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1937 Horch 853 A

1937 Horch 853 A

1937 Horch 853 A

In 1937, the top model produced by Horch and all of the Auto Union conglomerate was the 853 A. It was a more powerful version of the 853 that was fitted with a 120 bhp version of the straight eight.

Many bodies on the 853 A were highly regarded, and of them the sport cabriolets are some of the most beautifully styled cars of their era. But the real creme of the crop were the select handful of ‘spezial’ roadsters built by Ermann et Rossi in Paris.

Before the war broke out and annihilated all of Auto Union with it, Horch produced just over 400 853As that were fitted with a wide variety of bodies.

1937 Horch 853 A Gallery

See full 1937 Horch 853 A Gallery here

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
production 404
engine Type T850 Straight-8
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
valvetrain SOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed Solex 35 JFF Carburetor
displacement 4494 cc / 274.2 in³
bore 87 mm / 3.43 in
stroke 104 mm / 4.09 in
compression 6.1:1
power 89.5 kw / 120 bhp @ 3600 rpm
specific output 26.7 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 45.61 bhp per tonne
body / frame Body over Steel Frame
driven wheels RWD
front brakes Drums w/Hydraulic Assist
f brake size mm / in
rear brakes Drums w/Hydraulic Assist
r brake size mm / in
steering Worm & Nut
f suspension Independent w/Semi-Elliptic Springs, Hydraulic Shock Absorbers
r suspension DeDion Axle, Semi-Elliptic Springs, Hydraulic Shock Absorbers
curb weight 2631 kg / 5800 lbs
wheelbase 3450 mm / 135.8 in
front track 1510 mm / 59.4 in
rear track 1516 mm / 59.7 in
transmission ZF GN 35 4 speed Manual
gear ratios :1

Auction Sales History

1937 Horch 853 A

1938 Horch 853 Cabriolet 853400 – sold for €379,500

Chassis number ‘853400’ carries a stylish cabriolet body, the two-tone blue/grey livery emphasising its elegant and graceful lines. The car was fully restored in 1990, including overhauling the engine to ‘like new’ condition and re-trimming the interior in red-piped grey leather. There are photographs of the restoration on file and the accompanying ASI identity certificate notes that the body and mechanicals have been restored to original specification. The car also comes with a copy of the owner’s manual (in German), its old Italian registration papers, French Carte Grise and Contrôle Technique (2012). Worthy of inclusion in the most exclusive private collection, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire one the most luxurious and refined cars of the 1930s.
Auction Source: 2015 Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
1937 Horch 853 A
1940 Horch 853A Sportcabriolet Tribute 854402 – did not sell for €575,000 Extraordinarily handsome coachwork. Amongst the last 853A chassis produced by Horch. Equipped with the desirable power steering and overdrive transmission.
Auction Source: 2014 Paris by RM Auctions
1937 Horch 853 A

1939 Horch 853A Cabriolet 854383 – sold for €379,500 Finished in beige/black with black interior, the car is described by the vendor as in generally excellent condition, having benefited from the regular expert attention of Hans Schori. This rare German thoroughbred comes complete with hardtop and is offered with the aforementioned invoices, operating instructions, expired German Fahrzeugbrief and current Swiss registration papers.
Auction Source: 2013 Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais

1937 Horch 853 A

1938 Horch 853 Cabriolet 853400 – sold for €408,866

The Horch 853 on offer boasts a splendid cabriolet body, with the blue two-tone livery highlighting its elegant shape. The interior has been completely restored with seats in grey leather with red piping. When it joined the Italian collection in 2005, the car was in used condition, in grey and black with grey interior, as documented in a file of photographs.
This magnificent example was treated to the same comprehensive restoration as the other cars in the collection. As the photographs show, the car was taken back to bare metal and meticulously restored. The car is registered with the demanding Italian historic register, the ASI, which notes in the booklet that will be passed to the new owner, that the mechanics and body have been restored in keeping with the original specification. Coming with a full dossier of photographs, technical documentation and a copy of the owner’s manual in German, this car deserves to join the most exclusive collection

Auction Source: 2012 Artcurial Motorcars à Rétromobile