Revival of a 1930s silver supercar

At the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, a remarkable automotive event, Audi unveiled a re-bodied version of a race car designed over 90 years ago. This vehicle, known as the Schnellsportwagen, was created by the talented Ferdinand Porsche and features a period-correct V16 engine, which produces a sound reminiscent of an orchestra. The car's design is striking, with streamlined aesthetics and a unique mid-engine layout that would have made it a pioneer of the supercar category had it been built in the 1930s. The Schnellsportwagen showcases a luxurious interior, complete with a lacquered wooden dashboard and a central driver position flanked by passenger seats, a configuration that later inspired the McLaren F1. The car's design and engineering reflect the innovative spirit of the era, as it was developed under the marketing strategy of “win today, sell tomorrow,” which aimed to translate racing success into consumer appeal. The unveiling was met with enthusiasm, particularly from Hans Stuck Jr., the son of a former Auto Union racer, who expressed his admiration for the vehicle's beauty and performance. His experience driving the car up the Goodwood hill climb highlighted the enduring legacy of the original race car and its designers. Although this stunning creation is a one-off and not available for purchase, it serves as a reminder of Audi's rich Grand Prix racing history as the brand prepares to enter Formula One in 2026.