1936 Horch Model 853 Spezial Roadster

This particular 1936 Horch 853 was purchased in Hungary in 2011 by Appel Klassiker. The car's original body was lost either during World War II or after, thus, it is not clear if the car originally carried a factory Sportcabriolet or an independently coach-built body when new. After Klassiker acquired the car, it was given a restoration in 2011 that was completed in 2017, taking thousands of working hours. A replica body in the style of the Horch 853 Spezialroadster was built. It is believed that only seven examples of the Spezialroadster were built in period.

The finished vehicle was painted in a period-correct appearance consisting of silver metallic. A coach line was applied through the mudguards, doors, bonnet, and the rear of the body. The interior was done in black velour carpet, piped in the same leather used for the seats. The dashboard was done in burl wood veneer that was lacquered and polished.

Power is from a 4494 SOHC inline 8-cylinder engine fitted with a single carburetor and offering 100 horsepower. There is a five-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019