1937 Horch 853 Stromliniencoupe

Offered by Bonhams | Paris, France | September 3, 2016

Photo – Bonhams

The 853 is the grandest car that August Horch’s company ever produced. It was also one of the last models that the original, pre-war, Horch marque produced – even though they had already become a part of Auto Union five years prior to this car’s introduction in 1937.

The 853 is powered by a 4.9-liter straight-eight making 100 horsepower. They weren’t the most powerful or fastest cars of their day, but with the right coachwork, they could compete, beauty-wise, with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz 500/540K. This car sports a very fancy streamlined coupe body – a style that is not seen often.

But that’s partly because Horch cars aren’t seen that often to begin with. This car spent its post-war life in Belarus and the Ukraine until 2005 when it was restored in Germany. It is likely to be one of those rare European cars that makes waves at Pebble Beach sometime in the future and everyone will wonder where it came from and where it has been hiding all these years. Well here’s your chance to grab it – for a cost between $670,000-$1,000,000. Click here for more info and here for more from this sale.

Update: Withdrawn from sale.

Update II: Not sold, Bonhams Paris, September 2017.

1938 Horch 853 Cabriolet

Offered by Artcurial | Paris, France | February 3, 2012

In 1909, August Horch was forced out of the company that bore his name. Instead of pouting about it, he moved across town & set up Audi. In 1932, Horch became part of Auto Union, with DKW, Wanderer, and Audi. Shortly thereafter, Horch introduced a new series available on three different sized wheelbases.

There was the 850, 851 and this, the largest, the 853. These were solid cars that rivaled the grand Mercedes-Benz 500K and 540K models. Horch 853s were driven by the top echelon of German citizenry – politicians, industrialists, etc.

This car features a 5.0 liter straight 8 engine making 105 horsepower. Performance was acceptable – capable of 80+ mph. But, apparently, this car was carved out of a block of lead – it weighs nearly three tons!

While the 853 A is more desirable (120 HP), this 853 is still quite rare and valuable. The coachwork is beautiful and these cars just look unflappably solid. Artcurial is set to auction this at Retromobile in Paris and they estimate it between $410,000-$490,000. Horchs don’t come up for sale very often so here’s your chance to own a brilliant automobile. Find out more about the car here and more about the Retromobile sale here.

Update: Sold $520,732.