1938 Auto Union

[Styria]

All of 16 cylinders, with an awesome sound. It would seem that it is air cooled, and is fitted with a Supercharger. The streamlined version exceeded 400 kilometers on the Autobahn. I know the dialogue is in German, but one could still appreciate what this machine is all about - a monstrosity. Regards Styria

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_uTPJrmqTs&feature=related

 

[Styria]

It is a work of automotive art - the mechanical complexity, plus the drifting when cornering, are just awesome. Sorry it is in German - I believe it developed about six hundred bhp, with a top speed of 340km/hour. The sump holds twenty three litres of engine oil - double that of our 6.9s. Regards Styria

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RbbGk89YSA

 

[Styria]

The 1937 Grand Prix Season - whilst on the subject of '30s racing cars. Thankfully, English commentary. Regards Styria

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT0momrozUg

N.B. Another V16 engined racer - the BRM of the 60's. I am afraid its reliability factor was grossly lacking - I guess even this video demonstrates some sort of problem. Nevertheless, a racing car of historical significance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPwMsnehg9g&feature=related

 

[260ebenz]

Weren't Audi & VW part of the Auto Union in the 1930's?

 

[SEL_69L]

The Auto Unions of this era had the only successful 16 cylinder racing engine design.

 

[BenzBoy]

Weren't Audi & VW part of the Auto Union in the 1930's?

No - the alliance between Audi and VW came fairly recently. David Berthon has a history of Audi in the Drive section of the SMH 20/7/13.
Regards,
Brian

 

[260ebenz]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_Union