Spezialcabriolet Translation – pretty darn special. But, as you can tell in the title, this is no French car. Nope. She is German, albeit with, perhaps a little French flair (or is that the other way around – read on). Perhaps the carriage roof rails gave it away, long the favorite of German automobile manufacturers (but not exclusively, of course). The year; 1938, an auspicious year. Germany was a country seething for a fight, a fight for their people’s dignity and pride. Having been on the loosing end of World War I and suffering under embarrassment of their surrender and the terms of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, Germany was looking to rebuild its reputation on the world’s stage. That goal may be understandable, how it was achieved – unthinkable. In 1938, though, Germany was only sabre rattling as no country had yet been invaded (but the demands of the Treaty were being violated). That invasion, of Poland, was almost a year away on September 1st, 1939. Yet, the world knew nothing good was brewing under Germany’s leader. A car manufacturer might have been the last company to become involved in war politics. Why would they? The point is, Horsch, a manufacturer of luxury automobiles, displayed their penchant for craftsmanship and excellence as if it were business as usual – and it probably was. We tend to recall, in our minds, pictures of Horsch automobiles carrying party politicians to and fro in old grainy black and white photographs. Usually, however, these are the large sedans, limousines and phaetons. My featured car is not at all remotely similar to those behemoths. Hence, its “special” name. Designed and built by the German firm; Voll & Ruhrbeck of Berlin, there are few automobiles extant that equal this car’s beauty. True, the lines aren’t nearly as fanciful as those that you’d find on a Figoni et Falaschi Delahaye or Delage, but they can’t be described as demure either. The car is low, long and makes an unmistakable statement about its owner. The 853A Spezial Roadster was powered by an inline eight cylinder engine producing a respectable 120hp. Horsch advertised their cars as being ‘Mercedes Benz” quality (and they were) but at competitive prices (which is relative I suppose). German automobile manufacturer’s enjoyed much success in racing in the 1930’s – through a wide variety of automobile manufacturer’s; especially AutoUnion, of which Horsch was a partner. Much of that knowledge went into the 853A Roadster – for example she had a DeDion rear suspension, a configuration heretofore reserved for racing cars. We typically look at the French automobiles as being the progenitors of the Aerodynamic Automobile Era – when, in fact, Mercedes Benz started it in 1934 with their Autobahnkurier. Bugatti, Delage and Delahaye merely followed that trend. To see a Horsch – any Horsch, in person is a rare treat indeed. Given their current values (read: millions) they appear mostly at the more prominent Concours shows. All the more reason to take a trip to Amelia, St. John’s, Pebble Beach or any other notable venue in the coming year. There is sure to be a Horsch at one of them. Enjoy, Paul
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 13:13:32 +0000
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