The Iconic Speed of the 1937 Auto Union Typ C Stromlinen

Classic BEAST - In 2024, the automotive industry has reached new heights, but there are still very few cars that can exceed 400 kph. This level of speed remains an extraordinary achievement, often reserved for the most advanced supercars and hypercars. However, it's fascinating to note that such a feat was accomplished as far back as 1937. Bernd Rosemeyer, a renowned racing driver of his time, managed to break this speed barrier in the Auto Union Typ C Stromlinen powered by 520PS V16 drivetrain.

The replica of the 1937 Auto Union Typ C V16 Stromlinen of Bernd Rosemeyer rested in the company’s museum. (Picture from: Car & Motorbikes Stars of the Golden era)

This car, a marvel of engineering and design, was not only a symbol of technological innovation but also of human ambition and daring. Today, only two original cars of this type exist worldwide, serving as precious relics of a bygone era when the pursuit of speed was pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible. The Auto Union Typ C Stromlinen, with its sleek, aerodynamic design and powerful engine, remains a testament to the ingenuity and spirit of the pre-war automotive pioneers.

Bernd Rosemeyer posed along with the 1938 Auto Union 'Silberpfeil' Typ D V12 GP racer. (Picture from: Car & Motorbikes Stars of the Golden era)

The evocative shape of the Typ C Stromlinen must have caused quite a sensation in 1937. The design, especially notable in the post-war period, influenced many production cars. This Auto Union was specifically crafted for top speed on the Avus circuit near Berlin, which was the fastest track in the world at that time.

In 1937, Avus faced competition from the Norisring in Nuremberg. To attract more attention, Avus’s layout was extended to include a high-speed 43° banked turn made from brick. This addition launched cars onto the main straight, allowing them to reach nearly 248.40 mph (400 kph).

Bernd Rosemeyer, behind the wheel of the Auto Union Type C V16 Streamliner, sped through the high-speed 43° banked turn made of brick at Avus. (Picture from: Car & Motorbikes Stars of the Golden era)

The Internationales Avus Rennen main event was a highlight, featuring record-breaking cars from Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz. Both companies thoroughly developed their cars and conducted multiple tests on Avus before the race. The track, known for its speed, was also the most dangerous. The curve at the top lacked a fence, earning it the nickname ‘Wall of Death’. Despite the dangers, 18 brave drivers entered the race, and 300,000 to 400,000 spectators attended to witness the fastest pre-war race ever run.

The replica of the Auto Union Typ C V16 Stromlinen (sat on display at Laguna Seca) was built nearly 70 years later, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. (Picture from: TamSoldRaceCarSite.net)

The race was divided into three seven-lap sprints, with grids of only six or eight cars. Four streamliners were included, evenly split between Mercedes and Auto Union, racing alongside regular-season Grand Prix cars. The streamliners had an advantage on the long straights of Avus, while the GP cars excelled on the curves.

The replica of Bernd Rosemeyer's 1937 Auto Union Type C V16 Streamliner made its first public appearance in 2009 to celebrate 100 years of Audi at the Geneva Motor Show and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Picture from: WeirdWheel)

At the start, Rudolf Caracciola in the Mercedes and Bernd Rosemeyer in the Auto Union engaged in a fierce battle, which lasted until the last lap when they were side-by-side. Ultimately, Caracciola won, finishing just 0.7 seconds ahead of Rosemeyer.

The replica of the 1937 Auto Union Typ C V16 Stromlinen of Bernd Rosemeyer, while sat on display at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

The second heat was even faster, featuring a duel between Manfred von Brauchitsch and Luigi Fagioli in streamliners. Fagioli retired due to transmission problems, allowing Von Brauchitsch to secure an easy win for Mercedes. Meanwhile, Hermann Lang's Mercedes-Benz Streamliner suffered a tire failure at high speed, but Lang managed to keep the car straight enough to survive.

The replica of the 1937 Auto Union Typ C V16 Stromlinen of Bernd Rosemeyer while sat on display at the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Picture from: ZerCustoms)

The third and final heat determined the overall victor, with a combined group from the first two races. Four streamliners competed: Brauchitsch, Caracciola, and Lang in Mercedes against Rosemeyer in the Auto Union. Unfortunately for Rosemeyer, his V16 was only running on 13 cylinders, and he was outnumbered. Eventually, Lang went on to win the entire event. This would be the only time someone scored a victory using the full track, as it was deemed too dangerous to repeat in 1938. 

By 1937, Auto Union had been actively making streamlined record cars for three years. Their first attempt was with a long-tail Typ A, followed by the striking Rekordwagen Typ Lucca Coupe. Although Auto Union might have considered using these designs in a normal Grand Prix race, this never happened.

The Audi Rosemeyer concept car was created in 2000 to pay tribute to the Auto Union Silver Arrows (German: Silberpfeil), driven by the legendary German racer, Bernd Rosemeyer. (Picture from: GridOto)

A streamlined Typ D did appear at Reims for the 1938 French GP but crashed heavily during practice. Sadly, the only record of these cars exists in pictures. After a run of 279 mph, Bernd Rosemeyer tragically lost his life in January 1938 when the special Auto Union went out of control on the Frankfurt-Darmstadt autobahn. A replica of the 1937 Avus car was made to exact specifications for Audi Tradition, preserving the legacy of this remarkable vehicle. To further commemorate the great German racer Bernd Rosemeyer, Audi launched a concept car in his honor in 2000, named the Audi Rosemeyer.

The Auto Union Typ C V16 Stromlinen, with its revolutionary design and incredible speed, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and bravery of an era that pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering. This remarkable piece of history continues to inspire car enthusiasts and engineers, reminding us of a time when the pursuit of speed knew no bounds. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CAR & MOTORBIKES STARS OF THE GOLDEN ERA | TAMSOLDRACECARSITE.NET | AUTOGEN.PL | BRITANICA | SUPERCARS.NET | ZERCUSTOMS | INFERNALCO.CO ]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone