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1937 Horch 853 Spezial Streamlined Coupe

  • Chassis Number: 853433
Bernd Rosemeyer drove Auto Union's mid-engined 'Silver Arrow' to victories at the German, Swiss, and Italian Grand Prix races which earned him the European driver's championship that year. In 1937, he drove an Auto Union to four of the five victories against the Mercedes-Benz W125.

In recognition of his accomplishments, Auto Union commissioned a special automobile to be built for Rosemeyer. It was a streamlined coupe with coachwork constructed by Erdmann & Rossi to a design by their employee Johannes Beeskow. The body, resting on a shortened 130-inch 853 chassis, had tapered pontoon-style front fenders and short rear fenders. Rosemeyer called the car 'Manuela.'

Rosemeyer was unable to enjoy the car for very long, as his career was cut short during a land speed records attempt in a special streamlined Auto Union. 'Manuela' did not survive World War II.

This particular example was constructed by the German firm of Horch-Classic on an original 853 chassis. The chassis was shortened to 130 inches, and correct bodywork was recreated to very near the original Beeskow design. The exterior was finished in dark blue paint, with a hand-applied pale coach line. Inside, there are individually adjustable armchair-style front seats with black leather upholstery. The carpets are piped in ivory leather and there is a set of period-correct fitted luggage. There is an original Gülde fabric sunroof and a dashboard that features oversized gold-toned gauges.

The engine is a 4,494cc single-overhead-cam inline 8-cylinder engine breathing through a single carburetor. The engine is backed by a five-speed manual transmission and there are hydraulic drum brakes at all four corners.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019

2019 Bonhams : Quail Lodge Auction

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $400,000-USD $600,000 
Lot was not sold

2017 Bonhams : The Chantilly Sale

Pre-Auction Estimates :
€700,000-€900,000 
Lot was not sold

1937 Horch 853 Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Horch 853

(Data based on Model Year 1937 sales)
1937 Horch 853 Cabriolet
Chassis#: 853392
Sold for USD$335,000
  2022 Broad Arrow Auctions : The Passion for the Drive
1937 Horch 853 image  1937 Horch 853 image  
1937 Horch 853 Spezialroadster
Chassis#: 853177
Sold for USD$618,103
  2020 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
 
1937 Horch 853 Sport Cabriolet
Chassis#: 853493
Sold for USD$773,906
  2018 Artcurial : Retromobile
 
1937 Horch 853 Spezialroadster
Chassis#: 853177
Sold for USD$1,157,544
  2016 Bonhams : The Chantilly Sale
 
1937 HORCH 853 SPORT CABRIOLET
Chassis#: 853163
Sold for USD$564,410
  2015 Bonhams : The Frederiksen Auction
 
1937 Horch 853 Cabriolet A
Chassis#: 853392
Sold for USD$299,000
  2006 The J.C. Stevens Estate Auction
1937 Horch 853 image  1937 Horch 853 image  

Horch 853s That Failed To Sell At Auction

1937 Horch 853's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1937 Horch 853 Spezial Streamlined Coupe Manuela8534332019 Bonhams : Quail Lodge Auction $400,000$600,000
1937 Horch 853 Stromlinien coupé design8534332017 Bonhams : The Chantilly Sale $700,000$900,000

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1937 Horch 853

Additional valuation insight and sales data
History
Specifications
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Other Horch 853 model years

1937 Horch 853 Vehicle Profiles

1937 Horch 853 vehicle information
Sport Cabriolet
Coachwork: Glaser
Chassis #: 853509
1937 Horch 853 vehicle information
Cabriolet
Chassis #: 853392
Engine #: 850982