Legacy of Luxury: 125 Years of Horch

It’s been 125 years since Audi founder August Horch established his first company in Cologne—a milestone that Audi Tradition is celebrating with the special exhibition “The Grand Opera – 125 Years of Horch.”

Held at the Audi Forum Neckarsulm, the exhibition showcases an extensive collection of exhibits that trace the remarkable history of the Horch brand. From the first Horch “Model 1” to various landmark models, and culminating with the “last Horch,” visitors are invited to journey through the evolution of one of Germany’s most prestigious automotive brands, renowned for its luxury and innovation. Each model reflects August Horch’s pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of cutting-edge technology. Among the highlights are the Horch 8 “Type 303,” Germany’s first series-produced car with an eight-cylinder engine, and the “Horch 670,” the nation’s first mass-produced twelve-cylinder vehicle. The Horch legacy, which continues to influence Audi today, is embodied in the Audi A8 L Horch—an exclusive variant of the Audi A8 tailored for the Chinese market and manufactured at Neckarsulm, carrying the Horch name proudly into the future.

These elegant vehicles are set against the breathtaking backdrop of the world’s most famous opera houses, captured through the lens of internationally acclaimed photographer Rafael Neff. The result is a captivating fusion—an operatic symphony of automotive and architectural artistry.