HORCH 853 A Sportcabriolet

Horch 853

GENERAL

To keep up with the competition, Horch introduced the '853 A' model in 1937, fitted with a more powerful 120 bhp version of the straight eight engine. Production lasted until the outbreak of World War II. Today the '853' and '853 A' are considered some of the finest cars constructed in the 1930s and can be regularly seen in Concours d'Elegances all over the world.

The Horch 853 was firstly presented at the Berlin Car Show in February 1935. There were merely 627 vehicles of this marvellous sport cabriolets produced till September 1937. Horch offered both completed cars and rolling chassis to be bodied by coachbuilders. Of Horch's own creations, the featured Sport Cabriolet is the most exclusive. The purchase price of this dream car amounted to 14.900 marks (so called Reich marks).

August Horch
(1868-1951)

Robust, strong and reliable cars were the principal features drawn by the carmaker August Horch, which also unanimously succeeded to put in an effect. The Horch eight cylinder vehicles from Zwickau were and are as well technical as design state of art automobiles.
After working with Karl Benz for a couple of years, August Horch started producing cars under his own name as August Horch & Cie in 1899. In those early years, August engineered many ground breaking designs, including a friction clutch and shaft-driven rear wheels in lieu of chains. He left the company and began to form Audi (the Latin translation of his surname) in 1909 due in part to a dispute with his shareholders. Production of Horch models continued without him and in 1926 the Horch Company introduced a new model powered by a straight eight engine. This power plant would form the base of the Horch Company’s most famous designs to come.

In the following several years the Horch eight cylinder engine grew in size and displaced just under 5 litres by 1935. This 100 bhp engine made its debut in the Horch '850' series. The shorter wheelbase '853' model was especially popular among Germany's rich and famous. August, in the meantime led Audi to some brief racing and rallying successes until World War I forced him to supply the military with armoured vehicles.

In 1932, financial problems forced August to sell Audi, which joined the Horch Company, DKW and Wanderer as Auto Union. All four manufacturers continued production of road cars independently but jointly backed the Auto Union racers.
 

TECHNICAL PARAMETERS

Engine: 8 cylinder
Volume: 4944 ccm
Performance: 100 bhp in 3400 rot./min

Chassis: Some of the racing car technology made its way onto the recently introduced '853' chassis. Most evident was the rear suspension, which consisted of an exotic DeDion axle.

Design / Feature: the mask proudly streaming ahead, clearly manifesting the designer’s message: “Luxury and decency can cohabit.”

WOODEN MODEL

The model itself is 45cm long, 14 cm high and 15 cm broad. Every model is constructed individually, not mass produced, making each model unique, and one of a category. Each scale model is handcrafted with movable, working parts and wheels that really turn, respectively with parts and fine details, which distinguish these wooden display models as exquisite display pieces, more than toys. For example; the side doors can be opened and locked, back luggage space is accessible. Model funs are absolutely delighted by side-turning front wheels controlled by steering wheel from driver seat. The roadster is topped by the removable textile roof harnessed with the tip-up mechanism with all thinkable details.

Models may be made from a variety of local European fine hardwoods and softwoods, including Oak, Walnut, Alder, Cherry, Birch, Fir, and Pine.

These models are cut, carved, sanded and assembled with meticulous care. arcurio®’s goal is to keep the core material as much as possible with its natural appearance, tenderness and fragrance. For this purpose the wood is treated solely with the olive oil and wax.

Concerning firmness, the wooden models are so conceived that kids elder than 3 years could play with them. Also, for a practical usage is wood unbeatable. Small scratches can be easy removed by simple polishing.