HORCH 830 BL Pullman- For Sale

HORCH 830 BL Pullman

Chassis #8492570 & Engine #849212

Production 1938

From the advent of the Reich in the 1930s, the market for high-end sedans and convertibles boomed, fueled by unlimited government loans, sporting competitions, and exports across the Atlantic.

As ambassadors of German luxury and Nazism, brands such as Mercedes competed with each other in ingenuity and patents to produce increasingly powerful and stylish models.

In order to compete with the brand with the star, Horch released the 830 and 930, two new models developed in several body styles ranging from sedan, convertible sedan, and convertible.

The 830 was assembled on a long chassis and powered by the brand’s signature 3.8-liter V8 engine with a 66° angle, enabling it to reach average speeds of over 100 km/h on the Reich’s first highways crossing Germany.

Produced from 1933 to 1940 in limited numbers, the Horch 830 gave way to the military model type R, intended for use by Heer units in theaters of operation.

Imposing, roadworthy, and reliable, many civilian-produced Horch 830s were used to transport senior officers of the Wehrmacht, Luftwaffe, and Kriegsmarine. This was an ostentatious luxury often reserved for generals and admirals. In 1945, the surviving examples were a source of delight for GIs and US Army officers, who appreciated their comfort and power.

General De Gaulle used a Horch 830 convertible for his travels in France, a car of dubious origin from the garages of General Von Choltitz of the Heer, governor of Greater Paris in 1944 and an admirer of the French capital.

This 830 Pullman Sedan rolled off the production line in 1938 at the Horch factory in Zwickau, Saxony, Germany. Unfortunately, no precise history has been found since it was delivered new.

Working in a large hotel on the French Riviera, on the pre-war Riviera, It was discovered in the 1970s in the Paris region by a famous coachbuilder specializing in cars from that era and a great collector. In poor condition but complete, the imposing sedan was entrusted to his restoration workshops. The restoration project was carried out using all the original parts specific to its production.

All elements of its bodywork and mechanics, electrical and peripheral systems, woodwork, and upholstery were completely restored. Since its restoration more than forty years ago, the Horch has joined an important French collection and remains carefully stored. It has been exhibited at a few classic cars shows and occasionally rented out for film productions, including the 1983 film “Papy fait de la résistance” (Grandpa Joins the Resistance).

A rare collector’s item and historic monument to the Reich’s automotive production, restored as close to its original condition as possible, with a beautiful patina, this Horch 830 is an investment and an opportunity not to be missed.

Selling price: €95,000