1939 Horch 853A 1939 Horch 853A 1939 Horch 853A 1939 Horch 853A
1939 Horch 853A 1939 Horch 853A 1939 Horch 853A 1939 Horch 853A
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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.

1939 Horch 853A

Year1939
MakeHorch
Model853A
Engine LocationFront
Drive TypeRear Wheel
Weight5800 lbs | 2630.9 kg

Performance
Top Speed130 km/h | 80.8 mph Similar top speeds

Engine  
Engine ConfigurationS
Cylinders8
Aspiration/InductionNormal
Displacement302.00 CU IN. | 4949.8 cc. | 4.9 L.
Valves16 valves.
2 valves per cylinder.
ValvetrainSOHC
Horsepower120.00 BHP (88.3 KW) @ 3200.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio48.3 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter24.5 BHP / Liter
Fuel TypeGasoline - Petrol
Fuel FeedCarburetor
Solex Carburetor
Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Standard Transmission
Gears4
TransmissionManual
Aphon


 
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Vehicle Ratings
StylingVehicle Styling Rating: 60%
PerformanceVehicle Performance Rating: 20%
InteriorVehicle Interior Rating: 60%
QualityVehicle Quality Rating: 60%
OverallVehicle Overall Rating: 80%
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Articles and Event Coverage
2005 Concours d'Elegance of the Eastern United States

Additional Resources and Links
Concours d'Elegance of the Eastern United States Official Website

1939 Horch models
930V Phaeton

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