This 1937 Horch 853 appears to be the second only Horch ever to have been bodied by coachbuilder Volt and Rubrbeck. Volt and Rubrbeck was a German coachbuilder in business from 1920 until 1939. It bodied many of the best chassis from prestigious automobile firms such as Bugatti, Maybach, Mercedes Benz and Rolls Royce. The firm was destroyed during WWII from allied bombing raids and records were also lost.
August Horch began his own car company A. Horch and Cei, in 1899. He left the company in 1909 due to managerial differences with board members. He returned to the auto industry in 1932 when four companies Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer merged into Auto Union, beginning the four rings which symbolized the individual partners and which Audi is presently known for. The 853 model cars were built during this last tenure.
Horch 853’s and 853A’s were built on straight 8’s with 5 liters of displacement, yielding 100hp, the 853A had 120hp. Production numbers of Horch 853’s and 853A’s together total just under 1,000.
Exhaustive efforts were made to restore this 853 to original standards, no part went un-researched as to authenticity or originality by the restoration team.
Overview
- Production Years: 1935-1940
- Manufacturer: Horch (part of the Auto Union group, which later became Audi)
- Class: Luxury car
- Body Style: Convertible (Cabriolet), also available as a sedan
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The Horch 853 was powered by a 5.0-liter (4944 cc) straight-eight engine.
- It produced approximately 120 horsepower, which was significant for a luxury car of its time.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top two gears
- Chassis: The car featured a robust ladder frame chassis, which provided a solid foundation for the large, luxurious body.
- Suspension:
- Front: Independent suspension with transverse leaf springs.
- Rear: Live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs.
- Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels, a feature that was advanced for its time.
Performance
- Top Speed: The Horch 853 could achieve a top speed of around 85 mph (137 km/h).
- Acceleration: While not focused on outright acceleration, the powerful engine provided ample torque for smooth and effortless cruising.
Design Features
- Bodywork: The Horch 853 featured a long, elegant hood, sweeping fenders, and a luxurious, spacious cabin. The convertible model, in particular, was known for its stylish and graceful lines.
- Interior: The interior was opulently appointed with high-quality materials, including fine leather upholstery, polished wood trim, and a well-designed dashboard with clear, elegant instrumentation.
Notable Achievements
- Luxury and Prestige: The Horch 853 was one of the most prestigious cars of its era, often compared to other luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce. It was favored by wealthy individuals and dignitaries.
- Limited Production: Due to its high cost and luxurious nature, the Horch 853 was produced in limited numbers, adding to its exclusivity and desirability among collectors today.
Legacy
- Engineering Excellence: The Horch 853 is celebrated for its advanced engineering, including its powerful straight-eight engine and sophisticated suspension system, which provided a smooth and comfortable ride.
- Collector's Item: Today, the Horch 853 is a highly prized collector's item, sought after for its historical significance, luxurious design, and rarity. Restored examples often fetch high prices at classic car auctions.
This was the “Best in Show Concours d’Elegance” winner in 2014 at Amelia Island.
You may purchase a print of the 1937 Horch 853 in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.
