Silver Arrow Reborn: Audi Tradition Unveils the Recreated 1935 Auto Union Lucca

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Summary

  • Audi Tradition recently revealed a meticulously rebuilt version of the Auto Union Lucca, a famous car from the 1930s known for its record-breaking speed. The unveiling took place in Lucca, Italy – a fitting location given the car’s history.

  • British restoration experts Crosthwaite & Gardiner carefully rebuilt the structure over several years, using old photos and historical records as their main guides.

  • The 2026 model boasts a powerful 6.0-liter supercharged engine with 16 cylinders, generating an impressive 520 horsepower.

Man, back in the 1930s, everyone was totally obsessed with going faster – it led to some seriously incredible car designs. Now, Audi Tradition has brought one of those legendary machines back to life! They actually took the Auto Union Lucca – nicknamed the ‘Rennlimousine’ or racing sedan back then – and rebuilt it from the ground up. It’s like they traveled back in time! This Silver Arrow isn’t just a museum piece either; it actually runs and sounds amazing – a real tribute to how wild and innovative early racing was.

The Auto Union Lucca was created as part of a heated competition with Mercedes-Benz to break world speed records. Engineers used innovative wind tunnel testing from the Berlin-Adlershof Aeronautical Research Institute to design a remarkably streamlined car. It featured teardrop-shaped wheel arches, covered wheels, and a long tail fin. On February 15, 1935, driver Hans Stuck drove the car to its maximum speed on a highway near Lucca, Italy, reaching an incredible 326.975 km/h (203.17 mph). This was achieved without the benefit of today’s aerodynamic technology, safety features, or stability controls.

Since the original car was lost, Audi Tradition asked the expert restoration team at Crosthwaite & Gardiner in Britain to recreate it. For three years, they carefully studied old photos and records to hand-build a perfect replica, including the bodywork and chassis, finishing the project in early 2026.

Beneath its classic, streamlined exterior lies an incredibly powerful engine. While the original 1935 version had a 5.0-liter engine, this modern recreation features a visually similar 6.0-liter supercharged 16-cylinder engine from an Auto Union Type C, built to withstand the demands of modern driving. This engine produces 520 horsepower at 4,500 rpm, with exhaust exiting through distinctive upward-facing pipes. It requires a special methanol-based fuel to perform at its best. At just 960 kilograms (2,116 pounds), the car’s power-to-weight ratio is still impressive compared to today’s high-performance supercars.

Audi hasn’t just recreated a classic car with the Auto Union Lucca; they’ve brought a piece of racing history back to life. Following its debut in Italy, this impressive silver machine is preparing to hit the track again, with a planned demonstration at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

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2026-05-09 09:26