1937' Horch 853 'Stromlinien' Coupé Design

Bonhams are delighted to offer at our forthcoming Collectors' Motor Car Auction on Sunday 10th September at The Chantilly Sale, Château de Chantilly, France, 34 collectors motor cars.

1937 Horch 853 'Stromlinien' coupé design
Chassis no. 853433

•Exceptional presentation by Horch Classic
•Exceptional condition
•Possible unique 'Stromlinien' coupé design
•Desirable sunroof

After WW2, this car found its way to Belarus. From there it was sold in 1998 to its next owner in Ukraine. The Horch remained in the Ukraine a further seven years before it returned to Germany.

Appel Klassiker purchased the car in 2005 and, following exhaustive research, embarked on a restoration and reconstruction to bring the car to its current exceptional look. First they fabricated a mock-up body in wood, which was then covered with fabric to better assess the lines and compare them with those shown in historic photographs. Using wooden templates, the wooden body frame was then recreated, laser-aligned and mounted on the chassis. The body's metal panelling and doors were likewise painstakingly recreated, then attached to the wooden frame and welded. The same method was used for the bonnet and the front and rear wings: first a wooden template was created, then the metal panelling was shaped and welded.

The chassis was sandblasted and measured using laser spirit levels. Many old welds were renewed, and the chassis reinforced wherever the metal was found to be too thin or corroded. When finished, the chassis was primed and painted, and the cavities sealed with protective wax. After priming, the body was given multiple coats of black paint with a final clear coat to create a deep lustre. A turquoise coachline was then applied by hand. New carpets - piped in turquoise leather - were fitted to the interior, which is upholstered in black leather. After a lengthy search, an original Gülde sunroof was sourced, cleaned, and adapted to fit. The body's lines are not spoiled by a boot lid; there is enough room for luggage is behind the seats, where two authentic suitcases have been fitted and are retained by leather straps.

The engine, front and rear axles, differential, gearbox and steering were dismantled, measured and overhauled where necessary. The engine was completely dismantled and all parts measured and checked. New bearings were fitted, new pistons installed, and the camshaft and valve gear overhauled. New seals were fitted to the valve guides, and modern radial oil seals fitted to the engine at front and rear. The crankshaft was finely balanced together with the flywheel. Dynamometer tested for some 20 hours before fitting to the car, the engine is reported to run very smoothly, while a five-speed gearbox enhances the already pleasurable driving experience and helps to keep the engine revs low at cruising speeds. A new wiring loom has been made and covered with woven cotton to replicate the appearance of the original. It goes without saying that safety-critical components for the steering and hydraulic brakes were renewed also.

This stunning car is offered with related literature, German registration papers and documentation of the restoration.

Please note that this motor car will be subject to the TVA at the prevailing local rate on Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium.