Reviving the Auto Union Type 52: A 90-Year-Old Dream Realized

The ONE & ONLY - Imagine the excitement of a forgotten dream coming to life after over 90 years. The Auto Union Silver Arrows, renowned for their dominance in 1930s Grand Prix racing, hold a little-known secret: a planned street-legal sports car with a 16-cylinder engine. This concept, known as the Auto Union Typ 52 'Schnellsportwagen,' has now been realized by Audi and is set to debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024 in mid-July.

The Auto Union Typ 52 'Schnellsportwagen,' originally a street-legal variant of Porsche-developed race cars for Auto Union, saw design sketches emerging by late 1933, solidifying by 1934, but the project was abandoned in 1935. (Picture from: Autogen.pl)

The story begins in 1932 with the formation of Auto Union AG, a merger of Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer. This merger aimed to leave a significant mark in motorsports, introducing the iconic four rings logo. That same year, new rules for the 750 kg formula Grand Prix races from 1934 to 1936 were published, paving the way for a revolutionary era in racing. 

The Auto Union Silver Arrows designed by Porsche, all types (A through D) were powered by supercharged engines in V configurations, the first three with 16 cylinders, the last with 12. (Picture from: Petrolicious)

In 1933, Auto Union AG commissioned Ferdinand Porsche's Stuttgart design office to create a race car based on new regulations, started a project in March 1933, resulting in the development of the mid-engined racers Auto Union Typ A through D. Within a year, Hans Stuck set a world record on the AVUS circuit in Berlin in one of these innovative machines, solidifying the birth of the Silver Arrows legend.

The Auto Union Typ 52 'Schnellsportwagen' featured a teardrop design, popular for its aerodynamic advantages during that era. (Picture from: Autogen.pl)

Furthermore, the street-legal variant's design sketches began to surface by the end of 1933, becoming more concrete by 1934. As You can see, this classic dream car featured a teardrop design, known for its aerodynamic advantages. The teardrop shape was quite popular at the time, as seen in the Czech auto brand Tatra's models, the T77 and T77A, which also came from the same era.

The 1934 Auto Union Typ 52 'Schnellsportwagen' engineering sketch. (Picture from: Motorauthority)

Despite the enthusiasm and potential, the project was abandoned in 1935, with its details lost to history. However, significant groundwork remained documented in archives, and over 90 years later, Audi realized this design. The envisioned Auto Union Typ 52 featured a ladder frame chassis and a mid-mounted engine, echoing the technology of its Grand Prix counterpart. 

The Auto Union Typ 52 'Schnellsportwagen,' a nearly 5.4-meter-long machine was mounted on a ladder frame with an axle spacing increased by 315 millimeters from the original plans, necessary to accommodate all components and passengers. (Picture from: Autogen.pl)

Utilizing the drivetrain of the Typ 22, engineers adapted the powerful 16-cylinder engine for regular gasoline use, reducing the compression and gear ratio of the Roots supercharger. The result was an engine capable of 200 PS from 4.4 liters at 3,650 rpm, with a torque of 436 Nm at 2,235 rpm. Despite a lower output compared to its racing counterpart, the calculated top speed of around 200 km/h promised exceptional performance.

The Auto Union Typ 52 'Schnellsportwagen' was to be used not only for travel, but also for starts in such competitions as Mille Miglia or 24-hour Le Mans. (Picture from: Autogen.pl)

This Schnellsportwagen, swift and powerful, was poised to be a standout in its era. With a futuristic design and groundbreaking mid-engine layout, it represented a radical departure from the front-mounted engines favored by Mercedes-Benz. This innovation became a standard in Formula One, and Auto Union's achievements continued, setting records and winning championships, particularly with the Auto Union Type C in 1936.

Under the avant-garde streamlined body of the Auto Union Typ 52 'Schnellsportwagen,' cockpit orientation featured a central driving position, slightly ahead of a passenger seat to either side. (Picture from: Autogen.pl)

The story of the Auto Union Typ 52 remained untold until recently. While the Grand Prix cars became legendary, the street-legal sports car project faded into obscurity. Referred to as the “Schnellsportwagen” in concept papers, this vehicle was intended for long-distance races like the Mille Miglia and endurance competitions at Spa-Francorchamps and Le Mans. There were even discussions about it being a factory race car.

The Auto Union Typ 52 'Schnellsportwagen' featured a 16-cylinder engine optimized for regular gasoline, delivering 200 PS from 4.4 liters at 3,650 rpm and 436 Nm of torque at 2,235 rpm. (Picture from: Autogen.pl)

Now, Audi has revived this piece of history, bringing the Auto Union Typ 52 to life. Its presentation at the Goodwood Festival of Speed not only honors the legacy of Auto Union but also introduces the world to what might have been one of the most remarkable sports cars of its time. As the past merges with the present, the forgotten dream of the Schnellsportwagen finally takes its place on the stage, ready to captivate a new generation of enthusiasts.

The Auto Union Typ 52 'Schnellsportwagen' serves as a bridge between the innovative spirit of the past and the cutting-edge technology of today. (Picture from: Autogen.pl)

The rebirth of the Auto Union Typ 52 represents more than just a resurrection of a classic design. It serves as a bridge between the innovative spirit of the past and the cutting-edge technology of today. The Typ 52's revival pays homage to the visionaries who dared to dream big and set new standards in automotive engineering. By bringing this historical concept to life, Audi not only preserves a piece of automotive history but also inspires future generations to pursue their own groundbreaking ideas.

The Auto Union Typ 52 'Schnellsportwagen' has now been realized by Audi and is set to debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024 in mid-July. (Picture from: Autogen.pl)

The journey of the Auto Union Typ 52 from concept to reality is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic designs and the timeless allure of speed and innovation. As enthusiasts and spectators gather at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, they will witness a blend of history and modernity, a celebration of automotive excellence that transcends time. | 6KRI3R7TX1A |

The Auto Union Typ 52 'Schnellsportwagen' is more than just a car; it is a symbol of what can be achieved when vision and determination come together to create something truly extraordinary. This extraordinary journey reminds us all that dreams, no matter how long forgotten, can still come roaring back to life, inspiring new generations to reach for the stars and beyond. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOGEN.PL | CARSCOOPS | MOTORAUTHORITY | CARANDDRIVER | ANTIQUE, VINTAGE, CLASSIC, RARE & OTHER VEHICLES | PETROLICIOUS ]

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