"We've got the contract", four words that were to shape my working hours for a good few years. I first clapped eyes on the hillclimber in the back of a truck. As it rolled out backwards I must admit to feeling a bit privileged in that I would be working on the most 'original' and complete Auto Union Silver Arrow that was known about. A few photos later and I had it in bits (loads of them). I started to clean everything and measure up with a view to making an overall picture of how the various types of AU differed from one another. A complete replacement was constructed that was correct in every detail and the original car then reassembled back into what I think would have been its original condition from new. The actual finish that was applied to both cars was probably far in excess of that done originally, as highly polished components throughout would have been unnecessary for an all conquering race car (speed was of more importance than a jewel like finish!).
Whilst working on the hillclimber it became evident to me that there was a lot more technical information to be gleaned from the car than was at first apparent. Obviously the great minds that had been in action when the AU's were developed had really used the technology of the time and their own resources to the limit. Records of different front suspension layouts that could be used at different locations in conjunction with different chassis configurations was a bit of an eye-opener, small changes that were recorded for the steering linkage layout showed that 'toe out on turns' was definitely taken into consideration, the progressive change of gear shift arrangement indicated that problems with holding first gear caused concern, and so the list goes on.
The chassis is often described as a D-Type with a V16 engine, this is definitely not the case as the chassis which bears all the attributes of a D-Type is sufficiently different dimensionally, that it could not just be a modified GP chassis. Hillclimb chassis were designed and built for a specific purpose.
The bodywork gave evidence of being hand crafted as there was as much as 20mm variation from one side to the other in places (I wouldn't like to try and do better though, I have every respect for the craft of a panel beater!).
A pair or 'Twin' rear wheels were constructed that can be seen on pictures of the car in action at Goodwood, and also temporarily fitted on the Deutches Museum C-Type for a photo call at the Goodwood press day. When Hans Stuck drove the car up the hill, the sight of four rooster tails of spray from the rear of the car as he left the line is a sight will not be repeated too often I'm sure.
The museum in Riga now has a gleaming hillclimber that is in full working order. Having been there to get it up to scratch and give it a test run around the race track at the rear of the museum, I am sure that it attracts a fair bit of interest from visitors, it certainly impresses me!
Audi demonstrate their hillclimber in places various along with their other AU versions. How they came to get those built is on the next page or two. As I think of things that may be of interest to do with the hillclimber (I call it that because it's easier to type than 'Mountain-climb car') I will add it to this page in the fullness of time.
