The Horch 853 was introduced in 1935 to much acclaim from the affluent and famous of Germany. The car was opulent but was priced under the Mercedes models, and it quickly became a top seller in the luxury market. The car's advanced and innovative technology drew heavily on the Auto Union racing program and included a 5-liter straight 8-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft; a chassis with independent, semi-elliptic springs; hydraulic shock absorbers in the front and a De Dion axle at the rear. This car was a little heavier than its compatriots at 5,798 pounds, but it still offered 105 bhp and a top speed of 81 mph. The Sport Cabriolet coachwork was done by the factory in Germany.