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1934 Horch 780 B

The German-based Horch & Cie. Motorwagenwerke AG company was founded by August Horch & Cie in 1904 and continued to 1932 when it became part of the Auto Union AG, following the merger of Horch DKW, Wanderer and Audi Automobilwerke GmbH Zwickau.

In March of 1932, Horch introduced the 700 series models that were led by the Type 780, wearing a design by Fritz Fiedler and powered by a 4.9-liter engine with an overhead cam. Developing 100 horsepower, it was capable of a top speed of approximately 125 km/h. Production lasted from 1932 to 1934, with 303 examples built, including 83 (some sources state 82) of the later 780 B model, which had a 30 mm wider track.

The 4,944cc inline 8-cylinder engine produced 100 horsepower at 3,400 RPM and was backed by a manual transmission. Braking was handled by four-wheel vacuum-assisted mechanical drum brakes, and the suspension was comprised of semi-elliptical leaf springs.

by Dan Vaughan

Cabriolet by Glaser
Chassis number: 78380
Engine number: 50321

Horch introduced the 700 Series in March of 1932, at the pinnacle of which was the Type 780. Power was from a 4.9-liter straight-eight engine offering 100 horsepower, giving them a top speed of around 125 km/h. Production of the 780 and 780B lasted from 1932 to 1934, with a little over 300 examples built, and of those, only 82 were 780 B models.

This particular Horch 780 B Cabriolet wears Coachwork by Glaser of Dresden. Its original owner later sold it to a wealthy businessman in Belarus around the early 1940s. Little is known of its history until 2005 when it was discovered dismantled in a dry and enclosed barn. It was acquired by Horch Classics and returned to Germany.

The car was found to be in well-preserved condition, including the timber frame, body panels, and hood frame. Only the two bonnets and running boards required replacement. The interior was redressed in grey leather and the exterior was finished in Königsblau (Royal Blue) with a premium clear topcoat. The entire, extensive restoration to seven years to complete.

In 2013 the car made its restoration debut at the Jewels in the Park concours d'elégance at Classic Days, Schloss Dyck, Germany, and received the award for 'Best Restoration.'

In 2016 it was sold to its current caretaker. It has been used sparingly and has accumulated only a few delivery miles since the restoration.

by Dan Vaughan