Audi has recreated the Auto Union Lucca, a streamlined car that once reached 326.975 km/h near the Italian city of Lucca. This reconstruction, completed by Audi Tradition in spring 2026, restores a key piece of early Grand Prix history to Audi’s collection. Known as a Rennlimousine, or racing sedan, it joins the Silver Arrow family, following over three years of restoration by Crosthwaite & Gardiner, a British specialist.
A body shaped by speed
The original Auto Union Lucca was a product of intense engineering efforts during 1934 and 1935, driven by competition with Daimler-Benz. Engineers applied lessons from an earlier car and conducted wind tunnel studies at Berlin-Adlershof Aeronautical Research Institute to reduce drag. Its silhouette remains striking, with a silver body, covered wheels, and a tapered rear fin. The grouped exhaust outlets enhance its technical appeal, reflecting a design dedicated to aerodynamics.
From Hungary to the road near Lucca
The record-setting attempt was initially planned near Gyón, Hungary, but adverse weather redirected the team to Italy. They eventually found a suitable route between Pescia and Altopascio near Lucca. The road’s conditions were favorable, being flat, grippy, and around eight meters wide, extending straight for approximately five kilometers. On February 14, 1935, test runs commenced, and adjustments were made to the car’s radiator grille and wheel covers. Hans Stuck, the driver, returned the next day for the official trial runs using electrically triggered photocells.
A record built through small adjustments
The successful configuration involved sealing most of the radiator opening, leaving only a small aperture for cooling. Stuck set a flying-start mile record at 320.267 km/h. During one section, the car reached 326.975 km/h. This achievement not only marked a speed record but also symbolized the era’s rapid advancement in race engineering, integrating aerodynamics, engine design, and bodywork. The car’s elegance is a testament to the innovation of the 1930s.
Recreated for Audi’s historic collection
The reconstruction of the Auto Union Lucca relied on archival photos and documents, with bodywork presenting significant challenges. The cockpit canopy and the tapered tail were handcrafted. In testing, the car achieved a drag coefficient of 0.43. Propelled by a 16-cylinder engine from the Auto Union Type C, it features a 6.0-liter displacement and 520 PS. Audi Tradition chose this engine for its visual similarities to the original 5.0-liter engine while fitting within the Silver Arrow collection. The rebuilt vehicle includes Avus-race modifications, ensuring performance during future demonstrations.
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Source: designboom.com