Auto Union Type D (1939)Thomas's Pics, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Auto Union Type D Grand Prix Racing Car

1939 — Germany

Pre-War (before 1946)GermanV12 EngineTurbo/SuperchargedRacing HeritageUnder 100 ProducedInvestment GradeMille Miglia EligibleRace Cars for the RoadMillion Dollar ClubLimited ProductionPre-War Masterpieces
Engine2,990 cc V12 DOHC Supercharged
Power485 hp
Transmission5-speed manual
DrivetrainRWD
Body StyleOpen-wheel racer
Weight1,819 lbs
Top Speed211 mph
Production3 units
BrakesDrum / Drum
SuspensionIndependent, trailing arms, torsion bars / De Dion axle, torsion bars

Auto Union Type D Grand Prix Racing Car

The 1939 Auto Union Type D represents the ultimate expression of Silver Arrows racing dominance. Its revolutionary mid-mounted supercharged V12 produced 485 horsepower from just 3 liters, propelling the car to speeds over 340 km/h on the straights of the Nürburgring and AVUS. Only three examples were built, with Hermann Müller and Georg Meier achieving notable victories. The Type D's advanced chassis design and twin-stage supercharger made it one of the most fearsome racing machines ever created.

$15,000,000 – $30,000,000

Type D racing cars are museum pieces and never appear on the open market. Period-correct replicas exist but authentic examples are priceless automotive artifacts. Any claimed original requires extensive provenance verification through Auto Union factory records.

Only three Type D chassis were constructed for the 1939 season. Development was halted by the outbreak of World War II. Two cars survived the war, with one residing at the Audi Museum in Ingolstadt.