The 1938 Horch 853 Sport Cabriolet is one of the finest examples of pre-war German automotive engineering. With its unparalleled luxury, innovative design, and rare status, it stands as a testament to Horch’s legacy and its rivalry with Mercedes-Benz in the late 1930s. This particular model is an extraordinary find for collectors and enthusiasts of classic cars. Let’s dive into the rich history and technical marvels behind the Horch 853, a car that redefined automotive excellence before World War II.

Horch’s Legacy and Rivalry with Mercedes-Benz

Horch was founded in 1904 by August Horch, a former Benz production manager, who set out to create a company that could compete with the prestigious Mercedes-Benz brand. By 1910, Horch rebranded under the Audi name, and in 1932, it merged with three other companies to form the Auto Union conglomerate. This merger further propelled Horch’s competition with Mercedes-Benz, as both brands vied for supremacy in luxury and sports cars across Europe.

Throughout the years, Horch became synonymous with top-tier craftsmanship and innovation. In the late 1930s, the Horch catalog featured high-performance vehicles, with the Horch 853 series standing out as one of the company’s most refined and powerful offerings. These models were equipped with a nearly 5-liter, straight-eight engine, paired with advanced features that set them apart from their competitors, including the renowned Mercedes-Benz 540K.

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Technical Specifications of the Horch 853 Sport Cabriolet

The Horch 853 Sport Cabriolet is powered by a 4.9-liter straight-eight-cylinder engine, delivering impressive performance for its time. This engine was a marvel of engineering, providing smooth power delivery and a driving experience unlike any other pre-war vehicle. The car features a ZF four-speed transmission, enhancing the driving dynamics and offering better control and handling on the road.

One of the standout features of the Horch 853 is its suspension system. The car employs a fully independent de Dion rear suspension, a design first pioneered on the Porsche-engineered Auto Union racing cars. This, combined with a front suspension consisting of an upper A-arm and transverse leaf springs, contributed to the car’s exceptional handling and stability. The vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes further enhanced its performance, offering superior stopping power.

While the Mercedes-Benz 540K may have had a supercharged engine, the Horch 853’s overdrive mechanism allowed it to close the performance gap, making it a formidable competitor in both speed and luxury.

The 1938 Horch 853 Sport Cabriolet Chassis Number 286

The 1938 Horch 853 Sport Cabriolet, chassis number 853286, is a rare and exceptional example of the marque’s late-production models. It is believed that this vehicle was produced toward the end of the 853 series’ production run, which spanned from 1935 to 1937, with only 647 units built during that time.

The car’s early history remains shrouded in mystery, but it is known that it was abandoned by the Wehrmacht during World War II and later requisitioned by a US Army Colonel. The Colonel imported the car to Massachusetts, where it remained in his possession for nearly 35 years. By 1980, the car passed into the hands of Dr. Andrew J. Dadagian Sr. of Marion, Massachusetts. Under his ownership, the vehicle earned the prestigious CCCA National First Prize at the 1983 Massachusetts Grand Classic.

Dr. Dadagian also undertook a complete restoration of the car, ensuring it retained its original beauty and performance. The Horch 853 Sport Cabriolet was then acquired by its current owner in 2006 and has been carefully maintained, rarely driven, and preserved as a valuable piece of automotive history.

Horch 853 Sport Cabriolet vs. Mercedes-Benz 540K

The Horch 853 Sport Cabriolet is often compared to the Mercedes-Benz 540K, a fellow German luxury car of the same era. Both cars are prime examples of pre-war automotive design, but the Horch offers a unique opportunity to own a vehicle that is equally as captivating as the Mercedes-Benz 540K, yet at a fraction of the cost.

With its remarkable engineering, innovative suspension system, and striking design, the Horch 853 Sport Cabriolet is not just a car; it is a masterpiece. Its combination of luxury, performance, and rarity makes it one of the most desirable pre-war automobiles on the market today.

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Conclusion: A Glimpse into Automotive Excellence

The 1938 Horch 853 Sport Cabriolet stands as one of the finest and most sought-after pre-war German designs. As a direct competitor to the Mercedes-Benz 540K, this Horch model is a rare and captivating piece of automotive history. Its stunning design, coupled with groundbreaking technology and historical significance, makes it an outstanding addition to any collection.

For those who appreciate the finest automobiles from the golden age of motoring, the Horch 853 Sport Cabriolet offers a chance to own a rare and prestigious car that few others can match in terms of luxury, engineering, and historical value.