Used
TL;DR: Auto Union scale models document the pre-war Silver Arrows Grand Prix era in 1:18 and 1:43 diecast from manufacturers including CMC, Minichamps, and Revell. Coverage centers on the radical rear-engined racers that dominated European Grand Prix competition through the 1930s and into the 1950s.
Auto Union stands among the most technically radical marques ever raced, and its scale model presence reflects a small but devoted following built around genuine engineering significance rather than broad brand recognition.
Auto Union Scale Models and Manufacturer Craft
CMC's involvement in this category matters: the brand has built its reputation on hand-assembled precision at premium pricing, and pre-war Grand Prix subjects like the Auto Union Type C and D reward that level of attention, with exposed mechanical components and period-correct bodywork that simpler tooling cannot capture convincingly. Minichamps and Revell round out the range at different price points, giving collectors options across the tier spectrum for the same historic subjects.
- Premium tier: hand-assembled detail suited to exposed mechanical bodywork.
- Mid tier: accessible diecast covering the same historic chassis.
- Scale options: 1:18 for display presence, 1:43 for compact coverage.
The Silver Arrows Era That Defines the Category
Through the mid-to-late 1930s, Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz waged a technological arms race in Grand Prix racing, with state-backed engineering budgets pushing both manufacturers toward increasingly radical designs. Auto Union's rear-engined layout, unusual for the era, gave its cars a distinctive handling character that separated them from more conventional front-engined rivals. That rivalry, cut short by the outbreak of war, remains one of motorsport's most studied periods.
Collecting Pre-War Grand Prix Subjects
An Auto Union collection rewards pairing with its Mercedes rival to recreate the actual Silver Arrows competition on a shelf, since the two marques' Grand Prix machinery only makes full sense side by side. Given the narrow subject pool from this era, a collector can realistically aim for meaningful coverage of the key chassis rather than chasing an ever-expanding catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Union Scale Models
What made Auto Union's Grand Prix cars significant?
Auto Union pioneered a rear-engined layout in Grand Prix racing during the 1930s, an unusual approach for the era that gave the cars distinctive handling. Alongside Mercedes-Benz, the marque pushed Grand Prix engineering to new extremes during the Silver Arrows period.
Why does CMC feature prominently in Auto Union collecting?
CMC's hand-assembled construction suits pre-war Grand Prix subjects, where exposed mechanical detail and period-correct bodywork demand more precision than typical diecast tooling. That premium approach has made CMC a reference point for serious Auto Union collectors.
Should Auto Union models be paired with Mercedes rivals?
Many collectors do pair them, since the Silver Arrows rivalry only tells its full story when both manufacturers' Grand Prix cars sit together. The visual and technical contrast between the two approaches is part of what makes the era compelling.
Is a complete Auto Union collection achievable?
Yes, the pre-war Auto Union Grand Prix subject pool is relatively narrow, making meaningful coverage of the key chassis a realistic goal. This is one of the few motorsport eras where completeness does not require an open-ended budget.