The Horch 830 is an eight-cylinder luxury car produced by the German manufacturer Horch from 1933 to 1940. This model featured rear-wheel drive and was mainly offered in roadster, limousine and cabriolet styles. At least 11,000 units had been built in the Horch factory at Zwickau before World War II. Afterwards, modified models of the Horch 830 were used as staff cars and utility vehicles by the Wehrmacht.
History The Horch 830 was first introduced in 1933 at the International Motor Show Germany in Berlin. It was intended to act as the successor to its V12-powered predecessor, the Horch 8. The car was also developed under Auto Union, which had merged Horch together with manufacturers Audi, DKW, and Wanderer in 1932. Between 1933 and 1940, at least 11,000 units were produced at the Horch factory in Zwickau, until the outbreak of World War II caused production to cease completely. It was the first Horch to be fitted with a transverse leaf spring suspension. For 1935 the 830B was later joined by the long wheelbase 830BL ("L" for lang); during 1935 the name of the shorter version was changed to 830 Bk ("k" for kurz).
In January 1937, the Bk was replaced by the 930 V ("V" for verkürzt), which sat on a shorter yet wheelbase. Both this and the 830 BL also benefitted from increased power thanks to twin, side draft carburettors and a somewhat higher compression ratio. The 930 V also received new, more aerodynamic bodywork. In September 1938 the engine was enlarged again, a longer stroke providing 3.8 litres of displacement; the engine was fitted with two Solex carburettors.
Some models of the Horch 830 were given to the Wehrmacht for use as military light utility vehicles and staff cars with a similar purpose to the Kübelwagen. These models had been extensively modified and fitted with off-road tyres as well as a new suspension system with rigid axles at the front and rear to allow the car to be used for off-road activities.
Specifications The Horch 830 was released in the roadster, limousine and cabriolet styles, with convertible roof versions available as well as 2-door and 4-door variants for each model type. It featured rear-wheel drive with a four-speed, fully synchronized transmission, and was fitted with a flathead, 66-degree V8 engine – unlike its predecessor the Horch 12, which had a V12 engine.
Technical data 830 830 B 830 BL 830 Bk 930 V 830 BL 930 V 830 BL Model year(s) 1933–1934 1935 1935–1936 1936 1937–1938 1938–1940 Engine Side valve V8 Bore × Stroke Displacement Maximum power at 3600 rpm at 3200 rpm Top speed Curb weight Length Width Height Wheelbase Track front/rear Turning circle
In popular culture A Horch 830 cabriolet was famously driven by Charles de Gaulle after World War II until his election to the presidency in 1959. This cabriolet was reportedly captured from the Wehrmacht forces of Dietrich von Choltitz. It is now on display at the Military History Museum in Dresden, complete with a French flag.
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See also List of German cars
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