The 1936 Auto Union Tipo C is one of the high points of pre-war German automotive engineering. This faithfully reproduced 1/43rd scale miniature captures the essence of this revolutionary racing machine that left its mark on motorsport history.
This Brumm replica is a standout piece for any collector of racing model cars, showcasing the technical excellence of an era when innovation knew no limits.
Model Specifications
- Model: Auto Union Tipo C HP 520
- Brand: Auto Union
- Year: 1936
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Colour: Grey
- Race number: 4
- Protective case included: Yes
About the Real Car
The Auto Union Tipo C was born in 1936 amid fierce rivalry between German manufacturers. Developed by Ferdinand Porsche, this car redefined technical design with its 6-litre V16 engine producing 520 horsepower, mounted mid-rear, a forward-thinking layout for its time.
This mechanical beast stands out for its ultra-light tubular chassis and streamlined bodywork, which gave it exceptional performance. Capable of exceeding 340 km/h, the Tipo C dominated European circuits and became one of the most formidable Grand Prix cars of its decade.
Its commercial success is measured more in prestige than in sales, as it was built exclusively for competition. Nevertheless, its repeated victories contributed significantly to Auto Union's technological reputation on the international stage.
The History of the Auto Union Brand
By 1936, Auto Union already brought together four prestigious marques: Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer, represented by the interlocking four rings. Formed in 1932, this alliance aimed to create an automotive giant capable of competing with Europe's greatest manufacturers.
Auto Union's involvement in motorsport was part of a strategy built on prestige and technological innovation. The brand benefited from German government backing, which generously funded the development of these exceptional Auto Union cars. This golden period allowed the company to push the boundaries of automotive engineering and lay technical foundations that would influence the industry for years to come.
The Story of the Silver Giant
The Auto Union Tipo C is part of the legendary German "Silver Arrows", yet its iconic colour came from a regulatory accident. Originally, the cars were meant to wear Germany's traditional white racing livery.
However, during the technical inspections for the 1934 Grand Prix, the car turned out to be one kilogram overweight under the rules. In a desperate move, the technical team decided to strip off the white paint entirely to shed that crucial weight. The bare metal then revealed a silvery finish that would become their visual signature.
This silver colour, born out of regulatory necessity, turned these cars into true aesthetic icons. Spectators quickly nicknamed them the "Silver Arrows," a name that has endured for decades and still shapes the brand image of Mercedes-Benz and other German manufacturers.
The Tipo C number 4 perfectly embodies an era when engineering ingenuity collided with strict regulations, sometimes creating, by accident, the finest chapters in automotive history.
Complete Your Model Collection
This Auto Union Tipo C fits naturally alongside other 1930s model cars, a golden age of automotive innovation. It pairs perfectly with the other cars of that revolutionary era, notably the Mercedes-Benz race cars that were its main rivals on the track.
Collectors passionate about Formula 1 and motorsport will find an essential historical complement here, reflecting the deep roots of modern competition. This miniature appeals as much to purists of automotive history as to lovers of fine mechanics, bridging German technical heritage and the ongoing evolution of motorsport.
