To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 6 - 7
March 2020.
Estimate:
$350,000 - $500,000
- One of only 83 780 B models produced
- A well-engineered German luxury car, very rare in the U.S.
- Handsome restoration by German marque specialists
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
Introduced in March 1932, the 700 series models by famed German
automaker Horch were led by the Type 780, designed by Fritz Fiedler
with an inline 4.9-liter engine with an overhead cam. The engine
developed 100 bhp and was sufficient for a top speed around 125
km/h. Between 1932 and 1934, a little over 300 of these supremely
elegant cars were completed, of which only 83 were the later 780 B
model, differentiated by a 30 mm wider track.
The car offered here, the third-to-last 780 B chassis constructed,
was delivered in 1934 and made its way to Belarus at the end of
World War II. It was discovered there in 2005 and acquired by
marque specialists Horch Classic GmbH. It appears that at some
point in its past, the original coachwork had been lost, but
evidently a Sportcabriolet body, likely a Gl�ser creation for a
Horch 710, was available. Given the unusually low top stack and
fleetness of line of this body, one can understand why Horch
Classic envisioned it on this 780, which utilizes the same
wheelbase.
The seven-year restoration reportedly involved exhaustive research
and the use of many correct components. Horch Classic noted that
the body's inner wooden frame, outer panels, and top bows were in
remarkably good condition and were preserved wherever possible. The
frame was carefully cleaned and restored, with the portions showing
excessive corrosion being carefully replaced. The engine, front and
rear axles, differential, gearbox, and steering gear were all
dismantled and overhauled as necessary; the engine was fitted with
new bearings, pistons, and modern radial oil seals. All fuel lines
were made of copper and the exhaust system of stainless steel. The
original transmission was exchanged for a modern Getrag five-speed
unit, making the car much easier to drive and enjoy.
Finishing the body is a beautiful Royal Blue, an interior in rich
grey leather embroidered with the Horch logo, and a grey cloth top.
Correct hardware and chrome wire wheels finish the presentation.
The completed Horch was exhibited at the Jewels in the Park
Concours d'Elegance at Classic Days in Schloss Dyck, Germany, in
2013, and received an award for the Best Restoration on exhibit. It
is offered here with a file that includes period images of the
Horch 710 and 780 models, and photographs of the restoration. Few
examples of the 780 remain extant, and few have been finished to
this award-winning standard, making this a unique standout for the
Full Classic collector seeking the truly unusual.To view this car
and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am20.
