THE ART 

While working at Audi’s Design Studio in Germany, Michael was inspired by the beauty and dominating race history of Auto Union. He became fascinated with the prospect of bringing the 1930s Auto Union era to life in the form of fine art. Along with Designer Raul Cenan, the two capture the essence of the 1936 Type C racer in this sculpture.

The end result of a decade in development is this gleaming tribute to a historic period in auto racing. This also gives rise to the name of the sculpture series – Reflects.

The artworks, although reminiscent of actual automotive products, are something far purer in terms of design. Once stripped of the need to accommodate the package (occupants, powertrain, storage, safety, and engineering requirements) as well as numerous exterior panels and parts, the artist is then liberated to create a clean, pure form. This is an idealized version of what a perfect machine could be. Indeed, this is where form supersedes function.

These are museum quality pieces and appropriate for a fortunate few private individuals, corporations, and collectors looking to display significant artwork. These highly reflective, imaginative sculptures will shine brightly in any home, office, or gallery.

This is a limited-edition artwork, with just nine in total. Each of these nine sculptures measure an impressive 47.24” x 23.62” x 9.45” (120 cm x 60 cm x 24 cm) including the base, and each weighs in at 310-pounds. This is comprised of seven individual pieces – body, base, grill, and wheels. The first sculpture produced in this series, as envisioned by Etrick, has been developed to capture the true spirit and essence of Auto Union. With a commitment to the highest quality possible, these impressive metal sculptures are built to be problem-free for centuries to come.

Smaller, scale-models are also available in a limited number. These are equally radiant and more suitable for smaller environments and placement. With the base, these measure in at 11.81″ x 5.31″ (30 cm x 13.5 cm). Upon special request, special one-off pieces can be created to a size specified by the buyer – up to the full-size of the actual race cars. We welcome customer commissioned, bespoke art pieces to satisfy special interests.

This outstanding homage to Auto Union is the first in the ongoing Reflects series of sculptures showcasing the pinnacle of automotive design by Etrick Art. Upcoming projects will continue fusing the talent of Michael Etrick alongside the most acclaimed designers in the automotive industry.

THE HISTORY – Auto Union

Occasionally, the quest for perfection can be defined by a tangible object. In the 1930s, Auto Union was developing exceedingly fast race cars, showcasing the leading-edge automotive engineering and technology found in Germany. These racers at the time were the embodiment of human achievement on land. Enveloping the massive motors and the brave drivers of the 1930s, race cars of the time embraced streamlined and graceful bodies. Those designs, nearly nine decades later, are still immediately distinguishable. The desire to succeed is a significant part of the Auto Union AG story, and indeed the underlying basis for this artwork that reflects this history in material, creativity, and an artful expression of speed.

Initially, all four brands, Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer, joined together to survive the challenges encountered by the global depression. Out of financial necessity, Auto Union AG was born on June 29, 1932. The four, interlocking circles found in the logo design symbolize the combined effort. Ultimately, this led to the formation of today’s Audi. While only the Audi brand is currently in production, the ringed logo proudly carries forward.

THE PORSCHE CONNECTION

In early 1933, the newly formed Porsche design office accepted a commission from Auto Union to create a sixteen-cylinder race car according to the rules of the 1,650-pound racing formula. In December of 1932, several months before initiating the contract, Ferdinand Porsche and his team already began working on the Type 22, mid-engine, P race car. This earlier engineering effort ultimately found a home in the Auto Union racers that followed.

Those legendary Auto Union Grand Prix cars set new standards. The 1936 Type C, the third model in the Auto Union lineage, could be considered one of the most significant machines to ever hit a racetrack. Additionally, the success of Auto Union catapulted Ferdinand Porsche’s reputation in engineering to best-in-class.

The triumph of Porsche’s engineering services solidified the confidence to build its own sports cars. And the rest, as the saying goes, is history.