Audi Auto Union Type C pedal car

The production version of this pedal car (above) wears 4.80-10 BG Goodrich tires from Coker Tire Company. The prototype images below show the remarkable craftsmanship and detail used in this half-sized replica of the famed Type C racer from 1936.

(from Audi Press Release) A body made from aluminium, handcrafted leather trim and an extraordinary design – the vehicle sends Hubert Waltl, Head of Audi Toolmaking, into a rapture the instant he lays eyes on it: “This car is something really special.” And, indeed, the car in front of him is no ordinary car – it’s the Auto Union Type C pedal car which AUDI AG has brought onto the market as an absolute first. No other car manufacturer offers a pedal car built so elaborately and to such a high standard.

How did Audi stumble upon this idea? “We needed a highlight for our collection which conveys the brand message and, at the same time, is spectacular enough to find buyers,” says Katharina Wicker, Head of Audi design – Lifestyle Articles. And this was how the idea came about to design a pedal car that mirrors the company’s heritage at first sight. The Type C Grand Prix racing car provided the ideal blueprint for doing this. The Auto Union Silver Arrow dominated the world of motor racing in 1936, racking up a total of ten Grand Prix victories. Furthermore, the Type C is one of the best-selling heritage models in the range of Audi miniatures. The pedal car will therefore be an exhibition piece for “grown-up” fans too.

The car’s execution called for a great deal of technical know-how and creativity. For a start, how large should the pedal car be made? How close should it keep to the original in order to nevertheless demonstrate the quality and workmanship of a true Audi? Which materials are best suited to underlining the Audi brand values of sophistication, progressiveness and sportiness? “The greatest challenge of all was transposing a historical model to a pedal car for children whilst remaining as faithful as possible to the original,” reveals Achim Badstübner, director of the Munich design studio that created the first draft designs. Those responsible for the project eventually decided to build the pedal car on a scale of 1:2 to make it large enough to accommodate budding racing drivers up to 1.35 metres tall.

The technical drawings originated in Audi’s own tool shop. And in true keeping with the premise “designed by Audi, produced by Audi”, special tools and jigs were purpose-designed for the pedal car’s manufacture in the Audi tool shop too. The pedal car is made up of over 900 individual parts. It features a hydraulic dual-disc brake and its speed is controlled via the seven-speed hub gear with back-pedalling brake function. Further technical highlights include the aluminium space frame and the body made from aluminium panelling which, just like on the full-size Audi models, symbolise the brand’s expertise in the field of lightweight design. The seats, framing and steering wheel have been upholstered in leather by a bag-maker, as in the Audi TT, while the elegant spoke wheels have been custom-made. And because this pedal car seeks to replicate many different aspects of the racing car on which it is modelled, the steering wheel can be removed to make getting in and out easier, just as on the original.

The prototype of the pedal car was unveiled to the public for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in autumn 2006. Visitors to the show were instantly enthralled. “Lots of people even wanted to buy the exhibition model there and then!” recalls Katharina Wicker.

This pedal car, which is limited to a run of 999 models and is far more than just an exclusive collector’s item, was an absolute joy to work on for all involved in the project. “It took me straight back to my childhood days. And I wasn’t the only one to be seized by that play instinct again,” says a delighted Hubert Waltl, Head of Audi Toolmaking. And Achim Badstübner is equally thrilled about the project’s success: “Everyone put their heart and soul into this pedal car. And that is something we are all very proud of.”

The pedal car can be ordered from the Audi importer for the specific country, who will also be able to provide details regarding the respective price.

Coker Tire Company continues to innovate for car collectors and hot rodders. The SEMA Show has awards for new and innovative products and Coker Tire managed to bring home the hardware this year. An 820-19 Firestone Grooved Rear tire mounted on a 19″ Gennie wheel won “Best New Street Rod/ Custom Car Product”. The classic combo recalls dirt racers of long ago and is becoming a wildly popular look among hot rodders  and rat rod builders.

820-19 Firestone Grooved rear, 19" Gennie wheel

Corky and Theresa Coker at Hershey, PA

“Rare” is a funny word. We use it all the time to describe cool cars. “Rare” could be a car with power windows, big engine or unique color paint. “Rare” sometimes means atypical options from the factory or the mileage. How about 121 cars produced between 1915-1917, Rare?

1915 Crane Simplex Model 5

Check out this awesome slice of automobile history!  A 1915 Crane Simplex Model 5 Farnham-Nelson Torpedo Touring car in unbelievable original condition. With about the same wheelbase as an extended cab Chevy truck, this massive luxury touring car has survived 93 years of weather, wars and progress. Woodrow Wilson was our president when this car rolled out as new, and went on to see a whopping 15 more presidents until to the car you see today!!!! The Crane Simplex was the absolute pinnacle in luxury automobiles in its time and would have been owned by only the wealthiest car buyers.
This car is very original and is an amazing survivor from the early years of luxury touring cars. This car came home to the Coker Tire Headquarters today and took its place in the museum. Visitors can see this very special car there, and believe me it is amazing!

1915 Crane Simplex Model 5 Farnham-Nelson Torpedo Touring
9,238cc 6 cylinder engine
100bhp@1,800 RPM
Original paint and leather
car number 2220

There’s something about an old pickup truck. Such a simple plain old vehicle, just a tick above agricultural equipment. Even the guys in the 50 thousand dollar diesel one tons just stop and stare at an old hauler as it passes. An old pickup make us all kids again. My old F100 started life in 1953 as not much more than a work truck, a tool someone needed to get the job done.

I usually keep this truck at the farm and use it just like it was built to be used. Haulin’ stuff! A funny thing happened a few weeks ago, as I’d driven it in to work one day and ended up driving something else away. We rolled it into the museum to get it out of the way. A few days later we had a great car show, and you’d have thought there was a shining red Ferrari over in the corner of the museum, as people just flocked straight to that old truck to see it. There’s not much done to dress the old truck up, it’s just a good running ‘53 Ford.

The guys over at BedWoodandParts.com helped me out with the bed wood, when I did have to replace it. I mean what’s a truck without a bed to haul stuff? These old beds suffer from the wood going away first. Their kits are top notch and fit just like OEM. I could have had a tough time selecting from all the hardwoods and exotic woods available. I’m a classic guy so the Hickory bed kit was perfect for that old truck. Their kits fit so many applications and you can imagine a Cocobolo bed on a a flashy show truck at the car show, or if you’re like me, good ol’ American Hardwood on a good ol’ American truck!

When Port-A-Cool said they’d send over two units for the shop, we all laughed. Cooling down the shop is like a dream come true and we could hardly believe it as the dog days of summer begin their relentless march on into the upper 90s. (more…)

Kendall Kaylor of Coker Cycles talks with Keith Mitchell about the new Ribbed Street tire and handle bars coming out for the Coker V2® and The Big One®