CMC 1936 Horch 1936 853 Sport Cabriolet - Top Up

This car is the ultimate in state-of-the-art diecast technology that literally requires that you bring out a magnifying glass to appreciate its detail. You get what we have come to expect from CMC - the doors, trunk and hood open, and the smell of real leather greet you as you inspect the seats and side door panels. But this car grabs your attention and forces you to minutely inspect every ingenious appointment, from the stitched fabric top to the "Auto Union" insignia on the grille. When you open the hood, you had best not be faint of heart, because it may skip a beat or two. You can see that the 350 parts it took to make this car by hand were not wasted on workers who were just doing a job - they were handled by craftspeople who loved what they were creating.

The color choice of this car is marvelous, an exquisite two-tone maroon. But wait, just as you think you have seen the whole car you notice that the luggage rack carriers swivel out, the whitewalls reveal 7.00 x 17 Continentals, and the spokes leap out with a realism that makes you want to keep this car in your hands and go on exploring. And you will.

The side windows and their chrome trim, the side mirrors, the roof latches and moveable wind visors… and… and… Enough. My highest rating is 5 stars. I gave this car a 6. I have to go lie down. The issue price is $150. (08/03/1999)

(Photography by Rich Sufficool)

-William Bakaleinikoff