Audi recreates legendary Auto Union Lucca record car for public debut in Italy

Audi has recreated the iconic Auto Union Lucca, a streamlined racing car from the 1930s that once held the world’s fastest road racing car title. The new Rennlimousine will debut publicly in early May in Lucca, Italy, where the original set a flying-start mile-speed record in February 1935.

Key Highlights

• Audi recreated the 1930s Auto Union Lucca record car for a public debut in Lucca, Italy.
• The original car set a flying-start mile speed record of 320.267 kph in 1935
• Recreated Lucca features a 520 HP 6.0-litre supercharged V16 engine
• Modern wind tunnel tests measured a drag coefficient of 0.43 for the new car
• First public dynamic appearance set for Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2026

Historic Record and Technical Achievements

German driver Hans Stuck piloted the original Auto Union Lucca to an average speed of 320.267 kph over a flying-start mile near Lucca. The car also reached a measured top speed of 326.975 kph, making it one of the fastest racing vehicles of its era. Developed during intense competition between Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz, the Lucca played a key role in 1930s Grand Prix racing and land-speed record attempts.

Auto Union, formed in 1932 by merging Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer, had already gained motorsport recognition with the mid-engined Type A. Lucca’s design was shaped by aerodynamic research, making it one of Europe’s earliest wind tunnel-developed racing cars. Engineers collaborated with the Berlin-Adlershof Aeronautical Research Institute to refine its streamlined body, which included a closed cockpit, covered wheels, a finned rear, and teardrop-shaped wheel arches.

Engineering and Reconstruction Details

The original Lucca used a 5.0-litre supercharged V16 engine, producing 343 HP initially and up to 375 HP in later versions. Its aerodynamic bodywork helped Auto Union surpass the speed benchmark set by Mercedes driver Rudolf Caracciola in 1934. The record attempt was first planned in Hungary but moved to Italy due to weather. After snow disrupted testing near Milan, the team selected a straight road between Pescia and Altopascio near Lucca for the final run.

British restoration specialist Crosthwaite & Gardiner built the recreated Auto Union Lucca using historic photos and archive documents. Audi reports the reconstruction took over three years, with each component handcrafted. Modern wind tunnel tests gave the recreated Lucca a drag coefficient of 0.43. Project manager Timo Witt noted that the car includes Avus-spec cooling and ventilation upgrades for durability during demonstration runs.

The new Lucca features a 6.0-litre supercharged V16 producing 520 HP. Its dimensions are 4,570 mm long, 1,700 mm wide, and 1,200 mm high, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase, and it weighs 960 kg. After its unveiling in Lucca, the car will make its first public dynamic appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 9-12, 2026.

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CarBike 360 Says

Audi’s recreation of the Auto Union Lucca record car is more than a tribute—it’s a celebration of engineering brilliance that shaped motorsport history. By bringing this iconic machine back into the spotlight, Audi connects past innovation with present passion, giving enthusiasts a rare glimpse into its legendary legacy while reinforcing its commitment to preserving automotive heritage.