4,494cc SOHC Inline 8-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
100bhp at 3,600rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – DeDion Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Well-preserved restoration by Horch Classic
*Resurrection of an iconic design created for racing ace Bernd Rosemeyer
*Exquisite details, including an original Gülde fabric sunroof

THE HORCH 'MANUELA'

One of the most famous German racing aces of the prewar era, Bernd Rosemeyer was amazingly successful behind the wheel of Auto Union's mid-engined "Silver Arrow," winning the German, Swiss, and Italian Grand Prix races which handed him the European driver's championship that year. Additionally, he piloted an Auto Union to four of the five victories against the Mercedes-Benz W125 in 1937.

Auto Union commissioned for their star driver his own special automobile, a spectacular streamlined coupe that rivaled anything else on the road. With coachwork constructed by Erdmann & Rossi to a design by their employee Johannes Beeskow, it was built on a special shortened 130-inch, 120-horsepower 853 chassis. The body featured the elegantly tapered pontoon-style front fenders and short rear fenders of Beeskow's Spezialroadsters on the same chassis, the most enormously valuable of all Horchs. Combined with the smooth, curving roofline and gentle chrome accents, the result was sporting and highly pleasing to the eye – and it looked the part of a racing driver's everyday automobile.

Rosemeyer dubbed the car 'Manuela,' and photographs survive of him with the car in-period, wearing a racing uniform and looking very proud of his new toy- especially when winning his class as well as the people's choice award at the 1937 Concours d'Elegance in Brünn. Unfortunately, he was unable to enjoy it for long, his career cut short during a land speed record attempt in a special streamlined Auto Union. The original 'Manuela' did not survive the Second World War.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The example offered was constructed by the German firm of Horch-Classic on an original 853 chassis, reportedly sourced from a barn in Belarus without bodywork, and appropriately shortened to 130 inches, the same specification as employed on the original 'Manuela.' Correct bodywork was recreated to very near the original Beeskow design, first by constructing a wooden mock-up that matched the original lines, then using it as the basis for a wooden body frame of the correct type. This was then covered in metal paneling, doors, bonnet, and rear deck lid, all recreated out of aluminum as per the original car. Further artful touches include swiveling windows with delicate turns, as per the original design. A rear-mounted spare was fitted, nearly smoothly inset into the rear deck, as per the original design.

Restoration photos on file show the chassis having been stripped and reinforced with new metal as necessary, then properly primered and finished. The engine was completely rebuilt, including installation of new bearings and pistons, overhauling of the camshaft and valve gear, fitting new radial oil seals, and balancing the crankshaft with the flywheel. Attention to correct details included recreating the original wiring system, including the proper woven covering for the loom. With the desirable five-speed manual transmission, the result has extraordinary smooth performance.

Finishing the body were lustrous coats of dark blue paint, with a hand-applied pale coachline accenting a broad sweep of chrome trim; individually adjustable armchair-style front seats with beautiful black leather upholstery; new carpets piped in ivory leather; and a set of period-correct fitted luggage, all overseen by an original Gülde fabric sunroof, acquired after lengthy searching and adapted to fit. The dashboard features beautiful oversized gold-toned gauges, set into a rich leather backing. The impressive result is offered with a file that includes period images and photographs of the restoration and build.

With the original 'Manuela' lost to history, this delightful recreation, carefully constructed to honor a wonderful German Full Classic built for one of the greatest drivers of his time, is an automobile worthy of the Rosemeyer legend.