Auto Union Type E 650 Sokol 1952

[Pete05]

It has never been a secret that Auto Union thought about a successor to the 3-litre V12 Type D. The new car was assumed to suit the 1.5-litre Grand Prix formula - hitherto the voiturette formula - that was proposed for the early 1940's. Arch rival Mercedes-Benz had already secured victory in this formula by racing it's hastily developed W165 at the 1939 Tripoli Grand Prix. And although an equivalent Auto Union never raced, few believed the 'official' view that Auto Union had mostly sat on it's back and let their opponents take the lead, leaving the Type E to the intriguing domain of what-ifs. A view that is more or less based on Auto Union's chief designer Richard Eberan von Eberhorst, who in 1982 was quoted saying that a 1.5-litre was never built. "Some parts and a single cylinder test engine, yes. But a complete car, no."

The links below lead to the follow up investigation and an amazing story of just what happened to the mysterious Auto Union Type E.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Type: 12 cylinder, 60-degree V
Capacity: 1481.8 cc
Stroke x Bore: 53 x 56 mm
Compression: 10:1
Power: 260 bhp (327 bhp when using the 220.7 bhp/litre test results from the 1-cylinder testbed)
Valvetrain: 2 valves per cylinder, 3 overhead camshafts, hydraulic tappets
Fuel system: 2 concentric compressors, 1.9 bar boost pressure, Solex Carburettors or in-house developed fuel injection. Gearbox: 6 speed synchronized
Wheelbase: 2500 mm

http://8w.forix.com/au-typ-e.html

http://8w.forix.com/sokol1.html

http://8w.forix.com/sokol2.html

http://8w.forix.com/sokol3.html

http://8w.forix.com/sokol4.html

http://8w.forix.com/au-lineup.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_Union_racing_car

 

[StarLight]

Another classic Auto Union car!
👍

 

[Pete05]

OP has finally been updated with background information, technical specifications and links to some of the most interesting reading I've come across in a long time. Absolutely fascinating.

This car has taken quite a bit of effort/research but it's definitely been worth it.

Enjoy

 

[StarLight]

I see a lot of research here, well done Pete!
👍