Auto Union Withdrawn From Christie’s Auction As Questions Arise

Word is that the Auto Union Type D has been withdrawn from the Christie’s Retromobile auction this weekend, where it was expected to fetch a king’s ransom.

According to the Christie’s announcement, the auction house postponed the Auto Union’s sale “pending further exploration into the car’s race history.” However, Christie’s offered little explanation beyond that. Philip Powell over at Classical Drive speculates that this could be a sign that the Type D is a fake.
Read Article

S4cabriofoxone - 2/15/2007 9:39:32 AM

+1 Boost

A fake? Sad. Those are beautiful-- and it would've fooled me!

PlanoA4 - 2/15/2007 9:59:11 AM

+1 Boost

So far I think they are questioning the racing history more than if it is a fake.

Bill - 2/15/2007 12:01:55 PM

+2 Boost

I didn't read the article, but I recall reading that this car was taken to the Soviet Union after World War II where it was dismantled and studied for its advanced technology.

The Russians built a complete copy of an American B-29 bomber which had to land in the Eastern half of the country after sustaining heavy damage over Japan. It was called the Tupolev Tu-4 and the resemblance to the B-29 is uncanny.

If the Soviets could pull that off, then they'd probably be able to produce a direct copy of a classic German racer.

Thoughts?

Rupert - 2/15/2007 6:03:44 PM

0 Boost

it would have a lada engine surely?

"yes, this classic 1934 racer comes complete with fully functioning 1.4 non-turbo-diesel engine, which enabled it to reach speeds of over 150 mph"
perfectly believable, that is.

proscriptus - 3/2/2007 4:44:21 PM

+1 Boost

Lots of questions still remain, it only gets more confusing with time:
http://tinyurl.com/2ajwds