Audi Auto Union Typ B: the replica of the record-breaking car from 1935 returns to Lucca

A few months after his debut in the world championship of Formula 1 with the R26 single-seater, the commitment to motorsport of Audi finds its origins with the Auto Union Luccaa Type B born in 1935 which established itself as the fastest car in the world. A true manifesto of mechanical avant-garde capable of setting the world speed record for the mile with a rolling start thanks to an average of 320.267 km/h and a peak of 326,975 km/h. Where? In Lucca, naturally, on the motorway stretch known today as the Florence-sea. A route trodden again in May 2026 by a replica rebuilt by Audi Tradition, at the end of a research project that lasted years and which also involved specialized companies in the United Kingdom in the manufacturing phase of some bodywork components. Following the official presentation, which took place in the splendid setting of Villa Oliva, in the heart of Lucca, and the first kilometers traveled on adjacent roads closed to traffic, the car will be the protagonist (from 9th to 12th July) at the Goodwood Festival of Speedin England.

auto union lucca: characteristics

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The racing sedan capable of setting the world speed record, as well as numerous category records, was based on theUnion Type B road car. Compared to the latter it stood out for its bodywork streamliner in aluminium, shaped by the results obtained at the wind tunnel of the Berlin-Adlershof Aeronautical Research Institute. The bodywork was carefully smoothed and coated with clear paint, while the spoked wheels were integrated with special lenticular covers. The intake system was optimized with two slits on the back, designed to feed the carburettors of the powerful 6,005 cc V16 mounted in a central-rear position. Inherited from the next Type C for reasons of compatibility with other historical models reconstructed by Audi Traditionthe engine is capable of delivering 520 HP and around 800 Nm of torque for a total mass limited to 960 kg. The record-breaking Type B Lucca, however, was fitted with the previous version of the 16-cylinder, with a displacement of 4,951 cc and an initial power of 343 HP, then increased in 1935 to 375 HP. The chassis and suspension resumed the 1934 configuration, while the elongated and aerodynamically optimized silhouette guaranteed a Cd of 0.43 and a dry weight limited to 704 kg.

records and context

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Following a decade in which European car manufacturers began to compete in a series of international competitions regulated by the Formula Grand Prixthe 1930s of motorsport were characterized by a chase for speed records restricted mainly to German manufacturers. Like the first grand prix, the speed trials also attracted great interest among the public, who flocked to every event ready to celebrate the exploits of the drivers of the time, thanks to the wide visibility given by the media. Founded in 1932 by the union of Audi, Dkw, Horch and Wanderer, AutoUnion he entered racing in 1934 with the 295 HP Type A, capable of setting some speed records in the same year: on 6 March three world records and on 20 October a further five. All obtained by the pilot Hans Stuckspecialist in uphill races. Records that stimulated the reaction of Daimler‑Benz AG, with Rudolf Caracciola who first equaled Stuck’s record and, at the end of October 1934, then set numerous international records on the state road near Gyón, Hungary. The most important of which indicated an average speed of 316.592 km/h over the mile with a rolling start, aboard a Mercedes-Benz W25 in special configuration Recordwagen. To surpass the record achieved by the rivals from Stuttgart, the cubic capacity of the 16-cylinder Type B was increased to 4,951 cc, reaching the maximum power of 375 hp during 1935. Thanks to the bad Hungarian weather conditions, Auto Union identified a suitable stretch along the Florence-Viareggio road, between Pescia and Altopascio, near Lucca, as the ideal route to set the new record. A perfectly level stretch of motorway, with a high-grip surface eight meters wide and almost straight for approximately 5 kilometres. The first tests began on February 14, 1935, in which different configurations of the car were tested. The following morning the car returned to the track in Lucca, with Hans Stuck at the wheel and with thousands of spectators following the tests. Independent official timekeepers measured the times with cutting-edge instruments for the time, which included electric photocells. After several attempts, the goal was achieved: record in the mile with a rolling start in the International Class C with 320.267 km/h on average. On the return stretch, the speed per kilometer was recorded in 11.01 seconds 326.975 km/h which earned the Auto Union Type B Lucca the title of “fastest road racing car in the world”.