Museum Lecture: Post-War First Audi Unveiled
The Audi-Museum Mobile is set to host an enlightening lecture on July 23, delving into a significant chapter in Audi's history. Audi historian, Ralf Friese, will explore the story of the first Audi car after World War II, the F 103, and its profound impact on the brand's trajectory.
Rolled out on August 13, 1965, the F 103, also known as the "New Audi," marked a crucial turning point for Auto Union GmbH. This car, the first Audi equipped with a four-cylinder, four-stroke engine, symbolised the revival of the historic Audi name after about 25 years of absence following the war and the dismantling of the original Auto Union AG in Saxony.
The F 103 represented a new era and a technical breakthrough during a financially challenging time for Auto Union GmbH. Its success was pivotal in bringing the company out of crisis and setting the stage for future development and growth. The re-adoption of the “Audi” brand was a strategic move to leverage the storied heritage and reputation of Audi, originally founded by August Horch, whose name means “listen” in German, hence the Latin version Audi.
This deliberate move signalled a connection to tradition and quality, aiming to position Audi as a serious competitor in the automotive market again. The F 103 spawned an entire model series that remained in production until 1972, creating a strong foundation for the later success of Audi as a luxury and technology-driven brand under Volkswagen’s ownership after 1964.
Ralf Friese's lecture promises to shed light on how the launch of the F 103 not only saved the company from obscurity but also paved the way for the further technical and commercial development of the Audi brand into one of Germany's leading premium carmakers.
The lecture will take place at the Audi-Museum Mobile, with admission starting from 5:30 pm and the lecture commencing at 6 pm. Registration is required by email or phone, with the deadline being July 21. Admission to the event is free, making it an opportunity not to be missed for Audi enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The F 103, launched on August 13, 1965, played a significant role in revitalizing the auto industry, particularly for Auto Union GmbH, by introducing a four-cylinder engine and establishing the brand anew under the German name "Audi," a deliberate move to reclaim its storied heritage.
This technological advancement in the automotive sector was part of the company's financial and industrial resurgence, positioning Audi as a serious contender in the global automotive market and ultimately shaping it into one of Germany's top premium carmakers.
