Ninety years since the idea was first dreamed up by Porsche’s designers, Audi has finally built the Auto Union ‘Schnellsportwagen’
Designed as a road-going version of Auto Union Grand Prix racers of the period, the Auto Union Type 52 Schnellsportwagen never made it beyond paper in its time. Its original project name suggests the manufacturer’s hopes for it though, translating to “fast sports car”, adding emphasis on what was planned to be its defining characteristic: speed.
Since its unveiling at Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year, the Schnellsportwagen has become an award winning car with The International Historic Motoring Awards 2024 recognising it as the bespoke car of the year. Audi Tradition collaborated with Crosthwaite & Gardiner to realise the concept and Timo Witt, head of Audi’s historical vehicle collection, worked closely with them to lead the project to its conclusion. Car Design News spoke with Witt to hear more about this momentous 90 year-old dream.
Car Design News: Why did Audi feel now was the right time to bring the ‘Schnellsportwagen’ to life?
Timo Witt: The project took quite a long time to be honest. We are familiar with
