Audi Recreates Auto Union Lucca, a Legendary 1930s Speed-Record Car
In a remarkable homage to automotive history, Audi has brought back to life the legendary Auto Union Lucca, a speed-record car from the 1930s known for its groundbreaking performance and sleek design. This meticulously recreated vehicle, also referred to as the Rennlimousine, embodies a period when automotive manufacturers pushed the boundaries of speed and engineering. Set to captivate enthusiasts at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, this revival highlights Audi's deep roots in competitive racing and its commitment to preserving its rich heritage, offering a tangible connection to a bygone era of unparalleled innovation and daring speed attempts.
The rebirth of the Rennlimousine is a testament to Audi's commitment to its historical lineage. The original Lucca emerged from a fierce rivalry between Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz in the 1930s, where both companies vied for dominance in setting new land speed records. Following Mercedes' record-breaking run in 1934, Auto Union responded by transforming its Type A Grand Prix racing car into the streamlined Lucca. Its unique design featured a narrow body, enclosed rear wheels, and aero discs on the front, all crafted to minimize drag. The cabin, tapered for ultimate aerodynamics, provided just enough space for the driver, while cleverly integrated air intakes and exhaust pipes completed its distinctive silhouette.
Powered by a 5.0-liter 16-cylinder engine, an adaptation of the Grand Prix car’s powerplant, the original Lucca generated an impressive 369 horsepower. Weighing just over 2000 pounds, this engineering marvel measured 179.9 inches in length, 47.2 inches in height, and 66.9 inches in width. On February 15, 1935, on a straight section of the autostrada near Lucca, Italy, driver Hans Stuck piloted the Rennlimousine to a new flying-start mile record, achieving an average speed of 199.005 mph and a peak speed of 203.173 mph. This momentous achievement solidified Auto Union's place in the annals of speed records.
The meticulous recreation of the Lucca was undertaken by historic race car specialists Crosthwaite & Gardiner, the same team responsible for the Type 52, another forgotten Auto Union prototype brought to life by Audi in 2024. This extensive project, spanning over three years, relied on historical photographs and documents to ensure authenticity. Audi's decision to recreate the Lucca stems from the absence of early Grand Prix-era Auto Union racing cars in its collection, aiming to preserve and showcase this crucial period of automotive development.
During its contemporary testing, the revived Lucca underwent wind tunnel evaluations, revealing a drag coefficient of 0.43. To enhance its durability and performance for modern demonstrations, Audi incorporated several modifications. The recreated car is now equipped with a more powerful 6.0-liter V-16 engine sourced from the Type C race car, delivering a robust 512 horsepower. An improved ventilation system was also integrated, while the vehicle’s curb weight was recorded at 2116 pounds. The debut of this magnificent machine in Lucca, Italy, where its predecessor made history over nine decades ago, was a fitting tribute. Car enthusiasts eagerly anticipate its next appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July, where this piece of living history will once again glide up the challenging hill climb.
This renewed Rennlimousine not only revives a significant chapter in Audi's racing heritage but also offers a rare opportunity to witness the engineering prowess and design philosophy of the 1930s. Its journey from historical documents to a fully functional replica underscores the enduring allure of classic automobiles and the relentless pursuit of speed that defined an era. The vehicle's participation in modern events ensures that its story continues to inspire both new and old generations of automotive enthusiasts, celebrating a legacy of innovation and competitive spirit.
