Audi has reconstructed the Auto Union Type C, the legendary V16 that achieved 203 mph in 1938, nearly a century ago. The German automaker built this recreation from historical records and engineering documentation of the original Silver Arrow racer, which disappeared during World War II. The rebuilt machine will debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this summer.
The original Type C represented the pinnacle of pre-war motorsport engineering. Its supercharged V16 engine produced around 520 horsepower, making it one of the fastest machines of its era. The car dominated European racing circuits and set multiple speed records under driver Rudolf Caracciola. After Nazi Germany's fall, the original vanished into history, its location unknown for decades.
This reconstruction carries genuine historical weight for Audi. Auto Union merged with NSU in 1969 to form Audi, making the Type C part of the brand's racing DNA. The company undertook meticulous research to ensure accuracy, consulting period photographs, technical drawings, and engineering specifications. The rebuilt V16 honors both Audi's motorsport heritage and the engineering ambition of the 1930s.
The Type C's 203 mph record stood as one of the fastest speeds achieved by any automobile until the 1960s. That achievement on period-correct tires and mechanical brakes exemplifies the risk drivers took during that golden age of racing. The car embodied the avant-garde engineering philosophy that defined Auto Union's competitive approach.
Goodwood will give modern enthusiasts a chance to witness this machine in motion. Hearing the V16 engine run at speed offers visceral proof of 1930s engineering prowess. The appearance also signals Audi's commitment to celebrating its competition history as the brand transitions toward electric vehicles.
This project reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry. Luxury and performance