Audi Tradition is celebrating three anniversaries at the Techno Classica in Essen from March 21 to 25, 2018. The 50-year history of the Audi 100 is the main theme of the brand's appearance at the world's largest classic car trade fair. In 1968, Audi took the step into the upper mid-size class with the saloon. Motorsport fans can also look forward to the Audi 200 quattro TransAm from 1988 and the Auto Union Type D racing car from 1938.
Contradicting the Group, with success
The development of the Audi 100 is one of the most exciting moments in Audi's history. In the mid-1960s, immediately after the takeover of Auto Union GmbH by Volkswagen AG, the Ingolstadt-based company was tasked with maintaining existing models, not developing new ones. But Ludwig Kraus, the technical director of Auto Union at the time, feared for the company's chances of survival and worked on a second model series.
Contrary to the order, he designed a modern mid-range automobile, for which the Volkswagen Board of Management finally gave the green light. In 1968, Auto Union finally presented the saloon as the Audi 100. With almost 800,000 units sold, the car developed into a successful model and made a decisive contribution to Audi's future development. At Techno Classica, Audi Tradition is exhibiting three special models: a two-door Audi 100 LS Automatic from 1972, an Audi 100 LS from 1974 and the Audi 100 Coupé S from 1971.
420 hp in 1938
Motorsport enthusiasts can look forward to two further highlights at the Audi stand in Hall 7: 80 years ago, Auto Union AG sent the Auto Union Grand Prix racing car Type D onto the racetrack for the first time.
Auto Union driver Tazio Nuvolari won the Italian and British Grand Prix with the 420 hp car in 1938, followed by victories in the French and Yugoslavian Grand Prix a year later.
The third anniversary model dates back to 1988, when Audi had just retired from rallying. For the first time, the brand with the four rings competed in circuit races in the North American TransAm series. Racing driver Hurley Haywood immediately won the championship in the Audi 200 quattro.
Motorcycles too
The large community of motorcycle fans will not be left out at this year's Techno Classica either. Audi Tradition is presenting the DKW 350 RM, on which Gustl Hobl rode to the German Championship in 1955. In addition, a globally unique loan from the motorcycle collection of Augustusburg Castle: the DKW ULD 500, built as a prototype in 1938.
Members of the ACI (Audi Club International) will be exhibiting further classics from the company's history in Hall 7.1.
Further information on Techno Classica can be found on the official website.
