A 1930s Vision
Ferdinand Porsche conceived the Auto Union Type 52 Schnellsportwagen (fast sports car) as a road-legal version of Auto Union’s Grand Prix cars designed for endurance races like the Mille Miglia and Le Mans.
Auto Union planned to have a mid-mounted 4.4-litre V16 engine with around 200 horsepower and a top speed of 124mph, making it a high-performance sports car suitable for everyday use.
The Type 52 project was abandoned in 1935 due to the onset of World War II and shifting priorities in Germany.
Regretfully, most plans and documents were lost during the war.
In 2023, Audi commissioned British specialists Crosthwaite & Gardner to recreate the Type 52, using original design sketches and traditional construction methods.
The completed car was unveiled at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, marking the first time the Type 52 was ever built.
It is unique in its practical luxury. Designed with an elongated silhouette, the Type 52 featured an overhead roof, headlights, and luggage space, making it more valuable than its Grand Prix counterparts.
With its driver-centric layout, the driver sits centrally, flanked by two seats, with additional space for luggage and spare wheels in the rear.
Audi decided to equip the Type 52 with a 6.0-litre V16 engine, producing 520 horsepower, aligning it with the power of the original Grand Prix racers.
A Dream Realised
After nearly 90 years, the Type 52 has been brought to life, showcasing the innovative spirit of the 1930s and Audi’s dedication to preserving automotive history.
The Auto Union Type 52 is a stunning example of what happens when a 1930s dream car is finally made a reality—it combines racing heritage with luxurious practicality.
‘The Auto Union Type 52: the car that was so advanced, it needed a time machine just to get to the starting line’
