The 1936 Horch 853 is surely one of the nicest of the classic era luxury 1/24 diecasts available. Along with its companion closed top version, this open top two-tone green diecast is an absolute delight.

Vintage luxury cars, with their often times custom coach works (Glasser, Neuss, Armbruster, et al.) are more difficult to replicate in that much wood, leather, chrome and various other materials go into their appointments and construction, but CMC has risen to the task with this release. The interior has been beautifully appointed. Black leather seats bordered with thin gray piping blend harmoniously with very detailed door and side panels. The windows, trimmed in chrome, positioned halfway through their travel (a nice touch) remain fixed in place. The dash is very well articulated and adds to the luxurious quality of the interior.

The interior is crowned with an extremely realistic looking static folded top, complete with painted metal cross beams, chrome trim, cloth covering and metal bracing. The emblems and crests are everywhere they should be, including the tops of the brake and clutch pedals. The trunk and hood emblems are especially striking. Chrome trim is properly scaled and very well applied to all body panels. The undercarriage and motor are areas where CMC is still playing "catch up" to the Mints. The motor is adequate; properly scaled but lacking in now customary detail. The same goes for the undercarriage, which does include "working" suspension. Acceptable work, but… Wheels and tires, a CMC specialty, are excellent however. All in all this diecast is really spectacular, and is recommended without reservations, motor and undercarriage not withstanding. The issue price is $150. (07/31/1999)

-Michael Delbuck