This Auto-Union green number 4 reproduced by Dinky-Toys in the Atlas editions represents one of the most revolutionary racing cars in automotive history. This 1/43 scale miniature perfectly captures the avant-garde spirit of German Grand Prix cars from the 1930s.
A true collector's item, this faithful reproduction appeals to automotive history enthusiasts and discerning collectors who wish to own a symbol of pre-war German technical innovation.
Miniature Features
- Model: Auto-Union Type C
- Brand: Auto-Union
- Year: 1936-1937
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Green with number 4
- Protective case included: Yes
The Auto-Union Type C, a technical revolution of the 1930s
The Auto-Union Type C was born in 1936 during the rise of the German automotive program. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche, this racing car revolutionized the technical approach with its V16 engine of 6 liters delivering over 500 horsepower, a phenomenal power for the time. Its rear-engine configuration represents a major innovation that would have a lasting impact on the evolution of racing cars.
The tubular steel chassis and aluminum body give the Auto-Union Type C a contained weight despite its impressive power. This revolutionary approach to automotive design enables speeds exceeding 340 km/h on the track, setting new performance standards.
On European circuits, the Auto-Union Type C quickly established itself as a benchmark, winning numerous Grand Prix victories. Its commercial and sports success solidified the brand's reputation for technical excellence and demonstrated the relevance of Ferdinand Porsche's bold conceptual choices.
Auto-Union, the union that revolutionized the automobile
Auto-Union was founded in 1932 from the merger of four German manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer, symbolized by the four rings that would later become Audi's emblem. This strategic union aimed to create an automotive giant capable of competing with the major European brands of the time. In the context of the 1930s, this collaboration allowed the pooling of technical expertise and financial resources necessary for the development of innovative vehicles.
The arrival of Ferdinand Porsche as chief designer marked a decisive turning point for Auto-Union. His revolutionary ideas, notably the adoption of the rear engine, radically transformed the brand's conceptual approach. This period corresponds to Auto-Union's golden age in competition, with prestigious victories establishing its reputation as a technical innovator.
The legacy of Auto-Union endures today through Audi, which has retained the iconic four rings and perpetuates the spirit of technical innovation that characterized this historic union of German manufacturers.
Bernd Rosemeyer, the ace behind the wheel of the green "Silver Arrow"
The story of the Auto-Union Type C green number 4 remains inseparable from Bernd Rosemeyer, one of the most talented drivers of his generation. This young German prodigy, a former motorcycle racer, discovered racing cars with Auto-Union in 1935. His ability to tame these notoriously difficult cars quickly made him the star of the team.
Rosemeyer developed a quasi-mystical relationship with his Auto-Union, particularly with the Type C, which he raced to numerous victories. His spectacular driving style, combining daring and technical precision, fascinated audiences of the time. He won the European Drivers' Championship in 1936, confirming his exceptional mastery of these revolutionary cars.
Tragedy struck in January 1938 when Rosemeyer died during a speed record attempt on the Frankfurt-Darmstadt highway. At only 28 years old, he left behind the memory of an exceptional driver who had revealed the full potential of the Auto-Union Type C. His legacy endures in collective memory as that of a romantic hero of the golden age of motor racing.
This green number 4 miniature thus perpetuates the memory of those glorious moments when Rosemeyer and his Auto-Union formed a legendary duo on European circuits, symbolizing German technical excellence of the 1930s.
Complete your collection of historical miniatures
This Auto-Union Type C occupies a prominent place in the world of historical racing car miniatures. It fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to race cars or models from the 1930s. Collectors particularly appreciate the quality reproduction of Dinky-Toys reissued by Atlas.
This miniature finds its natural complementarity with other models of the same era, especially the Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix cars or other Auto-Union models in the range. It appeals to both automotive history enthusiasts and collectors seeking pieces representative of the technical innovation of the 1930s.
With its distinctive green livery and historic number 4, this reproduction serves as a valuable testament to the heroic era of motor racing, when technical daring rivaled the courage of drivers on European circuits.
