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Audi Rebuilds Record-Breaking Auto Union Lucca for Goodwood Festival of Speed

other · 2026-05-06

Audi has commissioned a one-off rebuild of the 1930s Auto Union Lucca, a record-breaking grand prix racer that set a public road speed record of 203.17 mph in 1935. The original car, powered by a 5.0-liter V-16, was lost after World War II. The rebuild, executed by Crosthwaite & Gardiner over three years, uses historical photos and archival documents. The new Lucca features a 6.0-liter V-16 engine producing 513 hp, running on a methanol, premium unleaded, and toluene mixture. Audi Tradition commissioned the project. The car will run at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 9 to July 12, 2025.

Key facts

  • Audi commissioned a one-off rebuild of the Auto Union Lucca from the 1930s.
  • The original Lucca set a public road speed record of 203.17 mph in 1935.
  • The rebuild was executed by Crosthwaite & Gardiner over three years.
  • The new engine is a 6.0-liter V-16 producing 513 hp.
  • The car runs on a mixture of methanol, premium unleaded, and toluene.
  • Audi Tradition commissioned the project.
  • The rebuilt Lucca will run at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 9 to July 12, 2025.
  • The original car was lost after World War II.

Entities

Institutions

  • Audi
  • Auto Union
  • Volkswagen
  • Motorenwerke
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • Crosthwaite & Gardiner
  • Audi Tradition
  • Goodwood Festival of Speed
  • Robb Report

Locations

  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Pisa
  • Lucca
  • Goodwood

Sources