreciate. The upcoming debut of the Type 52 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed will undoubtedly be a highlight, showcasing the enduring legacy of this iconic vehicle.