1938 Horch 853 A Erdmann & Rossi Roadster news, pictures, and information

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Roadster
Coachwork: Erdmann & Rossi

The Model 853 Special Roadster is the rarest of the straight-eight Horches, with only eight built in two series. The engine is a 4944cc OHV design producing 120 bhp at 3600 rpm, and is accompanied by a four-speed transmission with overdrive. Suspension is independent at all four corners, and the car is equipped with hydraulic brakes with servo assist. The roadster weighs in at 5,798 lb, and has a top speed of 84 mph. The 853 was referred to in Horch literature as being built on a 'short wheelbase,' but shortness is surely relative, since the wheelbase measures 135 inches. The 853s were bodied by Erdmann & Rossi, and each was slightly different. This example, the fourth car of the second series, was commissioned in January of 1938, and has undergone a 12,000 hour restoration by RM Classic Cars in Blenheim, Canada.

In 2004 it was brought to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was awarded Best of Show.

The Horch Company did not survive the war. The German government had taken over the plants in 1939 and at the conclusion of World War Two the factory was nationalized.

The history of the Horch Company dates back to the beginning of the automobile. August Horch worked with Karl Benz during the 1890's before beginning his own company in 1899, which he named Horch & Cie, and located in Ehrenfeld, Germany. The automobile industry was new and wide open for interpretation in terms, of design, style, and mechanical functionality. Horch is credited with introducing a fiction clutch and a shaft-driven for the rear wheels.

A dispute with his shareholders in 1909 had him leaving his company to form Audi, which is the Latin translation of his surname. The Horch Company continued the production of the automobile using the Horch name until the onset of World War II, though it endured various acquisition and mergers during that time.

By 1901 the company was producing a 4.5 horsepower engine which was used to power their vehicles. The engine was unique in that it used an alloy crankcase in place of the more traditional cast iron unit. A 10 horsepower twin-cylinder engine quickly followed.

There have always been hard times for automobile manufacturers and survival is an art. The Great Depression, World Wars, changing market place, evolving technologies, and stiff competition are some reasons for the demise of many companies. Within a few years, the Horch Company was feeling the pressure of the business and was forced to seek new partners. By 1902 the company had moved to Reichenbach and within a year was producing a four-cylinder engine that produced 20 horsepower. Their latest car was debuted at the Frankfurt Fair in 1903.

By 1904, Horch converted the company into a joint-stock company and the company became known as A. Horch & Cie. Motorwagen-Werke AG. It was later moved to eastern Germany in a city named Zwickaul.

Within the span of three years, the company had created a six-cylinder engine. The vehicles that were produced were some of the most advanced creations on the road. They were considered superior to the Mercedes or Benz, which were separate manufacturers at the time.

In 1909 Horch was forced to leave by the supervisor board. The following year Horch had formed the Audi Company.

By 1926 the Horch Company introduced a straight-eight cylinder engine which would be used to power some of the most elegant vehicles ever created. By 1935 it had been enlarged to nearly five liters and produced 100 horsepower. This potent engine made its debut in the Horch 850 series. The 853 was a shorter wheelbase version of the 850. The 'A' version was introduced in 1937 and was powered by a 120 horsepower straight-eight engine.

Financial problems with Audi in 1932 forced August to merge with Horch, DKW, and Wanderer which created the formation of the Auto Union and the four-ring logo.

This 853A Cabriolet has coachwork courtesy of Erdmann & Rossi, a Berlin based company and one of the elite coachbuilders in Germany. In recent times it was restored by RM Auctions' restoration department and was later awarded 'Best in Show' at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Since then it has been accumulating awards at shows that it visits.

August Horch began producing vehicles with Karl Benz prior to 1899, after which he began building vehicles under his own name, August Horch & Cie. In 1909, after disputes with shareholders, he departed from his company and founded Audi, which is the Latin translation of his surname. The production of the Horch automobile continued without their founder using his name.

In the early part of the 20th century, the automobiles began to appear less like horseless carriages and more like automobiles. The tiller steering and high buggy wheels became a thing of the past and the engine found its way to the front of the vehicle.

In 1926, a new model was introduced powered by a straight eight engine. This engine was used by the company for many years. Over the years it displacement size grew as did the horsepower rating. This engine was instrumental in providing the power-plant necessary to propel the luxurious Horch automobiles to quick speeds while maintaining a competitive price. As was the case with most early automotive manufacturers, Horch would either build the entire vehicle or merely supply the chassis for a coachbuilder to outfit the vehicle.

Horch was instrumental in continuing the growth of Audi as a company and on the race track. During World War I, the direction of Audi switched to producing vehicles for the military.

As was the case for most automotive companies, times were changing and becoming increasingly difficult to stay competitive and stay in business. In 1932, due to financial problems, August sold Audi. It became part of Auto Union. Auto Union was comprised of Horch, Das Kleine Wunder, Audi, and Wanderer. The Union was essential a way to continue production of automobiles while providing financial support necessary to fuel automotive racing and technology.

The Horch Series 850 featured the 100 horsepower straight eight engine, luxury, style and sophistication. The Model 853 was fitted to a shorter wheelbase and used a DeDion axle rear suspension. In an effort to stay competitive, The Model 853A became available in 1937 and featured a 120 horsepower straight eight engine.

When World War II began, production of the Horch Automobiles ceased.

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Horch: 1931-1940

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